Fire Pump Design Guide Tool

This fire pump calculator makes it easy to size and select the right pump by using real world inputs like system demand, elevation, and city water supply. Just enter your flow and pressure needs, along with city provided static and residual data, and the tool takes care of the rest, including pressure losses from elevation, backflow preventers, and fittings. You can use preset values or fully customize your design. The calculator then shows how much boost pressure and flow the pump needs to provide, recommends a pump size, estimates brake horsepower, and even displays a sample pump curve. It also flags any issues if your design exceeds typical limits, all based on NFPA 13, 14 and 20.

Fire Flow Calculator

This fire flow tool helps designers, fire officials, and engineers plan water supply systems, make sure everything meets code, and improve fire protection. You just enter some basic building info like the fire flow area in square feet, the construction type, and occupancy. It also asks if the building has a sprinkler system and what kind it is, like NFPA 13, 13R, or 13D. You can also add the distance to the nearest hydrant and how many hydrants are on site. Once you put in the details, the tool gives you the required fire flow in gallons per minute, how long that flow needs to be maintained, and how many hydrants are needed. It also checks if the current setup is enough and points out any code issues, like when you can’t take a sprinkler reduction based on the building type or use.

Voltage Drop/Battery Calculator

This tool helps you check voltage drop and battery size for fire alarm systems. Just enter details like device current, wire size, circuit length, and system voltage. The calculator shows the total voltage drop and the battery size you need. It helps you stay compliant with NFPA 72 and makes power planning easier.

Hazardous Materials Compliance Tool

Helps determine if the quantity of a hazardous material complies with allowable limits in CFC Table 5003.1.1(1), based on storage/use type and code-based increases for sprinklered buildings and approved cabinets.
The user selects a hazardous material, such as ethanol or hydrogen, and identifies its use type—whether it is being stored, used in a closed system, or used in an open system. For quantity input, the user can either choose an adjusted allowable limit, which is automatically calculated based on code requirements, or enter a custom quantity manually. If the custom entry option is selected, the actual quantity must be provided. Additionally, there are check-boxes to indicate whether the building is sprinklered, which applies a 100% increase to the maximum allowable quantity (MAQ), and whether the material is stored in an approved cabinet, which applies another 100% MAQ increase.
The calculator provides a summary that includes the material’s hazard classification (such as H-2 or H-3) and identifies if a special occupancy group is required when the quantity exceeds code limits. It also shows the selected use type, the base allowable limit from the fire code, and an adjusted limit if any increases apply (like sprinklers or cabinets). Finally, it gives a clear result—either confirming that the quantity is within the allowable limit, or indicating that it exceeds the limit, along with a recommendation to reduce the amount or consider a change in occupancy classification.

Smoke Control Design Guide Tool

Laboratory buildings are tricky for smoke control because of special equipment, hazardous materials, and stringent containment rules. This guide shares the method I use to design a robust smoke control system for a high-rise research laboratory building.
Each input is critical for properly modeling smoke movement within the building and ensuring code compliance and safety. In practice, you’ll gather these values from mechanical design documents, air balance reports, building codes, and manufacturer data (for equipment). The tool then uses these inputs to calculate airflow balance, pressure differentials, and whether the chosen strategies will effectively contain or exhaust smoke.
By reviewing the smoke control outputs, you can quickly determine whether each zone is maintaining the correct pressurization or exhaust levels, including any lab-specific or stacked-lab considerations. Meanwhile, the Stair Pressurization outputs confirm that the stairwell is positively pressurized to prevent smoke infiltration, safeguarding egress paths. Together, these results verify that the building’s exhaust/makeup air strategy meets the desired pressure differential targets for labs and offices, and that the stairwell remains functional for safe evacuation during an emergency.

Tenability Criteria Analysis Tool

This tool checks if people can safely escape during a fire by looking at conditions like heat, smoke, toxic gases, and visibility. It uses safety limits from SFPE and NFPA to see if the space stays safe long enough for evacuation.
To run the tenability calculator, you’ll need to provide data like temperature, carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and visibility over time—usually from a fire model like FDS. You also enter information about the people in the space, such as their activity level (resting, walking, or running), which affects how much air they breathe. The calculator uses this data to estimate how dangerous the environment becomes over time.
The calculator shows how long it’s safe for people to stay in the space before conditions become too dangerous. It tells you when a person would likely be affected by smoke, heat, or toxic gases. You’ll get a summary showing the time to reach dangerous levels, what caused the danger first (like CO or poor visibility), and a graph that tracks how risk increases as the fire continues.

