Fire Pumps
Reliable Pressurization Solutions for Sprinkler, Fire Hose Cabinet and Hydrant Systems
Fire Pumps are specialized pump systems used to supply the water required by fire suppression installations at the necessary flow rate and pressure. NFPA 20 principles, project hydraulic calculations and applicable local fire-safety requirements are considered in design and manufacturing.
Split-case or end-suction pump options can be used with electric motors, diesel engines or drive systems suited to project requirements. The pump set automatically activates during a fire to help provide the required pressure in sprinkler, fire hose cabinet and hydrant lines.
NFPA 20 Design
The selection, installation and performance criteria of fire water pumps are evaluated in accordance with NFPA 20 principles.
150% Flow Performance
The pump is selected to meet the required minimum pressure criterion at 150% of its rated flow.
Ductile Iron Casing
GGG 25 or GGG 40 casing options provide mechanical strength and a long operating life.
Bronze or AISI 304 Impeller
The pump impeller can be selected as bronze or stainless steel according to the project and water characteristics.
What Is a Fire Pump?
A fire pump is a specialized centrifugal pump system that provides the required water pressure and flow in a fire suppression system when municipal water supply or water tank pressure is insufficient. Unlike standard service pumps, it must operate reliably during a fire and meet the specified performance curve.
The system generally consists of a main electric or diesel fire pump, standby pump, jockey pump, control panels, suction and discharge manifolds, valves, check valves, pressure gauges and a test line. The number of pumps and drive type are determined according to the project risk classification and authority having jurisdiction requirements.
How Do Fire Pumps Work?
Pressure Monitoring
The fire protection system pressure is monitored through the control system and pressure-sensing components.
Jockey Pump Control
Minor pressure drops and system leaks are first addressed by the jockey pump.
Main Pump Activation
When pressure drops due to fire demand, the main fire pump starts automatically.
Fire Line Supply
The pump supplies water to sprinkler, hydrant and fire hose cabinet systems at the required flow rate and pressure.
Fire Pump Types
A centrifugal pump type used in high-flow fire systems, with a casing that can be split along the horizontal plane for easy maintenance access.
An end-suction centrifugal pump solution that can be used in compact pump rooms and medium-flow systems.
Operates with an electric motor and a dedicated fire pump control panel in facilities with a reliable electrical supply.
A standby or main pump solution with a diesel engine and battery system that can operate independently of power outages.
Helps prevent unnecessary activation of the main fire pump by compensating for minor leaks in the installation.
May be considered in projects where the water source is below pump level or where special suction conditions exist.
Fire Pump Material Features
| Pump Component | Material / Construction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pump type | Split-case or end-suction | Selected according to flow, pressure, pump room and maintenance requirements. |
| Pump casing | GGG 25 or GGG 40 | A ductile iron casing structure with high mechanical strength. |
| Impeller | Bronze or AISI 304 | Can be selected according to corrosion resistance and water characteristics. |
| Pump shaft | AISI 316 | A corrosion-resistant stainless steel shaft is used. |
| Sealing | 5-row soft packing | Provides controlled leakage and a serviceable sealing structure. |
NFPA 20-Based Pump Performance Criteria
| Performance Point | Criterion | Technical Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shutoff pressure | Maximum 140% of rated pressure | The pressure generated by the pump at zero flow must not exceed the permitted pressure of system components. |
| Rated operating point | 100% rated flow and pressure | The pump must deliver the selected design flow at the required rated pressure. |
| Maximum load point | At least 65% rated pressure at 150% flow | The pump must maintain its performance curve consistently under high-demand conditions. |
| Suction manifold water velocity | Maximum 3 m/s | Pipe diameter should be selected accordingly to limit suction losses, turbulence and cavitation risk. |
Final pump performance should be verified using the approved pump curve and site acceptance tests. The project must be evaluated according to the NFPA 20 edition stated in the contract and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
Fire Pump Set Components
Provides the calculated design flow and pressure for the fire protection system.
Supports system continuity if the main pump or power source is out of service.
Maintains system pressure and prevents main pump operation during minor leaks.
Manage pump starting, alarms, phase monitoring, battery charging and status signals.
Provide the hydraulic connection between the fire water tank, pump set and installation.
Allows periodic measurement and verification of pump flow and pressure.
Used for maintenance isolation and preventing reverse water flow.
Allows monitoring of pump operating conditions through suction and discharge pressure gauges.
Fire Pump Selection Criteria
Fire Pump Applications
Advantages of Fire Pumps
Testing, Inspection and Maintenance Points
Design and Application Note
A fire pump should not be selected solely based on maximum flow or motor power. The flow and pressure values determined by sprinkler, hydrant and fire hose cabinet hydraulic calculations should be verified on the pump performance curve.
Suction line design, pump room layout, water tank connection, energy sources, control panels and testing arrangement should be designed according to the NFPA 20 edition applicable to the project, local regulations, insurance requirements and authority having jurisdiction requests.
Get Technical Support for Fire Pump Selection
Fire pump selection should be based on hydraulic calculations, rated flow, pump head, pump type, energy source and redundancy requirements.
You can receive technical support for designing electric, diesel and jockey-pump fire pump sets for sprinkler, fire hose cabinet and hydrant systems.
