Beginning Design School

Beginning Design School

Member Price: 

$2,200;

Nonmember Price:

$3,200

Schedule / Enroll

Course Offering 1: 2023  Register 

Virtual Session 1Virtual Session 2Virtual Session 3Virtual Session 4Virtual Session 5Virtual Session 6In-Person Classroom
Feb 7Feb 9Feb 14Feb 16Feb 21Feb 23Feb 27 – March 3
Dallas, TX
Virtual Sessions are 11:00am – 1:30pm CT
In-person classes are 8:00am – 5:00pm

 

Course Offering 2: 2023  Register 

Virtual Session 1Virtual Session 2Virtual Session 3Virtual Session 4Virtual Session 5Virtual Session 6In-Person Classroom
April 25April 27May 2May 4May 9May 11May 15 – 19
Dallas, TX
Virtual Sessions are 11:00am – 1:30pm CT
In-person classes are 8:00am – 5:00pm

 

Course Offering 3: 2023  Register 

In-Person Classroom
Aug. 14-25
8 AM – 5 PM
Dallas, Texas
 
 

Overview

AFSA’s Beginning Design School is re-designed for a hybrid approach with (6) live webinars offered first, followed by (1) week of in-person instruction. Students will study the installation & design approach requirements of NFPA 13 (2019), prepare system layout drawings, and perform hydraulic calculations by hand.

 

Details

The Beginning Design School presents a comprehensive, practical approach to preparing fire sprinkler system drawings. Over a three-week period, students will attend six live webinars studying and reviewing the installation and design approach requirements of NFPA 13 (2019) while completing self-paced exercises and module assessments. Q&A sessions and open discussions will also be included as part of the online instruction.  The second part of the class will be a week of in-person training preparing fire sprinkler system layout, shop drawings, and hydraulic calculations by hand. The course concludes with a comprehensive exam of the class content including the installation requirements and hydraulics. There is no CAD or third-party software taught in this class. 

 

Learning Objectives:

The school will prepare the student to:

  • Accelerate the comprehension of plans and various types of building construction for proper sprinkler spacing applications
  • Determine the proper sprinkler system layout and installation requirements and methods
  • Interpret sprinkler specifications, plans (shop drawings), manufacturer’s technical data sheets, and flow tests
  • Identify sprinkler types, system types, pipe types, hangers, fittings, system components, etc.
  • Explain the coordination with other trades — plumbing, mechanical, electrical, structural
  • Prepare sprinkler drawings and hydraulic calculations by hand and identify the hydraulic inputs to explain computer outputs

Schedule:

Day 1:

  • Introduction
  • Knowledge Assessment
  • Properties of Fire
  • Codes and Standards
  • Hazard Classification
  • Water Supplies

Day 2:

  • Underground
  • Characteristics of a Sprinkler
  • System Components
  • System Types

Day 3:

  • Types of Construction
  • Sprinkler Installation – General
  • Sprinkler Installation – SSU/SSP
  • Sprinkler Installation – Sidewall

Day 4:

  • Sprinkler Installation – EC P/U
  • Sprinkler Installation – EC Sidewall
  • Sprinkler Installation – Residential
  • Installation of System Components
  • Hangers

Day 5:

  • Design Approaches

Day 6:

  • Hydraulic Calculations (Principles)
  • Hydraulic Calculations (Remote Area, Nodes, and Flow Paths)

Day 7:

  • Contract Drawing Review
  • Layout Wet System
  • Calculate Wet System

Day 8:

  • System Acceptance
  • Layout Dry System
  • Calculate Dry System

Day 9:

  • 13/13R/13D
  • Layout Residential System
  • Calculate Residential System

Day 10:

  • Exam

Prerequisites

This class is designed for trainees and entry-level technicians with at least six months experience as well as those with experience in the sprinkler trade looking to make the transition to system layout.