UL/FM Fire Pumps: The Heart of the Water-Based Fire Network
The fire pump is the heart of the water-based fire network, providing the pressure and flow needed to operate sprinklers, hose cabinets and hydrants when required. To ensure reliability, NFPA 20 requires the pump to be dedicated to and listed for fire protection service, and its controller to be listed for fire pump service.
Listing and performance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Listing | Pumps are usually listed to UL 448 or approved to FM standards such as FM 1311; specifications and insurers may call for one or both |
| Types | End-suction, vertical in-line and split-case centrifugal pumps, and vertical turbine pumps |
| Pressure at no flow (churn) | No more than 140% of rated pressure |
| Performance at 150% flow | At least 65% of rated pressure |
| Acceptance test | At no flow, 100% and 150% of rated flow |
In Saudi Arabia, fire pumps are also covered by the Technical Regulation for Fire Control Materials and Equipment, so they need a certificate of conformity from a body accepted by SASO, while final acceptance of the system rests with Civil Defense.
The jockey pump
The jockey pump maintains system pressure and stops minor leaks from starting the main pump. NFPA 20 and the project specification set the requirements for its selection, its controller and its start and stop pressure settings in coordination with the main pump.
Periodic tests under NFPA 25
- Diesel pumps: weekly no-flow run of at least 30 minutes.
- Electric pumps: monthly no-flow run of at least 10 minutes, and weekly in cases including high-rise buildings, limited-service controllers and vertical turbine pumps.
- Annual flow test at no flow, 100% and 150% of rated flow.
Does an electric pump need a generator?
NFPA 20 (Section 9.3) requires an alternate power source where the building is taller than the fire department’s pumping capacity or the normal source is not reliable, but not where an independent backup pump, such as a diesel engine-driven pump, is installed. Project specifications or Civil Defense may require more.
For more detail, see electric vs diesel fire pumps and our fire pump acceptance testing guide.
Need a listed fire pump for your project? AZEIDK supplies listed pumps as part of fire fighting systems, with engineering design and calculations and periodic maintenance. Contact the AZEIDK team
