Installation of Stationary

Pumps for Fire Protection

By: Engr. Ronel R. Baes

 Water-Based Fire Protection
Systems
Water-based fire protection systems are the most common form
of fire suppression for both the industrial and the commercial
sectors. Types of systems include, but are not limited to:

1.Automatic Sprinkler Systems

2.Standpipe and Hose Systems
3.Water Supply Systems/Private Fire Service Mains
4.Fire Pumps
5.Water Spray Fixed Systems
6.Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems/Foam-Water Spray Systems
7.Low- Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems
8.Water Mist Systems
What makes a Water-Based
Fire Protection Systems?
 Typical Layout of Complete Water-
Based Fire Protection System
3. Private Fire Service Main -
Fire Hydrant System

4. Automatic Sprinkler
2. Fire Pump System
System

1. Water Storage Tank

NFPA 20 - Standard for the Installation of
Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
 Fire Pump Design Philosophy

When a fire pump is called upon to run under

emergency conditions, it must be given every
opportunity to run, even when it may be
damaged by continued operation.

NFPA 20 considers a fire pump "expendable", and

the requirements are focused on getting the
pump started and running continuously, and only
secondarily on protecting the pump from
damage.
 General Requirements

4.3.1 In the event of fire pump operation, qualified personnel shall respond to the
fire pump location to determine that the fire pump is operating in a satisfactory
manner.

4.3.3.1 Installation personnel shall be qualified or shall be supervised by

persons who are qualified in the installation, inspection, and testing of fire
protection systems.

Fire pumps shall be dedicated to and listed for fire protection service.

The net pump shutoff (churn) pressure plus the maximum static suction
pressure, adjusted for elevation, shall not exceed the pressure for which the
system components are rated.
A centrifugal fire pump for fire protection shall be selected so that the greatest
single demand for any fire protection system connected to the pump is less than
or equal to 150 percent of the rated capacity (flow) of the pump.
General Requirements
 Purpose of Fire Pump

 To protect lives and properties against fire by supplying an

adequate water supply to automatic sprinklers or stand
pipes.

 To meet the building codes and insurance requirements.

.
 Fire Pump

 A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinkler system's water

supply and powered by electric or diesel. The pump intake
is either connected to the underground water supply
piping, or a static water source (e.g., tank, reservoir).

 Because of the unique nature of fire pump units, the approval

should be obtained prior to the assembly or installation of any
specific component.

 Shall be periodically inspected, tested, and maintained in

accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing,
and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
 PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

The two major components of a centrifugal pump are a disc, called

the impeller, and the casing in which it rotates (Figure 15.6.3). It
operates by converting kinetic energy to velocity and pressure
energy. Power from the driver, which is an electric motor, a diesel
engine, or a steam turbine, is transmitted to the pump through the
shaft, rotating the impeller at high speed. The way that energy is
converted varies with the type of pump.
 Types of Fire Pumps

1. Horizontal Split-Case Pump

A centrifugal pump characterized by a
housing that is split parallel to the shaft.
 Horizontal Split-Case Pump

• Benefits • Drawbacks
a. Available in a wide flow and a. Large floor space
head ranges requirements.
b. Serviceable without b. Restricts mechanical room
disturbing piping or driver. layout due to direction or
c. Available in electric motor or rotation.
diesel engine drive. c. Costly
d. More difficult to service
 Types of Fire Pumps

2. Vertical In-Line Pump

A centrifugal pump whose drive unit is supported by the pump
having its suction and discharge flanges on approximately the
same centerline.
 Types of Fire Pumps

2. Vertical In-Line Pump

• Benefits • Drawbacks
a.Compact a. Available up to 1500
b.Serviceable without GPM.
disturbing piping or b. Electric driven only.
driver.
c. Requires suction
c.Cost Effective strainer.
 Types of Fire Pumps

3. End Suction Pump

A single suction pump having its suction nozzle on the
opposite side of the casing from the stuffing box and having
the face of the suction nozzle perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the shaft.
 Types of Fire Pumps

3. End Suction Pump

• Benefits • Drawbacks
a.Moderate floor space a. Available up to 1500
requirement. GPM.
b.Flexible mechanical b. Single suction design
layout. limits hydraulic efficiency.
c.Serviceable without
disturbing piping or driver.
d.Available in electric motor
and diesel engine drive.
 Types of Fire Pumps

4. Vertical Line shaft Turbine Pump

 A vertical shaft centrifugal

pump with rotating impeller or
impellers and with discharge
from the pumping element
coaxial with the shaft.

