Fire Pump Packages: 7 Frequently Asked Questions

                                                                        

Reliable and code-compliant fire sprinkler systems for domestic and commercial buildings begin with fire pump packages. Without them, your sprinkler system won’t be able to generate the required water pressure by itself. Since fire pumps are a critical piece of fire protection, make sure they follow the NFPA standards for installation, inspection, and maintenance.

That being said, this blog post is going to cover the most commonly asked questions about fire pumps and jockey pump selection. Below are a few questions that we are frequently asked about fire pump systems:

1. What is a Fire Pump?

A fire pump is used to boost the available water pressure for a fire protection system. Its role is to increase the pressure coming from your water source to the rate required by your fire protection system to control a fire. Fire pumps usually come in a package consisting of a pump, driver, controller, and sensing line for fire pumps.

2. Why do I Need a Fire Pump?

If you live in a building where the available water pressure isn’t enough to meet the requirements of your fire protection system, then you may need a fire pump. Although fire pumps are not required in every building, they are common in high-rise structures that often struggle with low water pressure. This is because these buildings have high water pressure requirements that can exceed the capabilities of the water supply.

3. How do Fire Pumps Work?

Fire pumps are more than just a pump. In fact, they are made up of a full system combined with a motor, controller, and fire pump sensing line. The pump gets the water from a source like a lake, tank, or reservoir. The available pressure is boosted by the means of the motor and impellers to distribute it throughout the sprinkler system.

4. What does Fire Pump Testing Include?

During an annual fire pump test, you will have to check all of the necessary lines and incoming voltage. Look at all the phases to ensure that no excessive voltage is going to the panel. Also, don’t forget to look for internal problems within the pump to know whether it is performing as per the design and industry standards. This is why you will need to perform a flow test at 100 and 150% of the fire pump’s rated value.

5. How Should I Maintain a Fire Pump?

The best way to maintain your fire pump is to run it on a weekly/monthly basis. Make sure its drain lines are draining and not flooding. The pump area should be clear of anything that could prevent a clog. If it is not properly taken care of, the pump will most likely not perform to its design standards. You can consider contacting a pump expert to schedule an inspection.

6. What are the Different Types of Fire Pumps?

The most common types of fire pumps are the horizontal split case, vertical split case, vertical in-line, and vertical turbine. These types have different sizes and lifespans based on their accessibility for repairs and maintenance. For instance, the horizontal split case is the most widely used fire pump, but it takes up more space than other types. On the other hand, vertical split case fire pumps are similar, but take up less space.

7. How do I Pick the Right Fire Pump Driver?

When it comes to powering your fire pump sensing line, there are two major drivers available – electric motors and diesel engines. Pick the right driver on the basis of reliability, adequacy, safety, and economy. For example, diesel engines are proven to be reliable for larger applications and require batteries and fuel tanks for the electric start.

On the other hand, electric motors are best for smaller applications with a reliable source of power. Other options may include steam turbines that are rare to come by. Because there are different fire pump packages, make sure you choose the right driver that is appropriate for your space.

The Final Verdict

Bringing together the years of knowledge, expertise, engineering, utility, and quality, Callaghan Pump offers a complete range of fire pump packages from horizontal to vertical models. These packages offer a longer life span, higher efficiencies, and lower maintenance costs. Plus, they are available with both electric and diesel drivers.

Talk to us for more details.

Summary: When it comes to sprinkler systems and fire pump packages, there are several burning questions people usually have. Let’s try to answer them one by one in this blog post.

Fire Pumps and Systems: The Most Commonly Asked Questions

At its best, firefighting is a hazardous business. And without a well-designed fire protection system and a fire booster pump, it becomes even more dangerous to save assets and lives. A fire pump is an important part of your sprinkler system and is essential in buildings with levels higher than 400-500 ft.

Especially in high-rise structures, fire pumps and systems are critical in distributing water through sprinklers. This is true where water pressure from water mains can’t reach the sprinkler system. It usually happens when the fire pump intake is either connected to the public water supply or a static water source like a tank, reservoir, lake, etc.

·         What does a Fire Booster Pump do?

The role of the fire pump is to provide water flow to the sprinkler risers and hose standpipes at a higher flow. It starts when the water pressure in the fire protection system drops below a certain threshold.

The fire pump is powered either by an electric motor or a diesel engine. If a building code requires power that is free from the local electric power grid, you will need an electric motor connected via a listed transfer switch and the installation of an emergency generator.

·         When do You Need a Fire Pump?

To determine whether you need a fire booster pump, compare the fire suppression system demands with the available water supply. If the supply cannot meet the demands, you will need a fire pump. Conversely, if the water supply meets the pressure demands, you don’t need a fire pump.

·         What are the Standards Governing Fire Pumps?

Code-compliant fire pumps and systems for commercial and industrial buildings begin with the standards governing fire pumps. According to the US-based National Fire Protection Association - NFPA, the standard for installing stationary pumps is the most widely accepted standard. NFPA 20 is considered the leading code, with its many safety measures that are designed to account for all conceivable scenarios and ensure maximum fire protection.

NFPA 20 addresses everything from the fire pump room to the water source itself. The standard provides installers, designers, and manufacturers with minimum requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, and testing. It ensures that each of the individual components would perform as a whole when the system is active.

·         How Often Should You Inspect/Test Your Fire Pump?

It is likely that your building contains a sprinkler system and a fire booster pump as part of your fire protection equipment. These are automatic systems that act as the first line of defense when a fire breaks out. A vital part of your fire safety plan is to inspect your fire pump so that it can perform optimally. You may wonder how often you should inspect and test your fire pump. Well, this can be done regularly, weekly, monthly, and yearly.

·         Why You Should Install a Jockey Pump in the Fire System

Fire pumps and sprinkler systems are designed to put out fires as quickly as possible. This is done by a set of sprinklers connected to each other and to the water source. When the sprinkler system is active, it will take only a few seconds for the sprinkler to release water.

However, there is a need to maintain pressure in the pipes, so each fire sprinkler loses a small amount of pressure when it turns on. When a fire breaks out and a sprinkler turns on, there must be enough pressure in the pipes to activate the next sprinkler.

Here, installing a jockey pump could save your day. It is designed for this purpose and will turn on whenever it senses a certain amount of pressure drop in the fire protection system. It will maintain water pressure to help the fire booster pump operate without any delay.

The Bottom Line

Without a fire booster pump, your fire sprinkler system will only work until there is a prolonged water supply and pressure. This means that the system won’t be able to reach every corner of your building and put out an entire fire by itself. So, rest easy knowing that having a sensing line for fire pumps would help you ensure fire safety 24/7.

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