Occupant Load Calculator

The occupant load calculator is designed to determine how many people can safely occupy a space, based on its size and intended use. It follows the requirements set by the California Building Code (CBC), ensuring that the calculated occupant load complies with code provisions for life safety and egress.
To use the calculator, users typically input details such as the occupancy classification of the space, the total floor area in square feet, and the load factor associated with that type of occupancy. These inputs allow the calculator to accurately assess the number of occupants the space is designed to accommodate.
Once the necessary inputs are provided, the calculator generates an output showing the calculated occupant load. This value represents the maximum number of people allowed in the space under CBC guidelines and serves as a critical factor in life safety planning and code compliance.

Water Storage Tank & Fill Valve Design Guide Tool

The objective of the Water Storage Tank Design Tool is to assist engineers, designers, and fire protection professionals in evaluating and designing code-compliant water supply systems for fire protection, especially in scenarios where municipal supply is limited or unavailable. The tool focuses on ensuring sufficient water storage capacity, proper fill and suction infrastructure, and appropriate system monitoring, aligning with key standards such as NFPA 13, NFPA 20, NFPA 22, NFPA 72, and the California Fire Code.
Users interact with the tool by entering project-specific design inputs, including required fire flow (in gallons per minute), duration of demand (in minutes), total tank volume (in gallons), refill time (in hours), pump flow rate (GPM), suction pipe length, and number of fittings. These inputs are used to evaluate the overall storage volume required, calculate the refill rate to maintain operational readiness, recommend an appropriate fill valve size, and suggest acceptable suction pipe diameters in compliance with NFPA 20 suction velocity limits. Additional functionality allows users to explore explanations of fire flow sizing, alarm monitoring standards, and maintenance needs, as well as access a dropdown of frequently asked questions to guide their design process.
The tool generates output that includes the total required water tank volume, the minimum fill rate needed to restore the tank within the desired refill time, suggested fill valve sizes based on flow, and a list of suction pipe options that fall within acceptable velocity ranges. It also delivers guidance on fire alarm system integration for tank monitoring and provides insight into critical components and recommended inspection intervals, helping users create robust and code-compliant water supply systems for fire protection.

Structural Fire Protection Calculator

The objective of the CBC Structural Fire Protection Tool is to assist building professionals, designers, and fire protection engineers in evaluating a building’s compliance with the California Building Code (CBC) structural fire protection requirements. The tool focuses on assessing allowable building area, height, and number of stories; verifying required fire-resistance ratings based on construction type; evaluating fire separation distances; and applying mixed-use provisions under CBC §508. Additionally, it incorporates frontage increase calculations (§506.3), corridor fire-resistance compliance (§1020.1), and allows users to export a summarized report for documentation or plan review purposes.
The tool requires the user to input key building characteristics that influence fire protection compliance under the CBC. These include the building’s occupancy classification (such as F-1, M, R-2, A-2), construction type (e.g., Type I-A, III-B, V-B), and whether the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Additionally, users provide physical attributes such as total floor area in square feet, building height in feet, and number of stories. Site-specific conditions are entered through the percentage of the building perimeter that has open frontage to a public way and the fire separation distance from adjacent properties. The user must also specify the fire-resistance rating of interior corridors and identify whether the building is a single-use or mixed-use occupancy, selecting between separated, non-separated, or accessory classifications.
Based on the inputs provided, the tool generates a comprehensive compliance evaluation aligned with the 2022 California Building Code. It calculates and displays the required fire-resistance ratings for structural components according to CBC Table 601, checks whether the proposed area, height, and number of stories comply with limits defined in CBC Tables 504 and 506, and adjusts allowable area using the frontage increase per CBC §506.3. The tool also determines whether the fire separation distance requires exterior wall ratings or restricts openings, referencing Table 705.5. For egress, it verifies if the interior corridor rating meets the requirements of CBC §1020.1 based on sprinkler status. If the building includes multiple occupancies, the tool provides guidance on how to apply CBC §508 mixed-use provisions. The output includes clear pass/fail indicators, code references, and a one-click exportable PDF summary for documentation or plan review.