 Vertical turbine pumps are

centrifugal pumps with one or
more impellers discharging
into one or more bowls and a
vertical educator or column
pipe that connects the bowls
to the discharge head on
which the pump driver may be
mounted.
 Types of Fire Pumps

4. Vertical Line shaft Turbine Pump

• Benefits
a.Will operate under suction lift.
b.Available over wide range of
flow and head.
c.Available in electric motor and
diesel engine drive.

• Drawbacks
a. Costly.
b. More difficult to install and
service.
 Types of Fire Pumps

4. Vertical Line shaft Turbine Pump

Electric
motor Driven

Diesel Engine
Driven
Pump Types and Their Pressure
and Capacity Ranges
 Summary of Centrifugal Fire
Pump Data
TABLE 17.01 Summary of Centrifugal Fire Pump Data

Minimum Pipe Sizes

Pump Rating Number and Hose
Relief Valve Meter
(L/min) Suction*† Discharge* Relief Valve Size of Hose Header
Discharge Device
Valves Supply
95 25 25 20 25 32 1 — 40 25
189 40 32 32 40 50 1 — 40 40
379 50 50 40 50 65 1 — 65 65
568 65 65 50 65 80 1 — 65 65
757 80 80 50 65 80 1 — 65 65
946 90 80 50 65 90 1 — 65 80
1,136 100 100 65 90 90 1 — 65 80
1,514 100 100 80 125 100 2 — 65 100
1,703 125 125 80 125 100 2 — 65 100
1,892 125 125 100 125 125 2 — 65 100
2,839 150 150 100 150 125 3 — 65 150
3,785 200 150 150 200 150 4 — 65 150
4,731 200 200 150 200 150 6 — 65 200
5,677 200 200 150 200 200 6 — 65 200
7,570 250 250 150 250 200 6 — 65 200
9,462 250 250 200 250 200 8 — 65 250
11,355 300 300 200 300 200 12 — 65 250
13,247 300 300 200 300 250 12 — 65 300
15,140 350 300 200 350 250 16 — 65 300
17,032 400 350 200 350 250 16 — 65 300
18,925 400 350 200 350 250 20 — 65 300
*Actual diameter of pump flange is permitted to be different from pipe diameter.
NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Diesel Engine (Driver)

Fire Pump Unit

 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Discharge Pressure
Gauge
Suction Pressure
Gauge
NFPA 20 Required Accessories

A pressure gauge having a dial not less than 89 mm (3.5 in.) in

diameter shall be connected near the discharge casting with a
nominal 6 mm (0.25 in.) gauge valve. The dial shall indicate
pressure to at least twice the rated working pressure of the
pump but not less than 13.8 bar (200 psi). The face of the dial
shall read in bar, pounds per square inch, or both with the
manufacturer's standard graduations.
A compound pressure and vacuum gauge having a dial not less
than 89 mm (3.5 in.) in diameter shall be connected to the
suction pipe near the pump with a nominal 6 mm (0.25 in.)
gauge valve. The face of the dial shall read in millimeters of
mercury (inches of mercury) or bar (psi) for the suction range.
The gauge shall have a pressure range two times the rated
maximum suction pressure of the pump, but not less than 6.9
bar (100 psi).
NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Discharge Control
Valve

Suction Control
Valve
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

A listed outside screw and yoke (OS&Y) gate

valve shall be installed in the suction pipe. No
valve other than a listed OS&Y valve shall be
installed in the suction pipe within 15.3 m (50
ft) of the pump suction flange.

A listed indicating gate or butterfly valve shall

be installed on the fire protection system side
of the pump discharge check valve.

The suction valve, discharge valve, bypass valves, and isolation valves on
the backflow prevention device or assembly shall be supervised open
NFPA 20 Required Accessories
Pressure
Relief Valve

Waste
Cone
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Where a diesel engine fire pump is installed and where

a total of 121 percent of the net rated shutoff (churn)
pressure plus the maximum static suction pressure,
adjusted for elevation, exceeds the pressure for which
the system components are rated, a pressure relief
valve shall be installed.

