The Reusable “Side-by- Side”
Fire Sprinkler Demonstration Cubes
6
5
7
4
1
2
8
3
Non Sprinklered
11
9
10
Sprinklered
A side by side demonstration is a learning tool showing how normal combustible material
found in the home or office is a severe fire hazard and how residential and commercial
sprinklers effectively limit those hazards. 1
Your departments focus for such a demonstration should be to educate your target
1
WARNING: This is a demonstration unit and is not meant to be used for any other
purpose. The over all size of each room is 8x8. Each demonstration consists of 2 rooms.
audience on quick response fire sprinkler technology, the definition and dangers of
flashover, and the fire department response timeline. Public entertainment should not be
the focus of this type of demonstration. It is a sobering information filled educational
tool.
The floor number 1 and 2 are 4x8 sections bolted together using 1/4” x
4.5’carriage bolt with washer and nut. Built with 2x4x8’s and are sheeted with 1/2”
plywood and will be put together first.
Numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 are walls made of precut 2x4x92 5/8”studs with 4’
cut 2x4’s at the top and bottom. They are sheeted with trimmed 4x8x3/8” dry wall.
NOTE: The sprinkled room is built with (9) sheets 3/8”x4x8” plywood.
A rear corner section is set up first with sections 5 and 6 pinned together side by
side and then at the bottom using the brass door hinges. The 2nd section of back wall is
bolted together. The 4th wall section, numbers 4 and 7 are pinned to the corner and then
to the floor.
The sections number 3 and 8 are 44 1/8” wide and use the precuts as studs this
reduced width is needed due to the rear wall being 3 7/8” wide. They are dry walled to
the inside and are bolted together. Set the floor pins first and bolt the section to the purple
section.
Once both sections are in place set and pin the front face piece to the side walls.
This piece measures 88 ¼” to compensate for the wall thickness of 3 7/8” x 12’ tall.
The section number 9 and 10, the roof, are two 4x8 sections first pinned one
section at a time to the outer walls and front then bolted together using 1/4” x
4.5’carriage bolt with washer and nut. Built with 2x4x8’s and are sheeted with 3/8”
drywall or plywood and will be put together last.
Tape and putty the cracks of the unprotected room to reduce structural damage,
and/or use fire tape.
Paint as needed for esthetics.
Place furniture in the full burn cube to facilitate flashover.
Place the Plexiglas (with the pre-drilled holes) on last after the units have been
furnished. Be careful in handling because the Plexiglas breaks easily. Cover the structures
over night with the tarps if rain threatens .
The units are taken down in reverse order as they were built.
As the unprotected unit is being taken apart it is redrywalled or plywood replaced
(the studs will be replaced as needed.)
As the sections are removed they are stacked up onto the Roof, Walls, Floor and
the front piece with sprinkler connection on the top covered with a tarp and strapped
together.
Items we need from you for the demonstration:
Notification to the local press and local government officials with specific
department personnel assigned as the public information officer.
A large secured demonstration area with a 10’x 20’ level ground section.
An engine company for the demonstration that includes: A qualified apparatus
engineer who will confirm the water supply to both the protected unit and a 1 ¾”
adjustable stream line; At least 2 structural firefighters in full protective gear including
SCBA’s.
At least 2 workers,( preferably 3) , to assist on the build up of the structures.
At least 2 workers to assist in the break down and salvage of the units (after the
demo).
Water supply for the sprinkler connection (usually 1 ½” or 1 ¾” hose).
*off a hydrant ok, 40 psi or from engine.
(2) sets of room furnishings. We suggest a living room setting or bed room with
as much furnishings as you can collect including toys, pictures, lamps, clock,
radios telephones, televisions, books, etc.
(2) 8X8 sections of carpeting (2 4X8 sections are also acceptable.)
(2) ionization smoke detectors with batteries. Mount near the ceiling center at
least 12” from the sprinkler head.
(2) newspapers for the burn. (Tribune burns better)
(2) 20 minute flares to start the fires
(2) small 12-14” wastepaper baskets (plastic)
Optional Items you may want to have included:
o A large game clock or timer. (Local Schools)
o Sound system for ease of listening.
o Thermal measuring equipment. (Local Fire investigation team or ATF)
What we will do if you build your own unit or utilize a NIFSAB unit:
o Supply you with the expertise and information needed to have a successful public
sprinkler demonstration.
o Assist you in the building of your own unit.
o Supply education materials
Materials used to build the 2 Reusable Side by Side Cubes
(2) 4x8x 1/8” (or 3/8”) sheets of clear Plexiglas (pre drilled before hanging)
(2) Gals. White Primer paint
(40) 3X3 Hinges in removable pins (brass)
(4) sheets 4X 8 X 3/8” plywood for floors
(2) 5 lb. Boxes of 1 5/8 in. dry wall screws
1 roll white duck tape or fire tape
(9) 4 X 8 X 3/8” plywood
(9) 4 X 8 X 3/8” reg. Drywall
( 1 box) 3 ½ framing nailer nails (boxtich)
(1 box) 2 or 2 3/8” framing nailer nails (boxtich)
(50) 2X 4 X8’
(40) 2x4x92 5/8” precuts
(1) Paint roller pan and stick
(1) container drywall plaster? (Optional)
(1) Drywall putty knife (Optional)
(30) ¼” (or greater) x 4.5” carriage bolts, washers and nuts
(1) ½” staples
Tools needed
Air Supply
Air Hoses
Chop saw
Cordless drill w/ spare battery and bits
Cut off saw
Caulk line with caulk
Circular saw
Long Drill bit for bolts
Drywall Knife
Extension cords
3 way cord extension
Framing nailer (air)
Fork lift (optional)
Hand Saw
Hammer
Large level work area
6’ A-frame ladder
Step Ladder
Nail pouch
Power supply
Pencils
3/8” ratchet with deep well sockets
Speed square
2 Saw horses
Safety glasses
Screw gun
Staple gun
Approximate construction time = 32 man-hours (if built from the start).
Approximate material cost = $ 750