Jockey Pump Selection: An Ultimate Guide 2024

Whether you are a business owner, homeowner, builder, or tenant, you may have already heard of the importance of the jockey pump in a fire protection system. But do you know how it works within the fire pump system and what it is designed for? 

Let’s discuss why this little pump is so important to the overall functionality of any fire protection system.

What is a Jockey Pump?

A jockey pump is a small pump connected to a fire protection system to maintain water pressure in the sprinklers and pipes. In other words, it maintains water pressure in a fire protection piping system.

Why Do You Need a Jockey Pump?

The primary purpose of a jockey pump is to ensure consistent water pressure in the system. It prevents the main fire pump from frequently starting and stopping, which can cause wear and tear. 

A jockey pump package includes a main pump, motor, and controller. It is usually of the multicellular type and is powered by either an electric motor or a diesel engine.

How Does a Jockey Pump Work?

As we have already discussed the jockey pump working, the jockey pump is designed to detect the water pressure of the fire network. It draws water from the main water supply and supplies it to the fire protection system.

The pump increases pressure when it detects that it is below a certain pressure level. This way, it starts and stops automatically when the set pressure is reached.

What are the Types of Jockey Pumps?

Different types of jockey pumps are available in the market these days. You can categorize them based on various criteria, including their drive mechanism, control method, and application. Here are some common types to consider for your jockey pump selection:

1. Horizontal split-case jockey pump: This type of jockey pump has a horizontally split casing, which makes it easier for maintenance and repair. 
2. Vertical inline jockey pump: It's a space-saving pump design in which the pump and motor are arranged in a vertical inline configuration.
3. Constant speed jockey pump: These pumps operate at a constant speed and are designed to maintain steady water pressure in the fire protection system. 
4. Variable speed jockey pump: These pumps have variable speed controls that allow them to adjust their speed based on the system's demand. 
5. Pressure switch-controlled jockey pump: These jockey pumps are controlled by pressure switches that turn the pump on or off based on pressure levels. 
6. Packaged fire pump systems: In this case, jockey pumps are supplied as part of a packaged system. It includes the pump, controller, and other components.

How to Choose the Right Jockey Pump? 

The jockey pump selection depends on factors such as the specific requirements of the fire protection system, available power sources, space constraints, and desired control features. If you’re looking to buy a jockey pump, these are some crucial factors to consider before making your purchase:

• Flow rate: Make sure you choose a jockey pump with a flow rate that matches the flow rate of the main fire pump. It has to be at least 10% of the main pump’s flow rate and not more than 20%. Otherwise, it can damage the sprinkler system.
• Pressure rating: The pressure rating of the jockey pump should be higher than the system’s static pressure and lower than the main pump’s pressure. 
• Horsepower: The jockey pump’s motor horsepower needs to be appropriate for the system’s size and flow rate. 
• Material: The material used in the jockey pump must be suitable for the system’s environment. For example, the pump’s material should be corrosion-resistant if the system runs in a corrosive environment. 
• Manufacturer: When choosing a jockey pump, the reputation of the pump manufacturer matters. So, choose a reliable pump manufacturer with a history of producing reliable and durable pumps. 
• Maintenance: Finally, consider the maintenance and support available for the pump. Choose a jockey pump that is easy to maintain and repair with readily available replacement parts. 

Buying a jockey pump is a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider these factors in the jockey pump selection. Choose the right jockey pump for your application that meets your unique needs. Make sure it is tested to meet the fire suppression requirements before it can be shipped. There must be a certified factory test curve and fire pump flow chart to ensure quality pump operation.

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Jockey Pump Working and Capacity: An In-Depth Look

The jockey pump is essential for maintaining the water pressure in a fire sprinkler system. It ensures that the fire sprinkler system's pressure is within the desired limit, generally at a lower pressure than the main fire pump. 

The jockey pump maintains the required pressure and avoids the non-emergency starting of the main fire pump. This keeps the main fire pump from cycling short and expanding its life span. It runs continuously to compensate for any small leaks or pressure losses in the system.

Before you invest in a jockey pump, it would be better to understand everything about the Jockey Pump Working and capacity. Let’s get started! 

General Jockey Pump Power Requirements

The pump should be designed to start before the main fire pump. It returns the fire sprinkler system to its minimum static pressure but is not intended to keep up with the system demand regarding flow. In this situation, the system pressure decreases until the main fire pump starts to operate. Other jockey pump power requirements include:  

• A jockey pump is preferred to be a centrifugal pump. 
• It shall not be required to have an alternate or standby power.
• The pump should have a pressure-sensing line between its discharge check and isolation valve.
• It should be sized to replenish the water pressure of the fire sprinkler due to the allowable leakage and normal pressure drop. 
• It should have enough water pressure discharge to maintain the desired fire protection system pressure.

Factors Influencing the Power Requirements of a Jockey Pump

To determine the specific power requirements of your jockey pump, it's advised to consult with a professional. They will help you assess the system's unique characteristics and select an appropriate jockey pump to meet your needs while ensuring compliance with building and fire safety codes. 

Below are a few important considerations you need to make when it comes to determining your jockey pump power requirements: 

1. System Size

The fire sprinkler system's size affects the jockey pump's power requirements. The larger the system is, the more the sprinkler heads are required. This means that longer pipe runs would need a more powerful jockey pump. 

2. Pressure Requirements

The desired water pressure range for the fire sprinkler system will help you determine the jockey pump's working capacity. If the fire protection system needs to maintain a higher pressure, the jockey pump will need to provide more power.

3.Pipe Size and Length

The size and length of the piping in the system will affect the pressure losses. These are the losses the jockey pump needs to compensate for. For instance, longer or smaller-diameter pipes may require more power. 

4. Flow Rate and Horsepower Rating

The required flow rate is another important factor to keep in mind. The jockey pump must provide enough flow to overcome minor losses, maintaining the desired water pressure. Also, consider the horsepower (HP) rating of the jockey pump. A higher-rated jockey pump can provide more power to maintain system pressure. A jockey pump's power requirements typically range from 1 to 10 horsepower.

5. Energy Efficiency

The jockey pump's efficiency, motor, and assembly play a crucial role in its power requirements. More efficient pumps will require less power to achieve the same results. Whereas bigger applications often require more energy consumption. 

6. Frequency of Operation

Jockey pumps can operate continuously or intermittently, depending on the fire sprinkler system's design and needs. Continuous operation requires more power than intermittent operation. To determine the specific power requirements and the frequency of operation, it's advisable to consult with a professional engineer.

7. Industry Standards and Codes 

Also, different regions and industries have different design standards and codes that dictate the power requirements for jockey pumps in fire protection systems. So, adhering to these standards and codes is essential to ensure the system's effectiveness and safety. 

To achieve the best results with your jockey pump working and capacity, we recommend referring to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). 

Get in touch with us for more information on the Jockey Pump.