FIRE

PUMPS

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FIRE PUMPS

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

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FIRE PUMPS

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)

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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