The relief valve shall be located between the pump and

the pump discharge check valve and shall be so
attached that it can be readily removed for repairs
without disturbing the piping.

Water discharge from the relief valve shall be readily visible or easily
detectable by the pump operator.
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Diesel Fuel Storage

Tank

Discharge Check
Valve
NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Flow Meter
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

A fire pump installation shall be arranged to allow the test of the

pump at its rated conditions as well as the suction supply at the
maximum flow available from the fire pump.
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Fire Pump Controller

Jockey Pump
Controller
NFPA 20 Required Accessories
 LOCATION AND HOUSING OF
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

• Fire pumps are preferably housed in buildings of

fire-resistant or noncombustible construction.

• Even when the climate is so mild that there is no

danger of freezing, sufficient enclosure is
needed to protect against dirt, corrosion, and
tampering.
Jockey Pumps
 Jockey Pumps
A jockey pump is a pump connected to a fire sprinkler system and is
intended to maintain pressure in a fire protection piping system to an
artificially high level so that the operation of a single fire sprinkler will cause a
pressure drop which will be sensed by the fire pump automatic controller,
causing the fire pump to start. The jockey pump is essentially a portion of the
fire pump's control system.

A jockey pump is sized for a flow less than the flow to one sprinkler in order
to ensure a system pressure drop. Hence a jockey pump is an important part
of the fire pumps control system. Jockey pumps are typically small multistage
centrifugal pumps, and do not have to be listed or certified for fire system
application. The control equipment for jockey pumps may however carry
approvals.

Jockey pumps should be sized for 3% of the flow of the main fire pump and to
provide 10psi more pressure than the main fire pump (As per Code IS 15105 :
2002)
Fire Pump Settings
 Fire Pump Settings
The fire pump system, when started by pressure
drop, should be arranged as follows:

1. JOCKEY PUMP

➢ The jockey pump stop point should equal the pump

churn pressure plus the minimum static supply
pressure.

➢ The jockey pump start point should be at least 0.68

bar (10 psi) less than the jockey pump stop point.
 Fire Pump Settings

2. FIRE PUMP

➢ The fire pump start point should be 0.34 bar (5 psi) less than the
jockey pump start point. Use 0.68 bar (10 psi) increments for each
additional pump.

➢ Where minimum run times are provided, the pump will continue to
operate after attaining these pressures. The final pressures should
not exceed the pressure rating of the system.

➢ Where the operating differential of pressure switches does not permit

these settings, the settings should be as close as equipment will
permit. The settings should be established by pressures observed on
test gauges.
 Fire Pump Settings

Examples of fire pump settings follow (for SI units, 1 psi =

0.0689 bar):

1. Pump: 1000 gpm, 100 psi pump with churn pressure of

115 psi
2. Suction supply: 50 psi from city — minimum static; 60
psi from city — maximum static
3. Jockey pump stop = 115 psi + 50 psi = 165 psi
4. Jockey pump start = 165 psi - 10 psi = 155 psi
5. Fire pump start = 155 psi - 5 psi = 150 psi
6. Fire pump maximum churn = 115 psi + 60 psi = 175 psi
 Fire Pump Motor Rating

PW  Q    H TD
gal
750 min  62.4 lb
ft 3
 230.4 ft
PW  ft lb
7.48 gal
ft 3
 33,000 min  hp

PW  43.68hp  32.58kw
PM = Pw / %eff.
PM = Pw/0.60 = 73 Hp
 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Suction piping shall be flushed at a flow rate not less than

indicated in Table 14.1.1.1(a) and Table 14.1.1.1(b) or at the
hydraulically calculated water demand rate of the system,
whichever is greater.
 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Suction and discharge piping shall be hydrostatically

tested at not less than 13.8 bar (200 psi) pressure, or at 3.4
bar (50 psi) in excess of the maximum pressure to be
maintained in the system, whichever is greater.
The installing contractor shall furnish a certificate for flushing
and hydrostatic test prior to the start of the fire pump field
acceptance test.
All electric wiring to the fire pump motor(s), including control
(multiple pumps) interwiring, normal power supply, alternate
power supply where provided, and jockey pump, shall be
completed and checked by the electrical contractor prior to
the initial startup and acceptance test.
 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Certified Pump Curve.

