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What is Cross-Connection

February 26, 2025
Information

What is Cross-Connection

What is Cross-Connection and why the annual testing of it is important from The Washington State Department of Health:

A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where the potable water supply is connected to a non-potable source. Briefly, a cross connection exists whenever the drinking water system is or could be connected to any non-potable source (plumbing fixture, equipment used in any plumbing system). Pollutants or contaminants can enter the safe drinking water system through uncontrolled cross connections when backflow occurs.

Backflow is the unwanted flow of non-potable substances back into the consumer’s plumbing system and/or public water system (i.e., drinking water).

Backflow preventers are mechanical devices designed to prevent backflow through cross connections. However, for backflow preventers to protect as designed, they must meet stringent installation requirements.

Every water system has cross connections. Plumbing codes and State drinking water regulations require cross connections to be controlled by approved methods (physical air gap) or approved mechanical backflow prevention devices or assemblies.

The various types of mechanical backflow preventers include:

  • Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA)
  • Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA)
  • Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
  • Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA)
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly (PVBA)
  • Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker Assembly (SVBA)
  • Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

For a backflow preventer to provide proper protection, it must be approved for backflow protection, designed for the degree of hazard and backflow it is controlling, installed correctly, Tested Annually by a State Certified Tester, and repaired as necessary.

 

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

IFP Cross Connection Backflow Testing

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February 19, 2025
Fire PreventionInformation

Home Electrical Fire Safety

Below are some tips on keeping your home safe from electric fires from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

  • Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
  • When buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
  • Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
  • Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, etc.) should be plugged directly in a wall receptacle outlet. Extensions cords and plug strips should not be used.
  • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
  • Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:
    • Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
    • A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
    • Discolored or warm wall outlets.
    • A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance.
    • Flickering or dimming lights.
    • Sparks from an outlet.

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

IFP Electrical Fire Safety

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February 12, 2025
Fire Prevention

Home Sprinklers

Home fire sprinkler information from the US Fire Administration

  • Fire sprinklers and smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by 82%.
  • The risk to firefighters is much less. Sprinklers reduce the heat, flame and smoke from a fire.
  • Home fire sprinklers are more sensitive to heat than those found in businesses or industrial buildings. This means the fire will be detected much sooner.
  • Home fire sprinklers only spray when the temperature in the room rises quickly. The sprinkler above the fire is the only one that sprays.
  • Installing a home sprinkler system in a home under construction or being remodeled requires a little extra piping and labor and greatly increases the safety of residents.
  • A sprinkler costs about $1.35 per square foot in a new home. This cost is about the same as upgraded cabinets or carpet.

 

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

 

Infinity Fire Protection active sprinkler

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February 5, 2025
Information

Types of Fire Extinguishers

There are several different types of Fire Extinguishers, below is information on the most common types from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association):

In the hands of a trained person, portable fire extinguishers are great tools to protect people and property from fire during early stages. When using an extinguisher or selecting an extinguisher to install, it’s important to know the characteristics of different fire extinguishers.

Class of Fire   Description
Class A Fires Fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many plastics.
Class B Fires Fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases.
Class C Fires Fires that involve energized electrical equipment.
Class D Fires Fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
Class K Fires Fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).

The author of this content cannot be liable for any use or misuse of the contents. This is a guideline and is meant for information only.

IFP - Types of Fire Extinguishers

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