Jerome Fire Equipment Co., Inc.

FAQ's

Fire Suppression 1. How long is an extinguisher good for? 2. How often do my extinguishers need to be inspected? 3. What is the difference between "NH", "NST", "NPSH", "IPT", and "NPT" threads? 4. Are there different types of Storz gaskets?	Firefighting Equipment 1. What is the difference between "NH", "NST", "NPSH", "IPT", and "NPT" threads? 2. Are there different types of Storz gaskets?
Warning Lights 1. What option must be specified when ordering a light bar? 2. Where do I find the serial number on a lightbar?	Apparatus Sales and Service 1. How often should our fire apparatus receive preventative maintenance?

Fire Suppression FAQ's

Firefighting Equipment FAQ's

Q.	How long is an extinguisher good for?
A.	Dry chemical stored pressure extinguishers manufactured prior to October 1984 shall be removed from service at the next 6-year maintenance interval or the next hydrotest interval, whichever comes first.
	Ref: NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers 2007 Edition. Chapter 5. Selection of Portable Fire Extinguishers. Section 4.4.1
Q.	How often do my extinguishers need to be inspected?
A1.	A trained and certified person who has undergone the instructions necessary to reliably perform maintenance and has the manufacturer's service manual shall service the fire extinguishers not more than 1 year apart.
	Ref: NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers 2007 Edition. Chapter 7. Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging of Portable Fire Extinguishers. Section 7.1.2.1
A2.	Fire extinguishers shall be inspected either manually or by means of an electronic monitoring device/system at a minimum of 30-day intervals.
	Ref: NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers 2007 Edition. Chapter 7. Inspection, Maintenance, and Recharging of Portable Fire Extinguishers. Section 7.2.1.2

Q.	What is the difference between "NH", "NST", "NPSH", "IPT", and "NPT" threads?
A.	"NH", or National Hose, thread is the thread that has become the standard thread used in firefighting today. The threads specified in NFPA 1963 are "NH". This thread was previously known as "NST" or National Standard Thread. "NPSH", or National Pipe Straight Hose, is slightly smaller in diameter and has more threads per inch than the same nominal diameter "NH" thread. "NPSH" thread is sometimes referred to as "IPT", or Iron Pipe Thread. "NH" and "NPSH" threads are not interchangeable. "NH" and "NPSH" threads are straight threads and require a gasket for sealing between mating threads. "NPT", or National Pipe Tapered, is the thread most commonly found in plumbing applications. Being tapered, the seal between mating threads is made by squeezing the threads together. No gasket is used. "NPT" and "NPSH" threads are similar in diameter and threads per inch. For more information on threads see Threads Chart.
Q.	Are there different types of Storz gaskets?
A.	In general, there are two different types of Storz gaskets, namely Pressure gaskets and Suction gaskets and they operate in different ways. It is important, when ordering, to specify the application so that the correct coupling or adapter, with the proper gasket, is supplied. The gaskets, although similar, are generally not interchangeable. The Pressure gasket has a lip, or flap, that is open to the inside, facing the water. As the line is charged, the lip pushes out tighter and tighter against the lip of the gasket in the mating coupling to make a waterproof seal. The coupling torque to assemble two mating pressure couplings is small so that the couplings can easily be connected. Water may leak out until the pressure in the line rises to push the flaps together. On the other hand, Suction gaskets have a flap on the outer rim, facing the outside. The coupling torque to assemble mating suction couplings is higher so that these flaps on mating couplings are pressed together initially, sealing out the outside air, so that the draft can be started. As the suction increases, the flaps are pulled together even tighter. Because of the higher connection torque, wrenches may be needed to assemble Storz Suction fittings. Pressure gaskets are black in color. Suction gaskets are grey. NFPA 1963 requires that Suction gaskets be installed in Storz Caps.
Q.	If I have a hose repair performed which requires recoupling the hose, does the hose then have to be service tested?
A.	Yes. In addition to the NFPA required annual service testing of fire hose, NFPA 1962 also states: “When couplings are attached or reattached to hose, the hose shall be tested at its service test pressure one length at a time.”

Warning Light FAQ's

Apparatus Sales & Service FAQ's

Q.	What option must be specified when ordering a light bar?
A.	(1) Select dome colors and all option colors. (2) Order a light bar mount kit.
Q.	Where do I find the serial number on a lightbar?
A.	The serial number is located on a bar coded sticker on the inside of the light bar.

How often should our fire apparatus receive preventative maintenance?

Due to varying degrees of apparatus usage, the current NFPA 1911 Standard does not reference specific intervals for preventative maintenance. However, the NFPA 1911 Standard does state: “The care of fire apparatus while being used and the quality and timeliness of maintenance are perhaps the most significant factors in determining how well a fire apparatus ages.” As such, although some FD’s request a more frequent cycle, the general industry rule of thumb for fire apparatus preventative maintenance is for the service to be performed on at least an annual basis.