14.2.4.1 A copy of the manufacturer's certified pump test characteristic

curve shall be available for comparison of the results of the field
acceptance test.

14.2.4.2 The fire pump as installed shall equal the performance as

indicated on the manufacturer's certified shop test characteristic curve
within the accuracy limits of the test equipment.

14.2.5 The fire pump shall perform at minimum, rated, and peak loads
without objectionable overheating of any component.
 ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS

Flow Tests.

14.2.7.2.1* The minimum, rated, and peak loads of the fire

pump shall be determined by controlling the quantity of
water discharged through approved test devices.

14.2.7.2.2 If available suction supplies do not permit the

flowing of 150 percent of rated pump capacity, the fire pump
shall be operated at maximum allowable discharge to
determine its acceptance. This reduced capacity shall not
constitute an unacceptable test.
How many manual and automatic
starts are required by code at the
fields acceptance test?
 Section 14.2.8.2

As a minimum, no fewer than six automatic and

six manual operations shall be performed
during the acceptance test.
 Section 14.2.8.3

A fire pump driver shall be operated for a period

of at least five minutes at full speed during each
of the operations required in 14.2.7 ( which is the
field acceptance test)
 Section 14.1.3

The installing contractor shall furnish a

certificate for flushing and hydrostatic test prior
to the start of the fire pump field acceptance
test.
 Installation Methodology

➢ The installation of Fire Protection

System should be planned and
programmed and at an early stage
coordinated with project architect
and engineers.
➢ Construction labor used for the
installation of the systems shall
be skilled and experienced.

➢ Suitable facilities for off- loading and secure storage of materials

must be provided on the construction site.
 Installation Methodology

➢ Access facilities such as the provision of

lifting equipment, fixed or mobile scaffolding
must be provided by either the general
contractor or specialist fire protection sub-
contractor.
➢ When service such as the provision of holes
through floors and walls, fire pump and tank
bases are provided by the main
contractor, careful co-ordination shall be
exercised.
➢ The provision of electrical supplies must be
carefully checked for compliance with
requirements.
 Installation Methodology
➢External works such as the
provision of water storage tank, fire
pump house and the laying of
underground mains should be
achieved at an early stage of the
contract.
➢NO back filling of trenches shall
be allowed prior to inspection by the
fire protection consultant or qualified
designate.
 I. General Requirements – Suction
Pipes and Fittings

a. The suction components shall consist of all pipe, valves, and fittings
from the pump suction flange to the connection to the public or
private water service main, storage tank, or reservoir, and so forth,
that feeds water to the pump.

b. Suction pipe shall be installed and tested in accordance with NFPA

24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and
Their Appurtenances.

c. The suction pipe shall be sized such that, with the pump(s)
operating at 150 percent of rated capacity, the velocity in that portion
of the suction pipe located within 10 pipe diameters upstream of the
pump suction flange does not exceed 4.57 m/sec (15 ft/sec).
 I. General Requirements – Suction
Pipes and Fittings

Suction pipe shall be laid carefully to avoid air leaks and air pockets,
either of which can seriously affect the operation of the pump.
 I. General Requirements – Suction
Pipes and Fittings

Where the suction pipe and pump suction flange are not of the same
size, they shall be connected with an eccentric tapered reducer or
increaser installed in such a way as to avoid air pockets.
 I. General Requirements – Suction
Pipes and Fittings

For pump(s) taking suction from a stored water supply, a vortex plate shall
be installed at the entrance to the suction pipe. (See Figure A.6.3.1.)
 I. General Requirements – Discharge
Devices, Pipes and Fittings

No device or assembly, unless identified below, that will stop, restrict the
starting, or restrict the discharge of a fire pump or pump driver shall be
installed in the suction piping.
 I. General Requirements – Discharge
Devices, Pipes and Fittings

Discharge Pipe and Fittings.

a. The size of pump discharge pipe and fittings shall not be less than
that given in Section 5.25.

b. A listed check valve or backflow preventer shall be installed in the

pump discharge assembly.
c. A listed indicating gate or butterfly valve shall be installed on the fire
protection system side of the pump discharge check valve.

d. Where pumps are installed in series, a butterfly valve shall not be

installed between pumps.
 I. General Requirements – Discharge
Devices, Pipes and Fittings