Combustible Dust Design Guide Tool

This guide evaluates the explosion risk and ventilation adequacy in systems handling combustible dusts. It helps fire protection and process engineers estimate vent area requirements, assess duct design, and verify compliance with NFPA standards such as NFPA 68, 69, and 91.
Users provide enclosure volume, dust explosibility data (like Kst and Pmax), duct velocity and length, and dust concentration in air.
The calculator estimates the required explosion vent area, evaluates duct safety (velocity and length), and flags any dust concentrations that fall within an explosive range.

Elevator Emergency Function Guide (California Edition)

This guide is designed to provide building designers, contractors, and code officials with a clear and concise guide to elevator requirements in the State of California. It covers applicable design standards, fire protection considerations, and accessibility compliance in accordance with the California Building Code (CBC) and California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 8.
User provides project details such as building type, number of floors, occupancy classification, fire service needs, elevator group type, accessibility requirements, and emergency operation features.
This guide delivers relevant code references, design criteria, fire/life safety requirements, accessibility checklist, and state inspection/permit guidelines based on the input.

Means of Egress Design Guide Tool

This tool determines the required exit capacities and components (e.g., doors, stairways, corridors) based on occupancy classification, occupant load, and travel distance limits. It references IBC and CBC codes to ensure compliance with egress width, number of exits, common path of travel, and exit access separation requirements.
The tool requires users to provide basic building and occupancy information, including the occupancy classification, total floor area, number of stories, and whether the building is protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Additional inputs such as the allowable travel distance and the building’s construction type help refine the analysis to ensure it aligns with code requirements.
Based on the provided inputs, the tool calculates the required occupant load and determines the minimum number of exits, as well as the necessary widths for stairs, doors, and corridors. It also evaluates whether the design complies with limits on common path of travel and maximum travel distances. All outputs are referenced against the applicable sections of the International Building Code (IBC) or California Building Code (CBC), ensuring compliance with egress design standards.

Fire and Smoke Protection Features Selector Tool

This tool helps users determine the required fire-resistance ratings for building elements based on occupancy type, construction type, and fire separation needs in accordance with building codes such as the IBC. The objective of the tool is to assist designers, engineers, and code officials in identifying required ratings for fire barriers, horizontal assemblies, and other protective components to maintain life safety and structural integrity during a fire.
Inputs typically include occupancy classification, construction type, sprinkler status, and adjacent space separation.
Outputs provide the minimum required fire-resistance ratings (in hours) for various building elements, supporting compliance with code tables such as IBC Table 508.4 and related fire protection provisions.

Wildland-Urban Interface Guide

Develop a comprehensive and user-friendly Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Guide to assist professionals in understanding, designing for, and mitigating fire risks at the boundary between wildland areas and built environments. The guide is meant to support fire protection engineers, AHJs, and planners with clear code references, best practices, and design strategies.
The input was a request to create a clear and practical guide for protecting buildings in areas where neighborhoods meet wildland vegetation. It needed to include key fire codes like CBC Chapter 7A and NFPA standards, along with strategies for safer construction, defensible space, and managing vegetation.
The output was a simple, easy-to-use guide that explains the important rules, offers design tips to reduce fire risk, and includes helpful tools like checklists and diagrams for professionals working in these high-risk areas.

