Table of Contents
What does a fire pump test consist of?
The test involves three variables — pump speed (rpm), pressure (psi) and discharge (gpm). Pump testing can be dangerous and must be completed by properly trained personnel with all safety precautions taken. There must be an adequate and reliable water supply.
How emergency fire pump is tested?
Testing the Emergency Fire Pump: The pump should be tested for at least 10 minutes of operation every week. Inspect all pressure gauges. Top up the fuel tank. Check that the heating system is in satisfactory condition, if applicable.
What are the three test points that a new fire pump must meet?
3 of this standard, the annual flow testing of fire pumps should be performed as a minimum at three points across pump curve; no flow (churn), 100\% of the pump rated capacity and 150\% of the pump rated capacity by controlling discharged water through approved discharge devices.
What is the NFPA Standard for pump testing?
The current NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus–1996, 5-3.2, requires a tank with 500 gallons or more of water to pump flow at a minimum rate of 500 gpm. This flow rate must be sustained for a minimum of 80 percent of the tank`s capacity. Alternative pump testing from a hydrant is allowed.
How often are fire pumps tested?
Therefore, it’s your responsibility to check your local guidelines often to prevent an accidental violation. The 2017 NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems states that you must test your industrial fire pump every year with a flow test.
Is a fire pump test header required?
Where a fire pump test header is installed, NFPA 20 requires that it be installed on an exterior wall or in another location outside the pump room that allows for water discharge during testing.
How do you measure a fire pump?
For example, if you have a 40,000-square-foot building that is all ordinary group 1, the calculation would be 1,500 x 0.15 (density) = 225 + 250 (hose demand) = 475 gpm total for the fire pump. If the structure has multiple hazards, the hazard with the highest gpm calculation dictates the pump size.
What is GPM in pump?
GPM stands for gallons per minute and is a measurement of how many gallons a pump can move per minute. It is also referred to as flow rate. Total Discharge Head: The height from the pump to the highest point that the fluid will get pumped.
What is a fire pump flow test?
The fire pump flow test is required by NFPA 25 to be conducted once a year in order to measure the pump’s flow and pressure. The test should be performed by attaching hoses to the discharge test header.
What is a fire pump inspection?
Fire Pump Inspections. The goal of weekly fire pump inspections is to verify that the assembly is free from damage and appears to be in operating condition. The inspections cover a wide array of checklist items and can include: Proper heating. Ventilation. Valves. Gauge readings. Electrical system conditions.
What is pump testing?
A pump test is a procedure carried out by a pump manufacturer, supplier, installer, or owner to confirm one or more aspects of pump design or performance.
What is a fire water pump?
A fire pump is a specialized water pump used in firefighting. While most water pumps are designed to distribute water at a set or variable pressure, a fire pump is part of a high-pressure system.