Valve Supervision.
Supervised Open. Where provided, the suction valve, discharge valve,
bypass valves, and isolation valves on the backflow prevention device or
assembly shall be supervised open by one of the following methods:

➢ Central station, proprietary, or remote station signaling service

➢ Local signaling service that will cause the sounding of an audible
signal at a constantly attended point
➢ Locking valves open
➢ Sealing of valves and approved weekly recorded inspection where
valves are located within fenced enclosures under the control of
the owner

Supervised Closed. The test outlet control valves shall be supervised

closed.
 I. General Requirements – Discharge
Devices, Pipes and Fittings

Relief Valves for Centrifugal Pumps.

a. The relief valve size shall not be less than that given in Section
5.25.for conditions that affect size.)

Pressure
Relief
Valve

Waste Cone
I. General Requirements - Water Flow
Test Devices.
 I. General Requirements - Water Flow
Test Devices.
The following notes apply to Figure A.5.19.1.2(b):

1. Distance as recommended by the meter manufacturer.

2. Distance not less than 5 diameters of suction pipe for top or bottom suction
connection.
3. Automatic air release if piping forms an inverted “U,” trapping air.
4. The fire protection system should have outlets available to test the fire pump
and suction supply piping.
5. The closed loop meter arrangement will test only net pump performance. It
does not test the condition of the suction supply, valves, piping, and so forth.
6. Return piping should be so arranged that no air can be trapped that would
eventually end up in the eye of the pump impeller.
7. Turbulence in the water entering the pump should be avoided to eliminate
cavitation, which would reduce pump discharge and damage the pump
impeller. For this reason, side connection is not recommended.
8. Prolonged recirculation can cause damaging heat build-up, unless some
water is wasted.
Jockey Pumps
 Jockey Pumps
A jockey pump is a pump connected to a fire sprinkler system and is
intended to maintain pressure in a fire protection piping system to an
artificially high level so that the operation of a single fire sprinkler will cause a
pressure drop which will be sensed by the fire pump automatic controller,
causing the fire pump to start. The jockey pump is essentially a portion of the
fire pump's control system.

A jockey pump is sized for a flow less than the flow to one sprinkler in order
to ensure a system pressure drop. Hence a jockey pump is an important part
of the fire pumps control system. Jockey pumps are typically small multistage
centrifugal pumps, and do not have to be listed or certified for fire system
application. The control equipment for jockey pumps may however carry
approvals.

Jockey pumps should be sized for 3% of the flow of the main fire pump and to
provide 10psi more pressure than the main fire pump (As per Code IS 15105 :
2002)
Jockey Pumps
 Jockey Pumps

The following notes apply to a centrifugal-type pressure

maintenance pump:

a. A jockey pump is usually required with automatically

controlled pumps.

b. Jockey pump suction can come from the tank filling supply
line. This situation would allow high pressure to be
maintained on the fire protection system even when the
supply tank is empty for repairs.

c. Pressure-sensing lines also need to be installed in

accordance with 10.5.2.1. [See Figure A.10.5.2.1(a) and
Figure A.10.5.2.1(b).]
Jockey Pumps – Pressure Sensing Line
Jockey Pumps – Pressure
Sensing Line
 Electric Motor Driven Fire
Pump
Power Source(s).
a. Power shall be supplied to the electric motor–driven fire pump by a
reliable source or two or more approved independent sources.

b. Where multiple electric power sources are provided, they shall be

arranged so that a fire, structural failure, or operational accident
that interrupts one source will not cause an interruption of the
other source.

c. Circuits feeding fire pump(s) and their accessories shall be

dedicated and protected to resist possible damage by fire,
structural failure, or operational accident.
 NFPA 20 Required Accessories

Fire Pump Controller

Jockey Pump
Controller
 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
of Fire Pump

TESTING

MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
 I. Definition

A visual examination of fire protection system or portion thereof

to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free
of physical damage.
Inspection
A procedure used to determine the status of a system as
intended by conducting periodic physical checks on fire
protection systems such as functional tests, alarm tests, and
trip tests of solenoid valves. These tests follow up on the
original acceptance test at intervals specified in the appropriate
code and standards.
Testing
 I. Definition

Work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs.