Emergency Responder Radio Communication System Design Guide Tool

Develop a comprehensive and user-friendly Emergency Responder Radio Communication System (ERRCS) Guide to assist professionals in ensuring effective in-building public safety radio coverage. The guide aims to help fire protection engineers, AHJs, integrators, and design professionals understand the technical, regulatory, and operational aspects of ERRCS implementation. It provides clarity on code requirements (such as NFPA 1225 and IFC Section 510), signal strength thresholds, testing procedures, and system components including Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs), donor antennas, and distributed antenna systems (DAS). The purpose is to ensure reliable emergency communication capabilities for first responders within all parts of a building.
The guide takes into account key regulatory standards (IFC, NFPA, and local AHJ amendments), building construction types, occupancy classifications, and radio frequency (RF) propagation factors. Other inputs include building size and layout, surrounding terrain, public safety radio system infrastructure, and system performance test results such as grid signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio. It also considers local public safety frequencies, required coverage percentages, and the need for battery backup or standby power based on occupancy risk level.
The guide generates tailored design recommendations and compliance strategies, including system layout options, equipment specifications, and acceptance testing protocols. It provides a clear checklist of ERRCS components, maintenance requirements, and documentation submittals needed for plan approval. It also outlines inspection timelines, system retesting procedures, and pathways for AHJ coordination. Ultimately, the output equips stakeholders with a reliable plan to achieve code-compliant ERRCS coverage, enhance emergency responder safety, and ensure long-term system performance.

Fire Alarm EVACS Design Guide

This tool helps users design a compliant Fire Alarm Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System (EVACS) by guiding them through applicable requirements in the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 72. The goal is to assist fire protection engineers, system designers, and code officials in determining when an EVACS is required, what components are necessary, and how to ensure intelligibility, survivability, and integration with fire alarm and mass notification systems.
Users provide details such as the building’s occupancy type, height, size, and use. Additional inputs include occupant load, fire alarm requirements, evacuation strategy, and any survivability needs for the system’s wiring and equipment.
The tool provides a summary of whether EVACS is required, what system components are needed, and how to meet code requirements. It also gives design recommendations for speaker placement, intelligibility, survivability, zoning, and relevant code references.

Preaction System Design Guide Tool

The objective of the Preaction System Design tool is to guide users in designing a compliant preaction fire sprinkler system by referencing key requirements from NFPA 13 and the International Building Code (IBC). It is intended to support fire protection engineers, system designers, and code officials in determining the appropriate system type, identifying necessary components, and ensuring effective integration with fire alarm and detection systems.
Users input system-specific details such as the type of preaction system (single, double, or non-interlock), system area, ambient temperature, detector type (heat, smoke, or linear), sprinkler spacing, and air/nitrogen and water pressures. The tool also allows for customization of these inputs to align with project-specific needs.
Based on the provided inputs, the tool outputs an estimated number of sprinkler heads, the expected water delivery time, and a summary of the selected system configuration. It also provides detailed guidance on best practices, component selection, installation procedures, and commissioning protocols, along with a summary of roles and responsibilities for the design and construction team to ensure successful implementation.

Underground Fire Supply Design Guide Tool

The Underground Fire Supply Design Guide helps designers and contractors create safe, code-compliant underground fire service systems. It simplifies the design process by incorporating key requirements from NFPA 24, NFPA 13, the California Building Code (CBC), and other standards. This tool is especially useful during the early design stage and for preparing permit submittals.
To use the tool, users input key information like pipe material, size, flow rate, pipe length, elevation changes, and the type of backflow preventer. The tool also asks for soil cover depth, operating pressure, fitting type, and soil bearing capacity.
Based on these inputs, the guide calculates important design factors such as water velocity, pressure losses, and thrust block sizing. It automatically checks if values meet code requirements and gives warnings when adjustments are needed. It also includes helpful summaries, code references, and coordination notes to assist with permitting and construction.

Exit Signs Guide & Tool

The Exit Signs Guide helps users ensure that exit signs are compliant with relevant codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101. Its goal is to assist professionals, including fire protection engineers and system designers, in properly designing exit sign systems, ensuring compliance with visibility, placement, illumination, and emergency power backup requirements.
The tool requires information such as the building layout, occupancy type, exit access paths, and lighting conditions to determine the correct placement, type, and configuration of exit signs in accordance with the applicable fire safety codes.
The output of the tool is a set of recommendations for designing exit sign systems that comply with fire safety codes. This includes the number, placement, type (e.g., LED, photoluminescent), backup power requirements, and other factors necessary to meet code compliance and ensure proper egress during emergencies.

