Fire pumps come in many different shapes and sizes. There are multiple inspectors involved and their roles can vary during the installation and maintenance of the fire pump and associated systems. The electrical inspector will be concerned over the power that is delivered to the fire pump and its routing. The building inspector will be evaluate the separation around the fire pump, and the fire inspector will be concerned over the overall system installation including pressure, gpm, and maintenance.
Fire Pump Basics
Fire pumps are utilized to provide pressure in standpipe and sprinkler systems. The fire pump is either electric or diesel. The fire pump is listed for use in fire service and is typically located in a separate one hour rated room (with automatic sprinkler protection).
Design and Installation
The design of a fire pump is based on NFPA 20 (link to free code for use on the web). The most current edition is the 2007 although the 2006 series of the International Codes refers the user to the 2003 edition (The IBC does not reference fire pumps, the user is referred to the IFC 2006, section 912).
Key Concepts
This is not intended to be a complete list. It is intended to provide insight into common problems associated with fire pumps.
The power supply for the system shall be evaluated. The use of the building and the reliability of the power supply should be evaluated during the plan review process. If the power supply is not reliable or adequate then a diesel fire pump should be utilized or a generator should be utilized as secondary power for the fire pump.
When an electric fire pump is utilized the power shall be feed directly from a connection to the utility system. The power should not stop at a building disconnect first.
The fire pump is required to be found in a room bound by walls with a 2 hour rating. There is an exception that if the automatic sprinklers are installed in the space, then the room can be reduced to a 1 hour rating. In addition the fire protection lead and the fire pump should be found on an exterior wall. Fire mains can not be run under buildings.
The fire protection lead shall be adequately sized and flushed prior to installation of the pump assembly. It is recommended that the installing contractor be present when the flushing of the underground is conducted (see NFPA 13, 20, 25 for flushing requirements).
Reference Materials
How to graph fire pump test results
Graph paper for fire pump test
Minnesota State Fire Marsha, Quick Response, Fire Pump Suction
Discussion Forums
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