Maintenance

A service program provided by a qualified contractor or owner’s

representative in which all components unique to the property’s
systems are inspected and tested at the required times and
necessary maintenance is provided.

Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance Service

 II. General Requirements

1 Responsibility of the Owner or Occupant.

• The responsibility for properly maintaining a water-based fire

protection system shall be that of the owner of the property.

• Inspection, testing, and maintenance shall be implemented in

accordance with procedures meeting or exceeding those
established in this document and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

• These tasks shall be performed by personnel who have

developed competence through training and experience.
 II. General Requirements

1 Responsibility of the Owner or Occupant.

• The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair

deficiencies, damaged parts, or impairments found while
performing the inspection, test, and maintenance
requirements of this standard.

• Corrections and repairs shall be performed by qualified

maintenance personnel or a qualified contractor.
 II. General Requirements

• All water-base fire protection system, its associated equipment, control valves,
gauges, alarm devices, and systems interface shall be inspected, tested and
serviced in accordance with the following clauses.

• A standard Service Form shall accompany the tests, which shall be undertaken by
authorized Service Personnel with a copy duly signed by service personnel and the
Client’s representatives. A detailed Service Report, incorporating all tests shall be
submitted to Client when all systems involved had been accomplished.

• Before proceeding with any testing all persons and facilities who may receive an
alarm, supervisory, or trouble signal, and building occupants, shall be notified to
prevent unnecessary response. At the conclusion of testing, those previously notified
(and others necessary) shall be further notified that testing has been concluded.

• Service personnel shall be qualified and experienced in the inspection, testing and
maintenance of Automatic Sprinkler Systems.
 Fire Pump – General
Requirements
Summary of Fire Pump Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
Item Activity Frequency
Pump house, heating ventilating louvers Inspection Weekly
Fire pump system Inspection Weekly
Pump operation
No-flow condition Test Weekly
Flow condition Test Annually
Hydraulic Maintenance Annually
Mechanical transmission Maintenance Annually
Electrical system Maintenance Varies
Controller, various components Maintenance Varies
Motor Maintenance Annually
Diesel engine system, various components Maintenance Varies
 Fire Pump – Inspection

Purpose

To verify that the pump assembly appears to

be in operating condition and is free from
physical damage.
 INSPECTION - PUMP HOUSE

• Check pump house condition, housekeeping,

and ventilating louvers if they are free to operate.
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

Verify and check pump suction and discharge, and

bypass valves if fully open. Inspect for piping leaks.
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

• Inspect for piping leaks

 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

• Verify tightness of stuffing box glands.

Check packing
glands for slight
discharge during
testing.
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

✓ Verify frequency of operation

of pressure maintenance
pump.
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

• Check suction line pressure gauge reading if

normal.

FIRE PUMP
SUCTION LINE
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

• Check system discharge line pressure gauge reading if

normal.

FIRE PUMP
DISCHARGE LINE
 INSPECTION - PUMP SYSTEM

• Verify if suction reservoir is full.

NFPA 22 CHAPTER
16.pdf

NFPA 22
CHAPTER 9.pdf
 Inspection - ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM

– Verify that Controller

selector switch is in
AUTO position.
 Inspection - ELECTRICAL
SYSTEM

Verify that battery (2) pilot

lights are on, or battery
failure (2) pilot lights are off.

Battery 1
trouble - off

Battery 2
trouble - off
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Verify that all alarm

pilot lights are off.
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Verify if fuel tank is at

least two-thirds full.

DIESEL FUEL
TANK
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Check if battery (2) voltage

readings are normal.

Batt.1 Batt.2
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Check and record engine

running time meter reading.
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Check oil level in right

angle gear drive if
normal.
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Check crankcase oil level if

normal.
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

Check cooling water

level if normal.
 Inspection - DIESEL ENGINE
SYSTEM

• Check electrolyte
level in batteries if
normal.

• Check battery
terminals for
corrosion.
 Fire Pump - TESTING

PURPOSE

➢ To ensure automatic or manual operation upon demand

and continuous delivery of the required system output.

➢ To detect deficiencies of the pump assembly not evident

by inspection.
 Fire Pump Testing - GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS

Weekly test of fire pump assemblies shall be conducted without

flowing water.

➢ This test shall be conducted by starting the pump

automatically.

➢ Electric pump shall run a minimum of 10 minutes.

