Expert installation, maintenance, and repair of sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and fire suppression systems.
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we understand the importance of fire safety in commercial buildings and work tirelessly to ensure that your property and its occupants are safeguarded against the risk of fire. Browse through our services to see how we can help you fortify your building’s fire protection systems.
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
In wet pipe sprinkler systems, water is constantly maintained within the sprinkler piping. When a sprinkler activates due to a fire, the water is immediately discharged onto the fire. Contrary to popular belief, the entire sprinkler system does NOT discharge when a fire is detected. Sprinkler systems detect a fire through glass bulbs within the sprinkler head that detect rising temperatures and discharge based on the heat required to break that glass.
Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems
Unlike wet pipe sprinkler systems, dry pipe systems are filled with pressurized air or nitrogen rather than water. These systems provide automatic protection in spaces where freezing is possible like industrial warehouses, loading docks, and commercial freezers. When heat activates one or more sprinkler heads, the compressed air in the pipe is released thereby opening the dry pipe valve allowing water to flow through open sprinklers.
Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems
Pre-action fire sprinklers are a type of dry sprinkler system. Water is not contained in the sprinkler piping and is held back by a pre-action valve. The valve is opened when flame, heat, or smoke is detected. The detection system must detect a fire and the valve must open to initiate water to flow within the pipes. These systems are ideal for water-sensitive environments such as museums, data centers, libraries, vaults, and freezer warehouses as they carry a low risk of accidental discharge. They prevent excessive water damage and work ideally in cold conditions as the water is not held within the pipes to prevent freezing in the pipes.
Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems
Deluge fire sprinklers are used in high hazard environments such as power plants, aircraft hangars, and chemical storage facilities where significant amounts of water are needed to cool and control the development of a fire. They are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve while the sprinkler heads remain open which releases water to all open sprinkler heads simultaneously. These systems are incredibly effective in high-hazard environments because they release water or another suppressing agent to all open sprinkler heads simultaneously.
Foam Water Sprinkler Systems
Foam water systems are a type of wet sprinkler system that combine both water and a foaming agent for large scale fire extinguishment. They are typically installed in facilities where extinguishing a fire can be more challenging than usual due to the flammable and combustible contents housed within it. From aircraft hangers to marine applications, high and low expansion foam and everything in between, VFS has all of the resources to protect your high hazard environment and your personnel.
Fire Pump Systems
Fire Pumps are designed to supply water to the fire sprinkler system and it’s components at a higher pressure rate to effectively extinguish a potential fire. There are two types of fire pumps: diesel and electric and they require different frequencies of maintenance and inspections due to their different components needs. Whether you’re in need of installation, inspection or service VFS has you and your facility covered.
Fire Backflow Systems
Fire Backflow Preventers – As you can guess by the name of the device, this equipment is designed to prevent water from flowing back into the main water supply. This prevents the water supply from being contaminated or polluted due to backflow.
Special Hazard Sprinkler Systems
Special Hazard Sprinkler Systems: In high hazard environments it is essential you have the proper coverage to protect your high-valued assets. Whether you need to protect priceless artwork or valuable computer data, clean agent systems are designed to quickly suppress a fire while minimizing the damage that can be cause by water-based systems.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
Clean agent fire suppression, is a term used to describe the use of inert gases to extinguish a fire. These systems all have 3 main components: smoke detector, control panel, and notification devices. When the smoke detector is triggered it sends a signal to the control panel which then alerts the notification devices and activates the release device to suppress the fire. Clean agent fire suppression systems are fast-acting and most effective in protecting sensitive equipment and environments because they are designed to suppress the fire in its incipient stage. They are electronically nonconducting and unlike water, they won’t ruin electrical components or electronics in the space. They are most often found in server rooms, record/file repositories, and data centers that require an increased level of protection to prevent unnecessary and accidental discharge of systems.
- Inert gases: Nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide work together by lowering the oxygen content in a room below the level that supports combustion, while still allowing a person to breathe keeping your environment and your personnel safe.
