Interested in this field
Hello,
We do architectural work but have had a lot of clients requesting fire sprinkler system design and drafting. Where would someone start?
Posted Oct 4, 2017, 7:57 PM UTC
33
Hello,
We do architectural work but have had a lot of clients requesting fire sprinkler system design and drafting. Where would someone start?
Posted Oct 4, 2017, 7:57 PM UTC
A good portion of the work I do (and many other fire protection engineers do) is usually contracted through architects/architectural firms. Architects are awarded a job and then they subcontract out certain disciplines that they can't do in house, such as mechanical engineering services, electrical, fire protection, etc. Everyone coordinates their efforts for project completion milestones, with the architect being the overall lead.
Fire protection design is not usually picked up by people who aren't trained or don't have much experience in the field. It could take quite a bit of training/schooling if you wanted to do this yourself. Bringing someone on board who knows what they are doing might be the easiest option unless you truly want to go through the schooling yourself and be certified to do it.
If you need any additional info or anything, feel free to ask!
Thanks for that information. I would love to learn it on my own actually, would you recommend a way to get onto the right path?
Most AHJ's will have requirements on what kind of certification someone needs to design a sprinkler system that they will accept. A lot of the Government work I deal with requires someone with a valid PE license, which might be a pretty big commitment. A PE requires a 4 year college engineering degree and work experience under a licensed PE for 4 years, and the passing of the PE test in the specific discipline.
Outside of government work, I think it's a bit easier. A NICET certification is accepted fairly commonly. NICET certifications come in different levels, 1 2, 3, and 4, with the higher level being more "knowledgeable" than the previous. I think you can just sign up online to take courses and eventually get certified through their program. That may be enough for what you need, but I would check with the AHJ on your projects to see what is acceptable to them. NICET should teach you what you need to know for basic sprinkler design. They also do fire alarm if that is of any interest to you.
I've gone the PE route so I personally don't know much about the NICET programs other than they help people be certified to design engineering systems. The website should be able to give you more info on becoming certified in what you need, NICET.org.
I hope this helps, good luck!