➢ Diesel pump shall run a minimum of 30 minutes.

 While Pump Is Operating –
Horizontal Pumps
➢ Read suction and discharge gauges — difference between
these readings indicates churn pressure, which should match
churn pressure as shown on fire pump nameplate.

Discharge Pressure Gauge

Suction Pressure Gauge

 While Pump Is Operating –
Horizontal Pumps
Observe packing glands for proper leakage for cooling of
packing.

Check packing glands

for slight discharge
during testing.
 While Pump Is Operating –
Horizontal Pumps

Observe discharge from casing relief valve

— adequate flow keeps pump case from
overheating.
 While Pump Is Operating –
Diesel Engine

➢ Observe discharge of cooling water from heat exchanger —

if not adequate, check strainer in cooling system for
obstructions. If still not adequate, adjust pressure reducing
valve for correct flow.

Heat Exchanger

Strainer
Pressure Reducing
Valve
 While Pump Is Operating –
Diesel Engine

➢ Check engine instrument panel for correct speed, oil

pressure, water temperature, and ammeter charging
rate.
 While Pump Is Operating –
Diesel Engine
Check battery terminal connections for corrosion and
clean if necessary.
 Fire Pump - TESTING

After pump has stopped running, check intake screens, if

provided; change diesel system pressure recorder chart
and rewind if necessary.

Pressure recorder located

inside fire pump controller.
 Fire Pump Weekly Tests

• The pertinent visual observations or

adjustments shall be conducted while the
pump is running:
 Weekly Test – while the pump is
running.
Pump system:

➢ Record the system suction and discharge pressure

gauge readings
➢ Check the pump packing glands for slight discharge
➢ Adjust gland nuts if necessary
➢ Check for unusual noise or vibration
➢ Check packing boxes, bearings, or pump casing for
overheating
➢ Record the pump starting pressure
 Weekly Test – while the pump is
running.
Electrical system procedure:

➢ Observe the time for motor to accelerate to full speed

➢ Record the time controller is on first step (for reduced
voltage or reduced current starting)
➢ Record the time pump runs after starting (for
automatic stop controllers)
 Weekly Test – while the pump is
running.

Diesel engine system procedure:

➢ Observe the time for engine to crank
➢ Observe the time for engine to reach running speed
➢ Observe the engine oil pressure gauge, speed indicator,
water, and oil temperature indicators periodically while
engine is running
➢ Record any abnormalities
➢ Check the heat exchanger for cooling water flow
 Fire Pump Annual Tests

Annual test of each pump assembly shall be

conducted under:

➢Minimum flow = churn pressure

➢Rated flow = 2,500 gpm
➢Peak flow = 150% X rated flow

Test shall be conducted by controlling the quantity

of water discharged through approved test
devices.
 Fire Pump Annual Test

This test shall be conducted as described below:

1. Use of the Pump Discharge Via the Hose Streams.

Pump suction and discharge pressures and the flow
measurements of each hose stream shall determine
the total pump output.

2. Use of the Pump Discharge Via the Bypass

Flowmeter to Drain or Suction the Reservoir. Pump
suction and discharge pressures and the flowmeter
measurements shall determine the total pump output.
 Fire pump Annual Tests

3. Use of the Pump

Discharge Via the
Bypass Flowmeter to
Pump Suction (Closed-
Loop Metering).
 Fire Pump Annual Tests

The pertinent visual observations, measurements, and

adjustments conducted annually while the pump is
running and flowing water under the specified output
condition:

1. At no-flow condition (churn):

➢ Check the circulation relief valve for operation to

discharge water
➢ Check the pressure relief valve (if installed) for proper
operation
➢ Continue the test for ½ hour
 Fire Pump Annual Tests

2. At each flow condition:

➢ Record the electric motor voltage and current

(all lines)
➢ Record the pump speed in rpm
➢ Record the simultaneous (approximately)
readings of pump suction and discharge
pressures and pump discharge flow
 Fire Pump TESTING

Record all proceedings and results on FIRE

PUMP Service Form. A permanent
record of all inspections and testing
shall be provided on the service form.
Fire Pump Troubleshooting
 Fire Pump Troubleshooting

