Keep Your Fire Pumps Ready for Action with Regular Inspection and Testing

Fire pumps come into use in the most dire of situations, that is, when a building or apartment is on fire. They form a highly critical component of your sprinkler systems. As soon as pressure drops on activation of sprinklers, fire fighting pumps are required to maintain the pressure and keep the water flowing. Building owners expect fire pumps to spring into action as soon as fire is detected so that minimum possible damage is incurred. This can only be ensured with regular checks and inspections.

Weekly Inspection & Testing Requirements

A weekly inspection and testing regime is must for both diesel and electrical fire pumps. In case of electrical pumps, this must also include the visual inspection of the pump house and the electrical system powering your pump.

With regard to the pump house, the main thing you need to look for is the temperature. The minimum temperature for both electrical and diesel pumps (with engine heaters) has to be 40 degree F. For diesel pumps without an engine heater, it has to be at least 70 degree F. Use an engine jacket water heater if you are unable to maintain the temperature. Other things to check while inspecting the pump house is whether there is any water pooling on the floor, and whether all the ventilating louvres are functional.

Inspection and testing requirements for the pump and its electrical system

As per the NFPA 25 standard, one of the most important tests for fire pumps is the weekly no-flow or “churn” test. Electric pumps must be run in a no-flow condition for a minimum of 10 minutes and diesel pumps for 30 minutes. In this test, the flow should not exceed 140% of the rated pressure. In case the risk analysis of a pump requires, this test can also be conducted more or less frequently than a week.

Apart from the churn test, some additional weekly tests to be conducted are listed below:

For electrical fire pumps:

  • Ensure the pump suction, discharge and bypass valves are fully open.
  • Look for any signs of leaks in the piping.
  • Check pressure to make sure the suction line pressure is within the acceptable range.
  • Make sure the water inside the suction reservoir is at the proper level.
  • Check if the wet pit suction screens are in place and unobstructed.
  • Make sure the water-flow test valves and hose connection valves are closed.
  • Ensure that the coupling guard is in place.

For diesel fire pumps:

  • Refill the tank if it is lower than two-thirds full.
  • Make sure the controller selector switch is in auto position.
  • Make sure the valve in the fuel supply lines from tank to driver filter or pump system is locked in open position.
  • Ensure all the alarm pilot lights are off.
  • Check if the water-jacket heater is functional.

VEMC is an authorised Kirloskar fire fighting pump dealer and also offers AMC services for pumps. With our thorough experience and unmatched expertise, we resolve diverse issues related to motors, engines and pumps. Feel free to give us a call on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.