Jim McHugh, President, AGF Manufacturing Inc., discusses how engineered sprinkler system solutions are helping contractors reduce installation time, improve reliability, and support prefabrication.
I believe our Ultimate RiserPACK has had one of the most meaningful impacts on the industry. Contractors are facing tighter schedules, labor shortages and increasing pressure to deliver consistent quality in the field.
By combining the essential riser components into a coordinated, preassembled package, the Ultimate RiserPACK reduces installation time, limits the number of field Industry Expert Jim McHugh, President, AGF Manufacturing Inc., discusses how engineered sprinkler system solutions are helping contractors reduce installation time, improve reliability, and support prefabrication Sprinkler Systems simplified connections and creates a cleaner, more serviceable system layout. Its impact extends beyond the initial installation.
The standardized configuration makes testing, inspection and maintenance easier throughout the life of the system. It also supports prefabrication, BIM coordination and more predictable project planning.
AGF products are designed to reduce risk by making critical system functions easier to install, inspect, test and maintain correctly. Products such as our PURGEnVENT air vents help remove trapped air that can contribute to internal corrosion, while COLLECTanDRAIN and Flood Eliminator solutions help manage water in dry and preaction systems.
Our TESTanDRAIN valves and RiserPACK assemblies simplify testing and drainage, reduce the number of field assembled components and create more consistent, accessible system layouts.
During installation, contractors should focus on more than simply meeting the minimum code requirements. Components should be installed where they can be easily accessed, operated, inspected and replaced.
Piping should be properly pitched, low points should be identified and managed, air venting provisions should be correctly located and all valves and drains should be clearly identified.
Contractors should also follow manufacturer instructions carefully, verify that devices are installed in the correct orientation and document the final system configuration for the building owner and service provider.
Contractors often lose the most time assembling components in the field. Individually, each extra connection may seem minor, but across an entire project those small delays can consume significant labor and create more opportunities for inconsistency.
AGF develops engineered solutions that consolidate functions and reduce unnecessary field work. For example, we know the end of the branch line needs an endcap, so we offer the 7930ECA.
It includes an endcap with an automatic air vent to remove trapped air to help prevent corrosion. AGF also makes preassembled low point drains to eliminate the need for field fabrication. They also include the required signage with instructions on how to service the low point for consistent maintenance. These solutions also help contractors improve predictability.
Standardized assemblies are easier to coordinate through BIM, include in prefabrication plans, kit for individual projects and install consistently across multiple floors or buildings. That allows skilled labor to focus on critical system work rather than repetitive assembly.
Offsite construction is changing sprinkler projects by moving more work from the jobsite into a controlled fabrication environment. Instead of assembling everything in the field, contractors can prepare coordinated assemblies in advance and deliver them to the project ready for installation.
This approach improves consistency, reduces material handling and helps contractors make better use of skilled labor. In a fabrication shop, assemblies can be built using repeatable processes, checked for accuracy and organized by floor, zone or installation sequence.
Once they reach the jobsite, crews can spend more time installing complete assemblies and less time searching for components, making repetitive connections or resolving avoidable layout issues.
The greatest benefit is predictability. Contractors can plan labor, materials, delivery and installation with greater confidence. Prefabrication does not remove the need for experienced tradespeople. It allows those professionals to apply their expertise more efficiently.
Prefabrication will continue to change how sprinkler systems are planned and delivered. More components and assemblies will be built in controlled environments, coordinated through BIM and delivered to the jobsite ready for installation.
The labor shortage will also remain a major influence on system design and project delivery. Contractors are being asked to complete more work with fewer skilled people, which increases the importance of standardization, efficient planning and products that reduce unnecessary field assembly. The industry will need to continue finding ways to help experienced professionals apply their time and expertise where they provide the greatest value.
The third major trend will be the growing use of IoT enabled devices and remote monitoring. Building owners and service providers increasingly expect greater visibility into system conditions and earlier notification when maintenance is required. Solutions such as AGFConnect allow contractors and facility teams to monitor conditions remotely and respond before a minor issue develops into a larger problem.
This technology will also influence how contractors structure their inspection, testing and maintenance services.
AGF is preparing for these changes by continuing to support prefabrication, labor efficiency and the development of connected monitoring solutions. We believe the future of fire protection will combine dependable mechanical systems with better information, helping contractors deliver systems that are easier to install, more efficient to maintain and more reliable throughout their service life