FIRE PUMP WILL NOT START

Fire Pump - TROUBLE
SHOOTING
 Fire Pump Troubleshooting

FIRE PUMP IS NOISY OR

VIBRATES
Fire Pump - TROUBLE
SHOOTING
Fire Pump Troubleshooting

NO WATER DISCHARGE
Fire Pump - TROUBLE
SHOOTING
Fire Pump - TROUBLE
SHOOTING
Fire Pump - TROUBLE
SHOOTING
 for same gpm

gpm discharge
No water discharge
Fire Pump Troubles

Pump unit will not start

Pump is noisy or vibrates

Pump or driver overheats

Too much power required

Insufficient water discharge

Discharge pressure too low for
pump loses suction after starting
Discharge pressure not constant
Excessive leakage at stuffing box
1

X
X
X
X
X
Air drawn into suctionconnection throughleak(s)

X
X
X
X
Suction connection obstructed

X
X
X
X
Air pocket in suction pipe
Suction

X
X
X
X
well collapse or serious misalignment
Stuffing box too tight or packing improperly installed, worn,

X
X
X
X
X
X
X
defective, too tight, or incorect type

X
X
X
X
X
Water seal or pipe to seal abstructed

X
X
X
X
Air leak into pump through stuffing boxes

X
X
X
X
X
X
Impeller obstructed

X
X
X
wearing rings worn

X
X
X
Impeller damaged

X
X
X
X
wrong diameter impeller

X
X
Actual net head lower than rated
10 11 12 Casing gasket defective, permittingInternal leakage (single-

X
X
13
Pump

stageand multistage pumps)

X
Pressure gauge is on top of pump casing
14

Incorrect impeller adjustment(vertical shaft turbine-type

X
X
X
15

pump only
X

Impeller locked
X

Pump is frozen
X
X
X
X

Pump shaft or shaft sleeve scored, bent, or worn

X
X

Pump not printed

16 17 18 19

X Seal ring improperlylocated in stuffing box, preventing

X
20

water from entering space to form seal

Fire Pump Troubles

Excess bearing friction due to lack of lubrication, wear, dirt,

X
X
X
X
21

rusting, failure, or improper installtion

X
X
X

Rotatingelement binds againts stationary element

X
X
X
X

Pump and driver misaligned

X
X
X

Foundation not rigid

Driver and/or Pump

Engine-cooling system obstructed

X

Fault driver
X
X
X
X

Lack of lubrication
X
X

Speed too low

X
X
X
X

Wrong direction of rotation

Driver

X
X

Speed too low

X
X
X
X

Rated motor voltatage different from line voltatage

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Summary Possible Causes of

Fualty electric circuit, obstructed fuel system, obstructed

X
32

steam pipe, or dead battery

 Fire Pump - MAINTENANCE

A preventive maintenance program shall be

established on all components of the pump
assembly in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Fire Pump Maintenance -
GENERAL REQUIREMENT

The following practices are recommended:

➢ Lubricant fittings should be cleaned before re-lubricating

with grease.

➢ The proper amount of lubricant should be used. Too much

lubricant results in churning, causing excessive power loss
and overheating.

➢ The correct lubricant should be used.

 Fire Pump Maintenance -
GENERAL REQUIREMENT
Engine Maintenance

Engines should be kept clean, dry, and well lubricated. The

proper oil level in the crankcase should be maintained.
Battery Maintenance

Only distilled water should be used in battery cells. Plates

should be kept submerged at all times. An automatic battery
charger is not a substitute for proper maintenance of the
battery and charger. Periodic inspection ensures that the
charger is operating correctly, the water level in the battery is
adequate, and the battery is holding its proper charge.
 Fire Pump Maintenance -
GENERAL REQUIREMENT

Fuel Supply Maintenance

The fuel storage tank should be kept at least two-thirds full.

Fuel should be maintained free of water and foreign
material by draining water and foreign material from the
tank sump annually. This necessitates draining
approximately 19 L (5 gal).
 GENERAL REQUIREMENT
Temperature Maintenance

The temperature of the pump room, pump

house, or area where engines are installed
should never be less than the minimum
recommended by the engine
manufacturer. The manufacturer’s
temperature recommendations for water
and oil heaters should be followed.
 Questions?
Contact: Engr. Ronel R. Baes
baes.ronel@gmail.com, ronel_baes@yahoo.com
0917-851-4229, 0922-855-3251