Fire Extinguishers Guide & Tool

The Fire Extinguishers Guide is designed to help users ensure that fire extinguishers are properly selected, located, and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 and the International Fire Code (IFC). It supports fire protection engineers, facility managers, and safety professionals in achieving compliance while enhancing life safety and property protection across various occupancies.
Users provide key details such as occupancy type, hazard classification, floor area, travel distance, and specific fire risks to determine the appropriate fire extinguisher requirements.
The guide delivers recommendations on extinguisher type, quantity, spacing, and maintenance to ensure compliance with NFPA 10 and other relevant codes.

VESDA Design Guide Tool

The VESDA Design Tool assists fire protection professionals in designing early smoke detection systems using Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) technology. It ensures that air sampling systems are properly configured for the space, application, and hazard level, in alignment with NFPA 72, NFPA 75/76, and manufacturer guidelines such as those from Xtralis. The tool supports high-sensitivity detection for mission-critical spaces like data centers, cleanrooms, hospitals, and telecom facilities, aiming to enhance life safety, enable early response, and meet stringent design and code requirements.
Users provide project-specific data such as the type of environment (e.g., data center, cleanroom), system model (e.g., VEP, VES, VEA), sensitivity classification (Class A/B/C), total area to cover, ceiling height, pipe length, number of bends, and capillary tube lengths (if applicable). These inputs help define detection coverage, validate system layout, and estimate smoke transport time based on airflow resistance.
The tool calculates the total effective pipe length and estimated smoke transport time. It offers design feedback, including whether transport time complies with the 120-second limit per NFPA 72. The tool also provides tailored recommendations on system configuration, placement considerations, integration requirements, and commissioning steps—ensuring the design is both code-compliant and functionally optimized for early detection.

Damper Selector Tool

The Damper Selector Tool assists engineers, architects, and code officials in determining the appropriate type of damper—Fire Damper (FD), Smoke Damper (SD), or Combination Fire/Smoke Damper (FSD)—as required by California Building Code (CBC) Section 717. This tool helps ensure code compliance while incorporating relevant exception logic for occupancy groups, sprinkler coverage, duct construction, and smoke control systems.
Users provide information by selecting the applicable CBC wall or penetration type (such as a fire barrier, shaft enclosure, or corridor wall) and the building’s occupancy classification (such as Business, Residential, or Institutional). In addition, users may specify exception conditions including whether the building is fully sprinklered, whether the duct is steel and less than 100 square inches, whether it has no openings to the corridor, whether the duct is part of a smoke control system, and whether it is configured as a vertical sub-duct, located in a 2-hour-rated garage shaft, or serving kitchen, bathroom, or dryer exhaust. These inputs allow the tool to evaluate standard and exception requirements under CBC Section 717.
The tool returns a clear recommendation of the required damper type based on the input conditions. If any CBC exceptions apply, the tool dynamically displays exemption logic along with the relevant CBC section reference (e.g., 717.5.3 Exception 5). This result can be used for documentation, design validation, and code compliance review.

High Piled Storage & Commodity Classification Design Guide Tool

The High Piled Storage & Commodity Classification Design Guide aims to assist engineers, architects, and code officials in evaluating and classifying high-piled storage per fire protection code requirements. The objective is to help users correctly identify storage commodity types and classifications, which are essential for determining fire protection design features such as sprinkler requirements, aisle spacing, and fire department access.
The input typically includes details about the commodity type (e.g., paper, plastic, mixed materials), storage height, packaging, palletization, storage method (e.g., rack or solid pile), and the presence of combustible materials.
The output provides the appropriate commodity classification (Class I–IV or Plastic Group A, B, or C), applicable fire protection criteria, and code-based design requirements for fire sprinkler systems, storage arrangements, and potential hazards based on California Fire Code or NFPA 13 standards.

