FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING

A career most students never hear about.

Get a short introduction to what fire protection engineers actually do, how engineers from all backgrounds enter the field, and whether it might be a fit for you.

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Understanding Use & Occupancy

LS101 | 1.5 Hours

In this series we talk about how we categorize buildings based on purpose, work examples, and look at the downstream code implications for those decisions. What's the difference between use and occupancy? How do we approach mixed-occupancy buildings? We cover this and more in this series.

Introduction to Codes & Standards

LS001 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we explore foundational concepts around building codes and standards. What is a building code? A model code? How are codes & standards developed? What codes & standards apply to my project? How is the IBC organized? What is a prescriptive versus a performance-based requirement? We explore all this an more in this introductory series.

Introduction to Fire Alarm Systems

FA100 | 1.0 Hour

This is an introductory series covering types of fire alarm systems. We cover what a fire alarm system is, the components of a fire alarm system, and different types of fire alarm systems.

Fire Alarm Requirements in the IBC

FA101 | 1.0 Hour

This course covers the different fire alarm system requirements under the International Building Code across different occupancy types. This is applicable for plan review, designers and contractors.

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

FA102 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we explore fire alarm system types and describe different system setups. What is the difference between Temporal-3 and voice? One-way and two-way communication systems? What is mass notification? What is conventional versus addressable? Manual versus automatic? In this intro-level series, we explore these terms and features of fire alarm systems.

Layout of Control Equipment

FA111 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we talk about locations and positioning for fire alarm control equipment. What spaces does the control equipment usually occupy? How much space is needed? What are the mounting heights under NFPA 72 and in more-restrictive specifications? We'll cover that and more in this series.

Layout of Pull Stations

FA112 | 1.0 Hour

Manual pull stations may be the most iconic piece of a fire alarm system, yet they're less common in new installations today. When do we include them? If they're used, where are they located, and what rules govern their exact height and position? We look at all of this and more in this interactive series.

Smoke Detection Coverage

FA113 | 1.0 Hour

Many of us are familiar with smoke alarms in our homes, but what about smoke detectors in general? When do we use them? Why do we use them? Are they required everywhere for every building, or only in certain areas? How do they work? What do they do once they detect smoke? We cover all this and more in this series based on spot type smoke detectors and smoke alarms.

Layout of Smoke Detectors

FA114 | 2.0 Hours

When we have an idea of where smoke detection is needed - what's next? Where do the smoke detectors actually go? When are they allowed on walls versus ceilings? Is there more than one way to space a smoke detector?

Layout of Other Initiation Devices

FA115 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we examine initiation devices other than smoke detectors and manual pull stations. When and where are duct detectors required? What about heat detectors? Control and monitor modules? What about carbon monoxide detectors? We'll explore each of these and more.

Layout for Visual Notification

FA121 | 1.0 Hours

In this series, we tackle layout for visual notification appliances. Where do strobes and text signs go? We break down placement strategies, text appliances, and key code triggers with quick-reference flowcharts and cheatsheets. Exercises and quizzes help put the rules into practice so you can confidently apply notification requirements in this 8-part series.

Layout for Audibility & Intelligibility

FA122 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we explain audibility and NFPA 72 requirements for public and private mode signaling, placement of horns and speakers, and the 6 dB rule for sound loss over distance. We compare horns and speakers, explain intelligibility, and show how we use pragmatic tools for design, installation, and testing to meet the needs for audible and intelligible messaging.

Introduction to Sprinkler & Standpipes

FX001 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we will cover the basics of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, with the goal of the following: (1) understand what fire sprinkler and standpipe systems are, (2) understand the purposes and goals of fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, (3) understand common misconceptions about sprinkler systems, and (4) understand when sprinkler systems are required.

Standards of Sprinkler Design

FX101 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we will cover the basics of fire sprinkler design standards, with the following objectives: What codes and standards typically apply to fire sprinkler systems? When can NFPA 13, 13R, and 13D be used for fire sprinkler systems? When is both NFPA 13 and 13R permitted in Mixed-Occupancy buildings?

Standards of Standpipe Systems

FX102 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we will cover the basics of fire sprinkler design standards, with the following objectives: What codes and standards typically apply to fire standpipe systems? When are standpipe systems required? How are building height and building levels addressed? How is NFPA 14 organized?

