1) Due to operational issues, the stortz fittings are not an option for us; we're stuck with 2.5" fittings. 2) We allow the use of knox FDC caps and the building owners get over the cost of them when they consider the fee for a backflush or internal inspeciton when the plastics are busted/removed. Unfortunately, the knox FDC caps don't help when the thieves unscrew and take the whole pipe coming up out of a vault. I heard of one where they removed a complete test header off the back wall of a large big box home improvement store. Luckily an attentive individual was driving by and saw the test header sign just above the hole in the concrete wall where the 8" pipe used to come through to the 6 gate valves. A jurisdiction nearby now carries extra FDC's in the battalion chief vans; just in case. In talking with another local AHJ, thieves tried taking the whole FDC and pipe coming out of a vault but where it was a replacement (stolen previously), the contractor got in the vault and put several pipe hanger clamps on the pipe to prevent it from coming up through the hole easily. They ultimately pulled the brass but left the pipe off kilter. If nothing else, I hope this gets folks thinking like a thief so you can come up with ways to prevent equipment from being stolen. On the bright side, I heard a rumor that there is one manufacturer working to get a "fire" listed/approved FDC made out of plastic. Until that happens though......this only seems like it will get worse. Heck, if these knuckleheads are willing to try stealing copper wiring from a power substation by cutting live wires, fire equipment is easy pickins. -David
________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of John Drucker Sent: Thu 3/6/2008 7:03 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Theft Deterrant - Stolen FDC's, Valves & Pump Headers David, 1) Storz FDC's (ideal for Bldg Mounted or Freestanding) 2) Flush FDC's (ideal for Bldg Mounted) We are currently investigating Knox Caps since the plastic ones are too easily vandalized and well the brass ones get stolen. John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official Red Bank, NJ -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Smith, David (VFD) Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 8:42 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Theft Deterrant - Stolen FDC's, Valves & Pump Headers While I understand there are the socio-economic answers, I'm looking for the real world, nuts and bolts methods for deterring the theft of FDC's and related fire protection equipment. I know other areas of the country are seeing the theft of metal on an increasing rate as we are. I'm interested in assembling a list of "possible installation deterrent methods" that we can share with our local contractors when we find FDC's or other metal fire protection equipment stolen from the same location multiple times. For example, in my search I've heard of two possible tricks: 1) Drill four holes on the quarter points through the FDC into the male pipe thread and sink some tamper resistant screws in. This makes it more difficult to unscrew the brass FDC off of the piping. 2) To keep threaded piping between the FDC and check valve from being removed (i.e. the thief's unscrew the FDC and the pipe instead of just the FDC), using a welder, drop a few tack welds onto the iron pipe at the fitting. The tacks can be ground off at a later date if needed. 3)...... ??? 4)????? I'm interested in hearing from those in the industry as to the creative methods your company may have utilized to help prevent the theft of stolen FDC's and fire protection equipment. Regards, David M. Smith, Deputy Fire Marshal Vancouver Fire Department, Fire Marshal's Office 900 W. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98660 360-759-4408 Phone 360-418-5619 Pager _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
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