Hitting the Mark: A Primer on Fire Pumps

Water-based fire-suppression systems rely on an adequate water supply for proper operation, and fire pumps are often required to increase available water pressure. Engineers should always consider the following basic issues when writing specifications.

1. Sprinkler- and standpipe-system water demand.

• Verify that the system water demand is calculated back to the water-supply source. This considers the effects of elevation differences and includes all the friction losses due to the flow through pipes, fittings, valves and backflow-prevention devices.
• Check that the system calculations include inside and outside hose allowances per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards 13 and 14.
• Verify the minimum pressure required at the top of standpipes by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Include an acceptable safety factor in the water demand. Good engineering practice is to add 5 to 10 psi, while some AHJs require a 10-percent safety factor.

2. Water supply.

• Make sure that a current water-flow test was performed and compare it to past tests to determine if the water supply has experienced any major degradations.
• Verify that the water-flow test results include adjustments for seasonal fluctuations.

3. Pump selection.

• Check NFPA 20 for minimum pipe diameters and limitations for suction pipe and valves.
• Verify that the combined pump and water-supply discharge pressures do not exceed the maximum pressure ratings and listings of system components.
• Verify that the selected pump meets the pressure requirements for 0-percent, 100-percent and 150-percent flow, as required by NFPA 20.

4. Pump-driver selection.

• Ensure that the electrical service is able to provide the appropriate start-up voltage for the selected controller, if an electric-motor-driven pump is specified.
• Coordinate with the project electrical engineer, utility company and controller vendors.
• Provide a reliable secondary power source and listed automatic transfer switch, if required, that is compatible with the specified electric controller.
• Provide containment for fuel spills when diesel pump drivers are provided.

5. Pump accessories.

• A jockey pump—also known as a pressure-maintenance pump—is required on all fire pumps to compensate for minor pressure fluctuations in system pressure.
• A pressure-relief valve is required on the fire-pump discharge piping if the combined water supply's static pressure plus the fire pump's churn pressure exceeds 175 psig. A pump with a flat performance curve may also address this pressure issue.
• A circulation relief valve is required for all electric fire pumps to prevent the pump from overheating when it is run with no discharge. The circulation relief valve should be piped to a floor drain.
• A fire-pump test header is required to verify the pump's performance over time. The test header should be located to allow for the connection of test hoses and discharge of water to an area that will not cause property damage.

The consequences of improper specification may not be determined until the fire-pump acceptance test, which can result in costly change orders and installation delays. Therefore, specifications should only be written by qualified persons who understand all of the design considerations.