Category: Newsletters

In multi-story buildings, floor control assemblies are essential for isolating, draining, and testing individual floors of a sprinkler system. However, finding space to install these assemblies, especially in tight stairwells or shared mechanical areas, can be a challenge. That’s where corner-mounted designs like the AGF Model 8611 Corner Riser offer a practical, code-conscious solution.

Whether used as a floor control assembly or a main riser, the 8611 is engineered to reduce obstructions, support accessibility, and simplify installation.

The Space Challenge in Stairwells and Corridors

Floor control assemblies are often installed in stairwells of hotels, apartment buildings, and high-rises. These spaces are highly trafficked, frequently narrow, and must remain clear for emergency egress. Flat wall-mounted assemblies can protrude significantly, posing hazards and potentially violating ADA and local building codes.

By mounting the assembly in a 90-degree corner, Model 8611 significantly reduces its profile, helping maintain safe, unobstructed walkways.

Alternatively, the corner riser can be mounted horizontally and tucked into the corner between the ceiling and wall. This offers a space-saving solution while being able to access the TESTanDRAIN handle for testing and the 7000L pressure relief valve. AGF’s three-way gauge valve has always been accessible since its redesign, which rotates the handle so it should never need to face the wall or ceiling while having the pressure gauge facing out.

Continue reading Smarter Layouts for Safer Buildings: The Benefits of Corner-Mounted Floor Control Assemblies →

When it comes to protecting fire sprinkler systems from over-pressurization, pressure relief valves are a key component. But for years, there’s been confusion about what the pressure rating on these valves actually means, especially when it comes to the opening and closing pressures.

With the release of the 2025 edition of NFPA 13, that confusion is finally being addressed. New language in the handbook offers long-awaited clarity, helping system designers, inspectors, and maintenance personnel better understand how relief valves are supposed to perform.

The 2025 edition of NFPA 13 finally adds clarity.

Continue reading Understanding Relief Valve Pressure Ratings: What’s New in NFPA 13 (2025) →

As building designs become more compact and mechanical spaces become more congested, fire protection systems must adapt to fit tighter footprints without sacrificing reliability or code compliance. AGF’s Model 8611 Corner Riser is designed with this challenge in mind—offering a smarter, more space-efficient solution for floor control assemblies.

Continue reading Save Space Without Compromising Performance: AGF’s Model 8611 Corner Riser →

AGF Manufacturing is a family-owned American manufacturer. It isn’t just a tagline—it’s a core part of who we are. 

For over 35 years, we’ve proudly engineered, manufactured, assembled, and shipped innovative fire sprinkler products all over the World, supporting American workers and delivering reliable solutions to contractors, engineers, and facility owners. Today, with growing emphasis on sourcing transparency and compliance with federal procurement rules, domestic manufacturing matters more than ever.

Navigating BABAA and Buy American Requirements

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)—introduced as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—places stricter requirements on federally funded infrastructure projects. Specifically, BABAA mandates that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in these projects must be produced in the U.S.

Continue reading Built in America: How AGF Supports U.S. Manufacturing and BABAA Compliance →

Proper air venting is essential when designing and installing a wet pipe fire sprinkler system to reduce corrosion risks and ensure system performance. While NFPA 13 allows for different methods of venting air from a sprinkler system, including a manual valve, an automatic air vent, or a remote inspector’s test valve, it is crucial to understand why a remote inspector’s test valve is not an effective air venting solution.

Continue reading Why a Remote Inspector’s Test Valve is Not a Good Air Vent →

Air management is critical in wet fire sprinkler system design that utilizes metallic pipe. Trapped air can contribute to corrosion, leading to costly maintenance and potential system failure. NFPA 13 recognizes this and mandates at least a single air vent on wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, but the code allows the system designer to determine if additional vents are necessary.

8.1.5.1 NFPA 13 (2019) – “Venting from multiple points on each system shall not be required.”

The NFPA 13 Code Requirement

NFPA 13 requires at least one air vent near a high point in the system to help exhaust air. However, the code does not specify a maximum number of vents, leaving it up to designers to assess whether additional vents are needed to remove air that causes corrosion. While some manufacturers design vents with redundant air vents or drip pans as a necessity, AGF Manufacturing provides a smarter solution with its innovative automatic air vent design.

Why Choose an Automatic Air Vent?

Continue reading Air Vents for Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems: Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements →