If you need a fire safety inspection, installation, or service call Maverick Fire & Safety today to have our professional fire contractors visit your premises. Give us a call at (832)653-2598.
What is a Fire Pump?
Some fire protection sprinkler systems are equipped with a fire pump, which is designed to boost water pressure when the existing supply isn’t sufficient for the system’s hydraulic demands. Fire pump testing is essential to confirm that the pump performs according to its design, as required by NFPA-25, insurance providers, and local or state fire marshals.
Fire Pump Testing Requirements
According to NFPA-25, both monthly and annual fire pump tests are required. The Annual Fire Pump Flow Test, conducted once a year, measures the pump’s pressure and flow rates, comparing the results to previous years and original specifications. Monthly “Churn” Tests are performed by running the fire pump without discharging water. Specifically, NFPA-25, 2011 Edition, states that electric fire pumps should be tested monthly, including these steps:
- Run the pump for at least 10 minutes
- Log the system’s suction and discharge pressure gauge readings
- Inspect the pump packing glands for slight discharge and adjust gland nuts if necessary
- Listen for unusual noises or vibrations
- Monitor packing boxes, bearings, or the pump casing for overheating
- Record the pump starting pressure
- Analyze results to verify functionality
If your business needs this service give us a call at (832)653-2598.
Additional Fire Pump Testing Frequency
NFPA has conducted studies indicating that, in some cases, fire pumps may require weekly testing, depending on the pump type and its components. In such cases, NFPA allows for a “No Flow” test to verify component function. Weekly tests focus on ensuring key functions like:
- Automatic and manual start
- Proper water discharge from the packing gland
- Accurate gauge pressures
- Maintaining appropriate pump temperatures
- Checking pump driver specifications
Why Fire Pump Testing is Essential
Fire pump testing is critical for confirming that the pump’s automatic and manual operations are functioning as intended. If the pump falls short of design standards, the sprinkler system may not provide adequate protection in a fire. At Ahern, our team offers weekly, monthly, and annual fire pump testing services, conducted by qualified technicians who provide thorough reports and can assist with any necessary adjustments to keep this key component of your fire protection system in top shape.
Annual Fire Pump Inspection Report
One of our Licensed Fire Safety Contractors will issue a written report documenting the test results and specifying any detected issues that need to be addressed.
8.4.1.1 At a minimum, the report shall contain the following information:
- All raw data necessary for a complete evaluation of the fire pump performance, including suction and discharge pressures, voltage and amperage readings to the extent that such work can be completed without opening an energized electric motor–driven fire pump controller, and pump speed at each flow rate tested
- Fire protection system demand as furnished by the owner
- Pump performance, whether satisfactory or unsatisfactory
- Deficiencies noted during the testing and identified during analysis, with recommendations to address deficiencies as appropriate
- Manufacturer’s performance data, actual performance, and the available pump discharge curves required by this standard
- Time delay intervals associated with the pump’s starting, stopping, and energy source transfer
- Where applicable, comparison with previous test results
If you are looking to make your business or property fire safe throughout the year, trust Maverick Fire and Safety. We have a collective 2.5 decades worth of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients all throughout Texas, if you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home or business, give us a call today at (832)653-2598.