- Fluorocarbon-based extinguishants are described as “clean agents” as they do not leave any oily residues, particulates or water damage and rapidly extinguish fires with a superb weight to effectiveness ratio. These extinguishing agents are also safe to use in occupied spaces and offer unique advantages in speed, performance, and safety.
CO2 Fire Suppression Systems
CO2 is an effective method of extinguishing a wide range of flammable and combustible materials in both surface and deep-seated fires. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless three-dimensional clean agent. It is typically harmless to equipment, materials, and property preventing excessive damage to your facility in the event of a discharge.
High-pressure CO2 systems use individual storage cylinders ranging from 35 pounds to 120 pounds. Carbon dioxide suppresses fire without leaving behind residue after discharge and prevents damage to sensitive equipment. These systems are designed to suppress fire by displacing the air containing oxygen that supports combustions and is typically designed to protect smaller, more targeted areas.
Low-pressure CO2 systems are ideal for non-occupied fire hazards requiring large amounts of extinguishing agents in a limited space. Low-pressure systems store CO2 in one large tank with its own refrigeration system versus its counterpart that holds several individual cylinders. These tanks can hold anywhere from 3.7 to 46 tons of CO2. It is essentially one big system that protects all hazards versus several cylinders.
Wet Chemical
Wet Chemical suppression systems extinguishing methods are specific to the type of cooking fires that may occur in a commercial kitchen. When triggered, the system discharges immediately with a liquid that, when sprayed onto the fire cools the flames almost instantaneously. When this liquid comes into contact with oils and fats it creates a foam, subsequently cooling the affected area and preventing the spread and reigniting.
Dry Chemical
Dry Chemical is a type of fire protection system that makes use of a dry chemical powder to extinguish a fire. Most dry chemical fire suppression systems make use of a large tank that is filled with the dry chemical powder, and then pressurized.
Pre Engineered System Applications
Marine Suppression Systems
Marine fire suppression systems are designed to protect everything from the engine room and machinery spaces to the top deck of your vessel but most importantly your crew. With a combination of heat reduction and chemical reaction our systems discharge and aid in the suppression of a potential vessel fire. Our team of fully certified technicians and inspectors banded together with years of industry experience can ensure proper service, maintenance and code-required inspections of all your marine fire suppression systems. Whether you are docked, at sea or offshore VFS can help navigate your vessel to safety
Vehicle Suppression Systems
Vehicle fire suppression systems are installed in any type of vehicle but are more common in heavy equipment vehicles or fleet vehicles for service-based companies. They are designed per the parameters and codes of the specific vehicle and the contents being transported within that vehicle. These systems aid in the suppression of potential fire and protect the driver and mobile equipment from fire damage and potential losses.
Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems
kitchen systems are essential to the safety of a commercial kitchen and the people that work within it. These systems release wet chemical extinguishing agents designed to put out the unique components of cooking fires. As soon as the system is activated the gas line to the appliance will immediately be cut off depriving the fire of fuel and the chemical agents will be released covering the flames and depriving them of oxygen. It is much less expensive to invest in a commercial kitchen suppression system than it is to repair structural damage after a fire occurs. *Schedule a meeting with one of our experts today.
For more systems we work on, please schedule a consultation.
Water Mist Systems
Water Mist Systems use very fine water mist sprays. The water misters work with evaporating cooling- the natural effect that happens when water evaporates in warm air. These water droplets allow the water mist to control, suppress or extinguish fires by cooling both the flame and surrounding gases by evaporation. Water mist systems require less water, remove heat and oxygen from the fire equation and are environmentally friendly.
FIRE ALARM & DETECTION
Addressable (Intelligent) Fire Alarm Systems
Addressable fire alarms provide firefighters with the exact location of a fire. Also known as intelligent alarm systems, they can range from one device to complex systems of hundreds of interconnected devices. Each device constantly communicates with the control panel allowing rapid response sending information to a control panel.
Conventional Fire Alarm Systems
Conventional fire alarms can be set up in zones, with each zone hardwired to a control panel or zone expander making them less expensive and simpler to install.
