A fire water pump is a device used to help provide high-pressure water at the scene of a fire. Most fire departments use two pumps to ensure that they can always keep up with demand and provide a constant supply of water. The design and installation of fire pumps are regulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, including NFPA 20 Standard for Stationary Pumps and NFPA 25 Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
There are many things to consider when designing a fire pump system, including elevation, nozzle pressure and occupant classifications. Elevation is important because it can significantly increase the amount of pressure needed to push water through pipes. This is because water density decreases with increasing elevation, which means it takes more pressure to get the same amount of water through pipes at a lower height. This is why it is often necessary to install a fire pump in a tall building.
In addition to evaluating nozzle pressure and occupant classifications, it is also important to understand the impact of elevation on a fire pump’s ability to produce pressure. This is because the higher a building is, the more pressure is required to overcome the effects of gravity and reach sprinklers on higher floors. This is why it is important to conduct a detailed site survey before sizing your fire pump system.
Once you have the system sized correctly, it’s time to start using your fire pumps. When you do, take a power reading from the pump once a week to ensure it is performing properly. Also, make sure to run the standby pump regularly to prevent it from degrading.