A fire pump is a part of a fire protection system’s water supply. Fire pumps take water from a water supply and increase the pressure of the water to allow the fire protection system to be able to function properly. Like any other components of fire protection systems, fire pumps need regular inspections, testing and service to perform as they should.
NFPA 25
NFPA 25 is the Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. According to NFPA 25, fire pumps may need to be inspected and tested on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis.
Who Can Perform the Inspections and Testing?
NFPA 25 states that inspection testing and maintenance should be performed by a qualified person who has developed competence through training and experience. Many companies use a qualified outside contractor for the annual flow test on a pump and use in-house personnel for the weekly or monthly tests. Some states require that the person conducting the annual fire pump test be certified.
Weekly
Every week, NFPA 25 requires visual check of the pump’s components including valves, gauge readings, fuel and oil levels, electrical systems, ventilation, and heating. Weekly visual inspections can be performed by a trained and qualified in-house employee.
If you have a diesel fire pump, you are required to perform a weekly 30-minute no-flow test. In addition, Section 8.3.1.2 of NFPA 25 requires a no-flow test to be conducted weekly for electric motor–driven fire pumps that fit the following criteria:
- Fire pumps that are serving systems in buildings that are beyond the pumping capacity of the fire department
- Fire pumps with limited service controllers
- Vertical turbine fire pumps
- Fire pumps taking suction from ground level tanks or a water source that does not provide sufficient pressure to be of material value without the pump
Monthly
Every month, a no flow test of all other electric pumps not listed above must be performed. During a no-flow test, the pump is turned on for a minimum of 10 minutes and is observed to ensure it is functioning properly with no water running through it.
Annual
Every year, a flow test of your fire pump must be performed by a qualified fire protection technician. This flow test is a full test of the pump’s function and it ensures that the flow and pressure provided by the pump are adequate to suppress a fire.
IFP Performs Fire Pump Testing
At International Fire Protection, we can perform inspections, testing and service for fire pumps. Our technicians are trained and qualified to perform pump testing and we offer 24-hour emergency service to attend to your fire protection system if something goes wrong. With offices across the Southeastern United States, our team is ready to assist you with any fire protection services you may need. To learn more about the services we provide, contact us today!