Initiating Detection Fire Alarm Systems
The initiating devices in a fire alarm system detect signs of a possible fire and activate an alarm. They are the system’s triggers and the most visible aspect of the fire alarm system. Examples of initiating detectors include:
Smoke Detectors, Heat and Linear Heat Detectors, Duct systems, Beam, Video, Flame, Gas and Air Sampling Detection units.
When a device is activated by detecting its respective triggering event, the control panel and initiates the audible and visual alarms.
Notification Fire Alarm & Communication Systems
Audio – Horn strobes combine both audio and visual alarms to alert the occupants to evacuate the premises in the event of an emergency.
Visual – Strobes provide synchronized flashes to alert the hearing impaired to evacuate the premises.
Mass Notification systems are one-way systems that are used to send out emergency alerts over a multi-zone audio system, or other approved method, to instruct or warn occupants of a potential emergency. Such systems can be essential in your disaster preparedness and could be the difference between life and death in a natural disaster, active shooter, or cyberattack situation.
Exit Point – in the event of an emergency, evacuation is critical. Exit point audible devices can reduce evacuation times, prevent injuries and save time. These devices act as audible exit signs and are designed to help building occupants pinpoint the nearest exit location and guide them to exit quickly, reliably, and safely even when visibility is impaired.
Central Station Monitoring
MeshWrx is a wireless technology that provides a fault-tolerant, end-to-end delivery system for fire alarm monitoring. MeshWrx replaces your existing phone lines and installs our mesh radio device to your existing fire alarm control panel. When an alarm is sounded, MeshWrx transmits the alarm signal from your fire alarm control panel to the call center using “smart radio” technology.
Each mesh radio device installed on the network acts as a receiver, transmitter, and repeater of the radio signals on the MeshWrx frequency. These signals are sent through the fastest possible route to the Central Station Monitoring System (Call Center) which alerts the proper authorities in real-time to lessen the impact of the disaster. The routes are continuously recalculated to ensure information is traveling efficiently. As new transmitters are added to the network, the system dynamically adjusts the paths on which information travels. Not only does this provide maximum efficiency but it allows the network to grow exponentially without the need for additional infrastructure.
VESDA Air Sampling Systems
VESDA aspirating smoke detectors provide continuous air sampling to give you the earliest possible warning of a fire. This increased response time offers the user additional response time to investigate an alarm and potentially prevent injury, property damage, and business disruption. VESDA detectors can detect minute levels of smoke before a fire has time to escalate. These systems are manufactured using 6 Sigma techniques and adhere to ISO 9000 standards which are certified by regulatory bodies worldwide.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Water Mist
Water Mist Systems use very fine water mist sprays. The water misters work with evaporating cooling- the natural effect that happens when water evaporates in warm air. These water droplets allow the water mist to control, suppress or extinguish fires by cooling both the flame and surrounding gases by evaporation. Water mist systems require less water, remove heat and oxygen from the fire equation and are environmentally friendly.
Clean Agent
Clean Agent extinguishers are also known as Halogenated extinguishers. They use halon agents and halocarbon agents which are newer and less ozone-depleting They extinguish the fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire triangle. Clean agent extinguishers are used for Class B & C fires.
Foam
Foam fire extinguishers can be used on Class A and B fires. They are used for extinguishing liquid fires such as gasoline or diesel. Foam extinguishers are more versatile than water jet extinguishers as they can also be used on solids such as wood and paper.
Wet Chemical
Wet Chemical suppression systems extinguishing methods are specific to the type of cooking fires that may occur in a commercial kitchen. When triggered, the system discharges immediately with a liquid that, when sprayed onto the fire cools the flames almost instantaneously. When this liquid comes into contact with oils and fats it creates a foam, subsequently cooling the affected area and preventing spread and reigniting.
CO2
CO2 fire extinguishers are for use on fires involving burning liquids, and electrical fires. Computer equipment fires are best extinguished with CO2 extinguishers. CO2 works by suffocating the fire without damage to the electrical items because of short circuits.
