Choosing a Fire Fighting Water Pump

If your property is equipped with a fire suppression system, including sprinklers or standpipes, a fire fighting water pump is an important part of the system. These pumps are designed to pump water at a high rate and under pressure for use in the event of a fire. They are a critical component that can help protect your property and the lives of your occupants, as well as minimize damage to valuable assets.

There are several things to consider when choosing a fire fighting water pump for your property. The two most important factors are the flow rate and the pressure that the pump can produce. Flow rate is generally stated in gallons per minute, or GPM, while pressure is typically expressed in pounds per square inch, or PSI. The higher the GPM, the more water that is able to be pumped out, and the greater the pressure, the farther the water can travel under the applied force.

The type of fire fighting water pump you choose is also important. There are several types of fire pumps that are used in the industry, each with different capacities and requirements. For example, a sprinkler system may require a more powerful fire pump than an elevator shaft pump that is typically used in industrial applications. In addition, each type of fire pump has different installation requirements and NFPA codes that must be followed.

A good way to determine the size of fire fighting water pump you will need is to calculate the hydraulic demand of the sprinkler system. This is usually done by dividing the building’s square footage by the building’s density, and then multiplying that number by the required pump gpm. The result will give you the maximum amount of water that can be pushed out by the fire pump under the rated conditions.

One of the most common mistakes is selecting a fire pump that is too large for the system. This can be costly, as it will increase the pipe sizes and pressure required to supply the sprinkler system. It can also be detrimental to the system, as it will create excessive friction in the system and cause premature wear.

PLC Fire Safety Engineering can provide expert guidance and review the hydraulic calculations for sizing and selecting a fire pump. We can also conduct a thorough inspection, testing and maintenance schedule to help ensure that the fire pump will be available for use when needed. This includes checking the water supply, pump suction conditions, discharge piping and valves, electrical systems, engine consumables, etc. For more information, please contact us or request a quote. We look forward to helping you keep your property and people safe from fire!