System Types & Layouts

FX120 | 1.5 Hours

In this series we cover different types of sprinkler systems and how they're arranged. What terms to we use to describe different parts of a system? When do we choose tree systems vs. loops vs. grids? When are each allowed to be used? When are wet, dry, pre-action and deluge systems chosen? We cover all this as part of this series.

Flow Tests

FX130 | 1.5 Hours

What is a fire hydrant flow test? What types of water supplies are these tested on? How do we prepare and conduct a flow test? How do we apply a coefficient of discharge? What tips result in better tests? We explore this and more in our series about fire hydrant flow tests for fire suppression systems.

Water Supply Evaluation

FX131 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we dive into evaluating water supply using the N^1.85 graph. What is it, and why does it matter? What can interpolation and extrapolation tell us about the results? Why might flowing more water during a flow test actually help? We compare calculated and graphed results, extrapolate fire flow, share examples of different water supply results, explore variation and safety factors in this 12-part series.

Understanding Building Structure, Part I

FX151 | 1.0 Hour

This course introduces different components of building structure that is relevant to a fire suppression designer or engineer. Here we explore types of structure, structure components, and discuss types of foundations, joists, and beams.

Understanding Building Structure, Part II

FX152 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we introduce different structural components for steel, masonry, concrete and wood structures, discuss how buildings are actually assembled, and the different assembly approaches relevant to the fire protection professional.

Understanding Obstructed Construction

FX153 | 1.5 Hours

This series covers the term Obstructed Construction from NFPA 13. We introduce the meaning, examples, and why this designation is important in fire suppression design, plan review and inspection. This is applicable for plan review, designers and contractors.

Understanding Unobstructed Construction

FX154 | 1.0 Hour

This course covers how NFPA 13 defines and provides examples for Unobstructed Construction. This is important in the design and review of fire sprinkler systems, as the Ceiling or Roof construction category here affects sprinkler spacing and positioning.

Sprinkler Occupancy Hazard Classification

FX161 | 2.5 Hours

This series is an introduction to fire sprinkler occupancy hazard classifications. Why are they important? Who categorizes these? How are they determined? All of this is covered within this series.

Layout for Standard Spray Sprinklers

FX173 | 3.0 Hours

This series covers fire sprinkler layout for standard spray sprinklers. How does sprinkler spacing work? What are the limits? What do we measure? Along with spacing in the horizontal plane, what about vertically? What height do sprinklers need to be? We cover all this within this series.

The Sprinkler Layout Process

FX174 | 3.0 Hours

In this series, we expand upon the rules of sprinkler layout and construct a repeatable process for the layout of fire sprinklers. We'll identify all of the steps in the layout process, explore why spacing matters, evaluate three real-world project situations, and complete our own layout criteria for different situations.

Exploring Occupancies in the IBC

LS102 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we go further into each building occupancy in the IBC. How are the occupancies categorized? What are examples of each? What are common misconceptions within each occupancy? We cover this and more in this 11-part series.

Effective Use of Codes & Standards

LS111 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we break down how to read and apply codes and standards with real-world purpose. We start with the origins of code, explore historical context, then cover how code language and structure are organized, highlight common pitfalls in reading and interpreting requirements, and show how to avoid costly mistakes. We dive into modern tools—PDFs, online platforms, and even AI—and how they change the way we learn and apply code.

Introduction to Plans

DX101 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we'll introduce concepts around construction plans. What does a set of plans include? Why create them? What are the different types of submittals? What makes a quality set of plans? We cover this and more in this 1-hour, 7-part series.

Construction Documents, Part I

DX102 | 1.0 Hour

In this series we break out different pieces of a set of construction documents. We describe what the different components are, what purpose they serve, where they're located, and tips for reading and creating a cohesive, clear set of construction documents. In this 5-part series we cover symbols, general notes, plan notes, key notes, views, plans, sections, elevations and isometrics.

Construction Documents, Part II

DX103 | 1.0 Hour

In this series we continue our breakout of different parts of construction documents. We cover drawing details, schedules, one-line diagrams, specifications, north arrows, grids, titles & titleblocks in this 7-part series.

Types of Analysis

PE101 | 3.5 Hours

This series focuses on ways to analyze information relevant to fire protection systems, specifically in preparation for the Fire Protection P.E. Exam. We'll overview hazardous materials from NFPA 400, storage, and processes. We'll overview risk in terms of likelihood, severity, and failure. We'll also look at data interpretation and limits.

