By: The NFSA ’26 Interns: Jeremiah Allen, Wiley Hensley, Brooke Marshall, and Brookelynn Weinberg

The final week of the internship gave us an opportunity to wrap up what we had learned throughout the summer and share our experiences with the fire sprinkler industry. As part of our final projects, each intern completed an independent review and research project on a topic related to fire sprinklers. These projects allowed us to take a deeper look at specific issues in the industry, learn from existing research, and present our findings to the group.

On Tuesday, the interns attended a Capital Region Fire Sprinkler Association meeting. At the CRFSA meeting, we were able to present our end-of-internship wrap-up presentation about what we did this summer and what we learned. We also heard a presentation from Prince George’s County about the process of acquiring permits. We also learned about potential future events, including an axe-throwing event and a fishing tournament fundraiser.

On Wednesday, we went as a group to survey one of our coworker’s Baltimore row houses for a potential fire sprinkler retrofit. We drew a rough floor plan and created a diagram to test the feasibility of a sprinkler system. It was interesting to see the workarounds needed for an older house, especially one that is under 2,000 square feet.

Jeremiah’s Project

My research project focused on corrosion in fire sprinkler piping.

I discussed the types of corrosion in sprinkler pipes, such as chemical, galvanic, and MIC, and how they affect dry and wet pipe systems differently. I also analyzed newer technologies for corrosion mitigation, including nitrogen generators and Vapor Pipe Shield. I compared the considerations required when installing these technologies and how they protect and mitigate corrosion on a chemical level.

Brooke’s Project

My research project focused on the fire sprinkler skipping phenomenon and how it can create problems for fire sprinkler systems.

I discussed what the fire sprinkler skipping phenomenon is and why it is problematic for a fire sprinkler system. I explored solutions to the phenomenon, including shields, baffles and barriers, SMART sprinklers, larger orifices on fire sprinklers, and specific design placement of fire sprinklers. I also discussed potential future research into the fire sprinkler skipping phenomenon, such as using extended-coverage fire sprinklers and studying how different orifice sizes work with different ceiling heights.

Brookelynn’s Project

My research project focused on the importance of fire sprinkler deflectors and how their condition directly affects spray performance.

I explained how deflector geometry shapes water distribution, then compared healthy sprinklers with ones affected by corrosion or physical damage. I also discussed how these issues can create uneven coverage or dry areas and reviewed how standards such as NFPA 25, UL 199, and FM Approvals help identify and prevent sprinkler performance problems through inspection, testing, and quality control.

Wiley’s Project

My research project and presentation explored the fire sprinkler industry’s reaction to the growing number of lithium-ion battery fires.

First, the increasing use of lithium-ion battery fires and the associated fire risk was discussed. Next, I explained thermal runaway, its causes, difficulty with internal chemical reactions, and reignition possibilities. I also compared suppression methods and the most effective way to control thermal runaway. Finally, I noted how NFPA addresses lithium-ion battery fires and how NFSA can push for change.

I also included a brief section on my thermocouple monitoring project using a Raspberry Pi and thermocouple amplifiers to collect temperature data during burn demonstrations.

Finally, a shoutout to thank Team NFSA for a great summer filled with lots of travel and valuable experiences!

Code of the Week!

NFPA 13 2025

1.2.1 The purpose of this standard shall be to provide a reasonable degree of protection for life and property from fire through standardization of design, installation, and testing requirements for sprinkler systems, including private fire service mains, based on sound engineering principles, test data, and field experience.