ABC Dry Chemical
For use in fires fueled by wood, paper, fuel, chemical and electrical.
Class A
Effective for putting out a fire in ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper.
Class B
For use on flammable liquids such as grease, gasoline and oil.
Class C
Suitable for use only on electrically energized fires.
Class D
Designed for use on flammable metals.
Class K
For use on fires fueled by flammable liquids unique to cooking, such as cooking oils and greases that are fat-based.
SOUND & COMMUNICATION
ERRCS
Emergency Responder Radio Communications Systems (ERRCS) are essential to the safety of first responders. These systems are made of distributed antennas that are installed within a building to amplify particular radio and/or cellular signals ensuring the highest functioning communication for first responders. These antennas receive external Public Safety radio signals and retransmits them within the building to ensure penetration in all areas of the building including stairwells, elevators, basements and other heavily shielded areas.
Area of Refuge
These are two-way systems that provide a location for building occupants who cannot traverse stairs without assistance, to assemble by an exit and await assistance. These areas are required on each floor above and below the “ground” floor and must be clearly marked and provide a two-way communication system to a central control point. Area of Refuge systems provide hands-free, two-way communication and provide intelligible audio and visible signals to indicate that communication has occurred.
Emergency/Mass Notification
These are one-way systems that send messages to inform employees and the public of an emergency. Such systems can be essential in your disaster preparedness and could be the difference between life and death.
Active Shooter detection & communication
These systems incorporate the finest acoustic gunshot identification software and combines it with infrared gunfire flash detection to produce the highest quality, fully automatic and most accurate gunshot detection technology available today. These systems can be integrated with your access control systems, mass notification systems and provide you with the added peace of mind knowing that in the worst-case scenario your technology is fail-proof.
Campus emergency call boxes
Emergency call boxes provide quick and efficient two-way communication directly to an emergency response service. The two-way speaker panel allows users to speak directly to an emergency authority and hear responses without the need for a handset. With the uncertain world we live in, you can never be too prepared and closely connected to an emergency authority.
Voice paging and intercom
Voice paging and intercom systems allow for one-way communication to a larger audience. The paging employees speak into the telephone and the message is broadcast through a network of speakers to relay. Messages can also be prerecorded and broadcast at a later time.
Clock and bell scheduling
An accurate and reliable synchronized clock system is important for the operational efficiency of a K-12 school. Class changes, day-to-day operations, and preparedness all play a major role in the reliability and efficiency of your school and this all starts with a synchronized clock system. Call VFS to get your free consultation today and keep your schools functional and punctual.
Nurse Call systems
The safety and comfortability of your patients and residents begins and ends with the proper nurse call system. Our systems can support and integrate with bathroom pull stations, bedside patient stations, code blue stations, push-button stations, wrist and necklace panic buttons, fall alarm pendants, and much more. VFS can help guide you to the proper systems for your facility and patients/residents.
Infant protection
Infants are one of the most vulnerable patients in a hospital. Ensuring infant security is critical to the reputation of your hospital but also to the peace of mind of nursing staff to new moms. The most effective and efficient way to protect infants in your hospital is with a state-of-the-art baby tracking system. Call VFS and let’s work together to understand the best systems to protect your newborns.
Patient wandering
Wander management systems consist of RFID-enabled technology and keeps track of patients within the set parameters of the system to guarantee their protection within the hospital, nursing home, or senior living home. These systems are essential to preventing patients from getting lost, injured, or exposing themselves to potentially life-threatening situations.
INTEGRATED SECURITY
Intrusion Detection & Alarm
VFS Intrusion systems are designed to use your existing IT infrastructure to optimize spend and increase efficiency. Our solutions are scalable, reliable systems used for a wide variety of applications, from mixed-use commercial office complexes to high-risk facilities.
State-of-the-art technologies in our intrusion systems implement event notifications sent to mobile phones and remote system management. We keep you up to date on the status of your facility even when you are not there.