Fire Department Apparatus Access Guide

The objective of this Fire Department Access Guide is to provide a comprehensive, code-aligned reference for architects, engineers, developers, and fire protection professionals working within the Santa Clara County jurisdiction. It distills the essential requirements from the Santa Clara County Fire Department Standard and the California Fire Code (CFC) into an organized document. This guide aims to assist in designing, reviewing, and verifying fire apparatus access roads to ensure life safety, facilitate emergency response, and support code compliance from initial planning through final construction and occupancy.
The primary inputs for this guide include project-specific site information such as building occupancy type, square footage, number of dwelling units, building height, roadway configurations, and the presence of fire protection systems (e.g., sprinklers). Secondary inputs include access road dimensions (width, length, turning radius), vertical clearance data, proximity to structures, and site layout constraints. Additionally, regulatory codes from the California Fire Code (e.g., CFC §503.1.1, §503.2.1, and §503.2.5) and local amendments from the Santa Clara County Fire Department were integrated to ensure accurate interpretations.
The outputs of this guide include a structured HTML document that presents fire access requirements section-by-section, accompanied by clearly marked best practices, visual styling for web readability, and an FAQ section with dropdowns for quick answers. When used correctly, the guide helps users determine if their site complies with access regulations, identifies whether one or more access roads are required, and provides marking, signage, and material guidance. Ultimately, it serves as both a digital reference and a compliance checklist, enabling users to confidently communicate with Fire Code Officials and ensure that emergency responders have the unobstructed access necessary for life safety operations.

Variable Frequency Drive Controller Design Guide Tool

This guide is intended to assist engineers, designers, and fire protection professionals in determining the appropriate motor size and VFD controller specifications for a fire pump installation. It ensures compliance with NFPA 20 provisions, improves pressure control, and reduces reliance on pressure-reducing valves by utilizing variable frequency drive (VFD) technology.
The user provides the fire pump type, flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM), total head in feet, combined pump and motor efficiency, and optionally the motor size in horsepower. Additional inputs include system voltage, desired discharge pressure in psi, bypass contactor type (manual or automatic), and required NEMA-rated enclosure. A pressure-to-head converter is available for convenience.
Based on the inputs, the tool calculates the water horsepower (WHP), brake horsepower (BHP), and recommends a standard motor size. It also determines the required VFD current capacity in amps and outputs configuration recommendations for bypass contactor type, enclosure rating, and required listings per NFPA 20 and UL 218. Explanatory notes reinforce compliance with key code sections and operational safeguards for system reliability.

Pressure Reducing Valve Calculator

The purpose of this tool is to assist designers, inspectors, and engineers in determining whether a pressure reducing valve is required for a given fire protection or domestic water system. It helps evaluate system pressure conditions, compare them to applicable code requirements, and recommend the appropriate PRV type—fixed or adjustable—based on flow rate, inlet pressure, and desired outlet pressure.
The user is asked to provide the system type (such as sprinkler, standpipe, combined, or domestic), the inlet pressure upstream of the valve, the desired outlet pressure downstream of the valve, and the design flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). These values are typically obtained from hydraulic calculations, field-measured pressures, or fire pump system design documentation.
After evaluating the inputs, the tool provides a summary of whether a PRV is required based on pressure thresholds defined by NFPA 13 and NFPA 14. If applicable, it recommends a suitable fixed PRV model from a sample manufacturer table, or it suggests using an adjustable PRV when pressure conditions are variable or multi-zone adjustments are expected. The output also includes a brief explanation of the reasoning behind the recommendation and cites relevant NFPA code sections to support compliance.

Standpipe System Design Guide Tool

This Standpipe Design Calculator is built to assist fire protection engineers in evaluating pressure and flow requirements for standpipe systems in compliance with NFPA 14 and IBC 905. The objective is to determine whether a system requires features like pressure-reducing valves (PRVs), how much pressure is needed at the base, and how much water flow is required based on riser count and building height.
The user provides building and system details including number of stories, story height, pipe length, system class and type, elevation, friction loss, and whether the building is classified as a high-rise. These inputs are used to calculate total pressure loss (accounting for friction, elevation, and hose allowance), required flow rate, and PRV needs.
The output includes the total pressure required at the base of the system, the estimated pressure at the topmost outlet, the total required flow in gallons per minute (gpm), and a system summary showing whether PRVs are needed. This provides a clear and code-aligned basis for design or review of a standpipe system.

Fire Protection Impairment Guide

Fire protection impairments introduce real-time life safety risks that require pragmatic, case-by-case decision making. Fire protection engineers must carefully balance construction needs with occupant safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term institutional stewardship.