Before you purchase a fire fighting water pump, you should consider a few factors. Among these are its size and hose. A 3/4″ hose is ideal for smaller jobs. It is easy to operate and withstands high pressure, while a 1″ hose is a good combination of manageability and volume. Additionally, it is not too heavy to handle for long periods of time.
NFPA 20
An NFPA 20 fire fighting water pump meets strict safety standards. According to the standard, the pump must be surrounded by a separate rated enclosure. It must be free of any penetrations or equipment. There are exceptions, such as boiler equipment not required for the fire pump’s operation. Another exception is equipment that is required for the domestic water distribution system.
For large buildings, a more than one pump may be necessary. NFPA 20 allows for a maximum of three pumps to be used in series. However, the discharge check valves must be closed by higher pressure on the outlet side of the pump than the inlet side. In such a case, two pumps operating in parallel cannot increase the pressure or the flow.
NFPA 20 is the most stringent fire pump safety code in the world, with many safety measures and redundancies. This code addresses fire pumps and the entire fire pump room, including water and fuel supplies, valves and ancillary equipment. Additionally, it covers the installation of fire pumps in oil platforms.
UL Listings
Fire pumps with UL Listings and Factory Mutual approvals have passed rigorous standards to ensure their safety and reliability. These systems are suitable for firefighting in both industrial and civil sectors. They are also designed to meet the stringent specifications of refineries. The manufacturer of such fire pumps will provide all the ancilli equipment required by the end users.
UL is an independent organization that performs safety testing on products. UL’s main purpose is to ensure the safety of the consumer and manufacturer. It has been recognized as a leading approval institute since 1916 and has carved out a niche in the global marketplace. It is also accredited by OSHA and conducts a range of product certifications and inspections.
Fire pumps are essential in areas where the water supply cannot generate hydraulic pressure. A fire pump is often necessary in high-rise buildings to create enough water pressure for fire protection systems to work. Moreover, fire pumps require a continuous supply of water, even when the water pressure in the building is low.
FM Approval
The fire fighting water pump Approval Program requires that stationary fire pumps meet certain minimum requirements. These requirements are outlined in the NFPA 20 and UL standards. Each pump must be tested prior to shipment and must meet a factory-set test curve. Manufacturers of stationary fire protection pumps are responsible for ensuring that their products meet these requirements.
Firefighting water pumps should be able to maintain a constant pressure in the system. They should also have automatic control over their output when the demand falls below the set point. They should be diesel engine-driven and have independent fuel tanks. For some installations, a steam-driven pump is used to supplement the diesel-powered units.
NFPA 20 and UL standards specify the flow rate and pressure of fire pumps. They should meet minimum load requirements of 500 US gpm or more, while rated capacity is the maximum pressure a pump can deliver at a specific rate without flowing water. Pumps must have an annual flow test by qualified personnel with approved test devices.