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
VFS video surveillance systems are scalable and come in on your budget and on time. Hybrid digital and analog camera systems deter theft and reduce shrinkage, preventing unfounded lawsuits and reducing incidents of work-site harassment. Surveillance can increase productivity and ensure employee safety.
Access Control
Scalable access control systems manage access and prevent unauthorized entry to any area inside your facility. Our systems are scalable and serve a wide range of business sizes from a small company of five employees to multi-location companies with thousands of employees. Access control encompasses technologies such as access control cards, photo I.D. badges, and readers, biometrics technologies, Business Intelligence analytics systems, access keypads, and custom locking hardware and software.
Video Monitoring
VFS video monitoring systems are scalable and come in on your budget and on time. Hybrid digital and analog camera systems deter theft and reduce shrinkage, preventing unfounded lawsuits and reducing incidents of work-site harassment. Surveillance can increase productivity and ensure employee safety.
LIFE SAFETY
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), is the protective gear used by paramedics, firemen, and on ships and oil rigs. SCBA’s have all necessary equipment to allow rescue professionals to carry out their work safely.
There are 2 types of SCBAs: Open and Closed Circuit SCBAs.
- Open Circuit SCBAs are used for longer rescue operations. The air is recycled granting the wearer a continuous supply of air.
- Closed Circuit SCBAs have air cylinders that contain compressed O2 and are used for shorter rescue operations.
First-Aid
First Aid Equipment can range from traditional emergency care kits containing antiseptic, burn salve, and other standard First-Aid medicines to Those containing Food for emergencies, Emergency water purification tablets, Tube tents, sleeping bags, ponchos for rain and heat, hand-crank radios, flashlights, phone chargers, and whistles.
Eyewash Stations
Most businesses are required to have eyewash stations if any of the following hazards are at the site: paint, solvents, battery charging stations, hazardous chemical storage, tool parts washers, or chemical pumping/mixing areas. Also,If employees use chemical-resistant gloves, cartridge or air-supplied respirators, chemical-resistant goggles or flammable storage containers, emergency eyewash is also required.
Exit and Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting systems are required to comply with state building and fire codes and OSHA standards. Locations for emergency lighting include: industrial, remote capable, and wet location emergency lighting, as well as high-end architectural and recessed installation.
LED emergency lights use ultra-bright, energy-efficient Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), allowing for low-voltage operation and maintenance-free NiCad batteries, making the unit much lighter and easier to install.
SPECIAL HAZARDS
Data Centers
Data centers house critical IT infrastructure and equipment, making them vulnerable to fire incidents that can lead to data loss, service disruptions, and financial losses. Specialized fire protection solutions are required to address the unique challenges of protecting sensitive electronic equipment and mitigating the risks associated with high-density power and cooling systems.
Chemical Storage Facilities
Facilities that store and handle hazardous chemicals present significant fire and explosion hazards. Special Hazards fire protection systems are designed to detect and suppress fires involving flammable and volatile substances, ensuring the safety of personnel, minimizing property damage, and preventing environmental contamination.
Power Generation Plants
Power plants, including thermal power plants, hydroelectric plants, and renewable energy facilities, have specialized fire protection needs due to the presence of high-voltage electrical equipment, flammable fuels, and complex machinery. Special Hazards fire protection systems are crucial in safeguarding critical power generation infrastructure and preventing potential disruptions to the power supply.
Petrochemical Facilities
Petrochemical plants and refineries deal with highly flammable substances and complex processing equipment, making them prone to severe fire hazards. Special Hazards fire protection systems are designed to combat fires involving volatile chemicals and protect critical infrastructure in these high-risk environments.
Pharmaceutical Laboratories
Laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry handle various hazardous substances, including flammable chemicals and volatile solvents. Special Hazards fire protection solutions are crucial for protecting personnel, preventing damage to sensitive research equipment, and ensuring the integrity of valuable scientific data.
Aerospace Facilities
Aerospace manufacturing and testing facilities often involve highly specialized materials, complex machinery, and unique fire risks. Special Hazards fire protection systems are designed to address the specific challenges of these environments, protecting valuable aerospace assets and ensuring the safety of personnel.