Information for Analysis

PE102 | 4.5 Hours

This series covers data that we use to classify and address fire protection challenges. We cover uncertainty and safety factors, facility site planning, tenability and combustion thresholds, types of standards, occupancy, hazard and commodity classifications, testing, and more. This wide-ranging series introduces important criteria that shape the way we understand fire protection engineering.

Fire Dynamics

PE103 | 3.5 Hours

In this series, we explore the science of fire dynamics. We'll talk on the chemical reaction behind combustion itself, explore the heat of combustion, heat transfer during fire, and limits for flammability in fuels. We'll introduce concepts and methods for solving for flames and plumes, explore how solids and liquids ignite, burn, and spread. Then, we'll explore fires in compartments in both pre-flashover and post-flashover conditions.

Water-Based Fire Suppression

PE104 | 3.0 Hours

In this series, we focus on how water-based suppression methods shape the world of fire protection today. We talk about sprinkler and standpipe system components, purpose, and governing rules. We overview design criteria, water supply, fire pumps and calculation methods, and we overview types of testing. This is a helpful overview and recap course for preparing for the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

Special Hazard Systems

PE105 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we introduce Special Hazard suppression systems, including Carbon Dioxide, Clean Agent, Wet and Dry Chemical, Foam, and Hypoxic Air Systems. What are they? How are they comprised? What methods of suppression are there? What's the design criteria? How are they controlled? We cover this and more in this 7-part series in preparation for the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

Fire Alarm Systems

PE106 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we cover fundamentals of fire alarm systems, covering purpose, components, types of fire alarm systems, integrations and different applications, how we design fire alarm systems, and how we test, inspect and maintain fire alarm systems. This 7-part series lays the groundwork for fire alarm understanding for the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

Smoke Control

PE107 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we expand on smoke control systems to discuss different system types, different methods of managing smoke, how the systems integrate, and what design criteria we use. We then explore a host of calculation methods that we can use to understand and estimate airflow and movement of smoke in a fire. This course is specific to applicable smoke control topics relevant to the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

Explosion Prevention

PE108 | 1.0 Hour

In this series we cover the basics of explosion protection and prevention. We look at different methods used to prevent explosions from happening including preventing ignition, limiting fuel, and maintaining non-flammable environments. We also explore some basic calculated relationships for explosion venting in preparation for the P.E. Exam.

Passive Building Systems

PE109 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we talk about ways to limit the effects of heat and smoke through passive building methods. We cover Construction Types, selection of building materials, explore the limits on how we construct different types of buildings through allowable building heights and areas, and talk on building separation. We then explore material selection for finished surfaces inside the building, how we accomplish fire resistive structure, how we compartmentalize spaces and protect rated assemblies.

Means of Egress

PE110 | 1.5 Hours

In this series, we overview how we implement egress strategies of NFPA 101 in buildings. We discuss different means of egress components, identify exit access, exits, and exit discharge, and calculate occupant loads. We evaluate the required number and capacities of egress components, evaluate common path, travel distance, and dead-end requirements, and cover requirements for emergency lighting and exit signage. This series focuses on egress topics from NFPA 101 with a focus on the Fire Protection P.E. Exam.

Human Behavior

PE111 | 1.0 Hour

In this series, we focus on understanding human behavior in fire emergencies. We introduce the fundamentals of human behavior, look into how people respond to cues before evacuation, and explore factors influencing decision-making. We then look at timed egress analysis, looking at how occupants move past components and travel to safe distances. Finally, we look at how smoke, heat, and toxin exposure affect both human behavior and movement. This course is designed to develop a foundational level of understanding for human behavior.

PE Prep Series Weeks 1-4

PE201 | 2.0 Hours

These weekly exams are a series of timed 1-hour, 10-question simulated PE Exams designed to offer weekly practice towards the Fire Protection P.E. Exam. Following each exam, we detail worked solutions to teach the concepts and support learning on each of these topics. Have a little fun, practice consistently, track your improvement and your peer ranking week-to-week with our best method of simulating the actual test environment.

PE Prep Series Weeks 5-8

PE202 | 2.0 Hours

PE Prep Series Weeks 9-12

PE203 | 2.0 Hours

PE Prep Series Weeks 13-16

PE204 | 2.0 Hours

PE Prep Series Weeks 17-20

PE205 | 2.0 Hours

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