Beginning Design School
Member:
$2,200; Nonmember: $3,200
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.
Schedule / Enroll
Class Offering 2: Enroll Individual
| Virtual Session 1 | Virtual Session 2 | Virtual Session 3 | Virtual Session 4 | Virtual Session 5 | Virtual Session 6 | In-Person Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23 | Aug 25 | Aug 30 | Sep 1 | Sep 6 | Sep 8 | Sep 12 – 16 Dallas, TX |
| Virtual Sessions are 11:00am – 1:30pm CT In-person classes are 8:00am – 5:00pm |
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Class Offering 3: Enroll Individual
| Virtual Session 1 | Virtual Session 2 | Virtual Session 3 | Virtual Session 4 | Virtual Session 5 | Virtual Session 6 | In-Person Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | Oct 27 | Nov 1 | Nov 3 | Nov 8 | Nov 10 | Nov 14-18 Orlando, FL |
| Virtual Sessions are 11:00am – 1:30pm CT In-person classes are 8:00am – 5:00pm |
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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.