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F I R E

P U M P S

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WHAT IS A FIRE PUMP?

A PUMP THAT HAS BEEN TESTED & CERTIFIED TO MEET THE MINIMUM STANDARDS SET IN NFPA 20 AS TO PERFORMANCE AND OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROVIDE MAXIMUM RELIABILITY

FIRE PUMPS

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WHY ARE FIRE PUMPS USED?

CRITICAL COMPONENT OF FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS

WATER SUPPLIES

flow (gpm, l/m)

pressure (psi/bar)

ENHANCES WATER SUPPLY PRESSURE

Fire pumps cannot create water (flow)

FIRE PUMPS

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

INSPECTIONS:

PURPOSE – To verify pump assembly appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.

WEEKLY:

1. Check pump room ventilation.

2. Check pump suction & discharge valves are fully open.

3. Check suction & system pressure gauges are indicating normal pressure.

4. Check electrical system condition – “power on” pilot light is on.

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

INSPECTIONS:

WEEKLY:

5. Check diesel engine system condition:

• Fuel tank full

• Controller switch in “auto” position

• Batteries’ voltage reading acceptable

• Batteries’ charging current readings acceptable

• All pilot light indications – normal

• Crankcase oil level

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

INSPECTIONS:

WEEKLY:

5. Check diesel engine system condition:

• Cooling water level

• Battery electrolyte level

• Battery terminals free of corrossion

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

TESTS:

WEEKLY: - TEST FIRE PUMPS WITHOUT FLOWING WATER.

1. Start the pump automatically.

2. Electric pump – run for minimum 10 minutes.

3. Diesel pump – run for minimum 30 minutes.

4. Check pump circulation relief valve is discharging water.

5. While pump is running:

• Record pump suction & discharge gauge readings.

• Check pump packing glands for slight discharge – adjust if necessary.

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

TESTS:

WEEKLY: - TEST FIRE PUMPS WITHOUT FLOWING WATER.

• Check for unusual noise or vibration.

• Check packing boxes, bearings & pump casing for overheating.

• Record pump start pressure.

6. Electrical Systems:

• Observe time for motor to accelerate to full speed.

• Record the time controller is on first step (for reduced voltage or reduced current starting).

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FIRE PUMPS - INSPECTION, TESTING & MAINTENANCE

TESTS:

WEEKLY: - TEST FIRE PUMPS WITHOUT FLOWING WATER.

7. Diesel Engine system:

• Observe time for engine to crank

• Observe time for engine to reach running speed

• Observe engine oil pressure gauge, speed indicator, water & oil temperature indicators periodically while engine is running

• Record any abnormalities

• Check heat exchanger for cooling water flow