Jockey Pump Specifications: Uncovering the Basics

If you are considering a fire pump installation and want to determine the jockey pump specifications for it, then you have come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about fire pump installation.

Fire arrives unannounced and creates panic of all kinds. There are fears of losing lives, assets, valuables, and even reputation. Therefore, one should know how to respond to the situation when a fire suddenly breaks out. The preparation includes determining the right fire pump type and jockey pump sizing for your fire protection system.

Explaining the Role of a Jockey Pump

Picture yourself driving a car in a car race. As the driver, you are considered a jockey. Similarly, on a fire protection system and a fire pump, you will find a small pump that maintains pressure. It is known as a jockey pump.

A jockey pump is a pump with low capacity and high pressure, used to steady pressure for automatic sprinkler systems and hydrants. It ensures that the fire sprinkler is always in a state of constant pressure. Its role is to maintain pressure in a fire protection piping system without running the fire pump.

If you want to know how jockey pumps work, you've got to know how a fire pump system works. First, it keeps the water pressure at a homogenous level. It prevents the sprinklers from going off randomly. Consequently, there's a natural discharge within the pipelines that helps the water pressure go down mechanically.

If you don’t have a controlled system, there will be no depression within the system. And if you start shooting extremely controlled water through these pipes, this may destroy the entire system. You will need a jockey pump to realize this and to make sure that the water pressure is back to its usual state. Also, it makes sure that there’s no injury to the mechanical devices if there’s water coming from the fire pump system.

The Installation of the Jockey Pump

Another aspect of the jockey pump is identifying the installation. You should check your native governance to see what is required for the installation. There may be a number of laws to keep in mind. This may include your local standards, fire pump sensing line details, and the NFPA 20.

Because of the importance of the jockey pump to your fire protection system, it's crucial that you have an expert installation. Make sure that you simply hire a professional for making the installation process hassle-free. This will also help you maintain and properly size your fire pump.

According to NFPA 20…

Fire pumps are used to pressurize and maintain the pressure of an array of fire protection systems, including sprinklers, fire cabinets, and hydrants. They come in different types, ranging from end-suction pumps and vertical in-line pumps to double-suction split-case to multistage pumps.

NFPA 20 is a fire safety standard that defines the installation requirements of fire pumps for fire protection. The scope of the standard includes the selection of fire pumps, jockey pump flow rate, installation, acceptance tests, and operation. Thus, most homeowners and builders are making their home designs according to the NFPA.

Closing Remarks

We supply a complete range of fire pump packages built as per NFPA regulations and customer specifications. These packages come with electric motors, diesel engines, jockey pumps, control cabinets, and batteries. They also include the complete piping with discharge collectors, valves, and pressure switches. All pump packages and fire pump sensing line details can be equipped with any type of fire protection system.

For more info regarding jockey pump sizing and flow, contact us.