When Does a Building Need a Fire Pump? Understanding the Requirements

When Does a Building Need a Fire Pump? Understanding the Requirements

Imagine a fire breaking out on the top floor of a high-rise residential building, will your sprinklers have enough pressure to save lives? In most cases, the answer is negative, which is why you should seriously consider a fire pump. A fire pump is an  essential component of fire protection, especially in high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, and areas where water pressure facilities are inadequate. 

Whether you are a property owner or manager, understanding when a fire pump is required is an essential knowledge that can save your investment. Therefore, here is everything you need to know about this important fire safety component.

What is a Fire Pump?

A fire pump can be described as a water-based protection system, designed to distribute water to every part of a building in case of a fire. Fire pumps use sprinkler systems which are responsible for increasing the water pressure that meets the pressure demand for a targeted building or space. 

Fire pumps are mainly used in high-rise buildings or expansive spaces like warehouses where the existing water pressure cannot reach all parts of the space easily. They are connected to the external water supply such as a well or reservoir of water.

A fire pump system has key components such as pump (heart of the system that moves water), motor (electric or diesel engine that powers the pump), a controller (automatically starts, stops or monitors the pump), and water supply from sources like a well or reservoir.

HP Residential Pump and CONO RFP XPS11 RESIDENTIAL FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS are some of the best examples of an essential fire pump system you should have for your property. 

NFPA 20 & Building Code Requirements

  • NFPA 20 as the governing standard

NFPA 20 is a globally recognised standard for the installation of statutory pumps for fire protection. This is to ensure that systems work to protect lives and properties by delivering adequate water supply in a fire emergency. 

  • Local building code alignment 

Building codes such as international building code and state-level building code, must align with NFPA 20 regulations for fire pumps to pass inspections and meet local fire protection laws. The requirements include pump selection and sizing, fire pump type, water supply and source, motor components, accessibility, testing and maintenance of the fire pump systems. In England, for instance, building codes are legal requirements for new buildings and offer many alterations to existing ones. Whether you are  installing a new fire pump system or upgrading an existing one, ensuring that they meet the NFPA 20 requirements is essential for safeguarding lives and property. 

  • The role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is an organisation that is responsible for enforcing the requirements of the NFPA 20. While the NFPA 20 makes the rules for fire pump systems installations, the AHJ ensures that those rules are enforced. This includes approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

 Situations That Require a Fire Pump 

  • High-Rise Buildings: Fire pumps are mainly used in high rise buildings to ensure that water pressure reaches all parts of high-rise buildings such as large warehouses, apartment floors, shopping malls, hospitals and other large facilities. They ensure that there is enough water pressure for the fire sprinklers and hoses to fight fire in these buildings more effectively than the main water supply.

  • Large Floor Areas: Large floor areas often demand excess water supply to put out a fire and a fire pump is the perfect system for this purpose. The pump boosts water pressure from the municipal supply or through tanks connected to a building's standpipe system to reach high floors and other remote areas where the main supply may be too low to put off the fires.

  • Low City Water Pressure: When a building’s main pump develops a fault leading to low water pressure, it is best to use a fire pump for a fire emergency. There are several factors that cause a low city water supply pressure. They include  municipal supply issues, closed valves, mineral buildup, corrosion, leaks, or faulty fixtures. 

  • Industrial Facilities:  Industrial plants and oil & gas facilities are hazardous areas because they use specialized equipment and machinery to handle complex operations. As a result, fire pumps are definitely needed during fire emergencies in these facilities. These pumps can boost and maintain consistent, high-pressure water flow to suppress or extinguish the fire.

  • Storage Warehouse: Storage warehouses are at significant risk of fire due to the vast quantities of goods and materials they contain. These include flammable or combustible items and spread quickly. They often create a high demand for water supply to fight fire emergencies. Fire pumps play crucial roles by boosting water pressure through sprinkler and hydrant systems to combat the fires.

Types of Fire Pumps

Fire pumps have two main types - centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps. The centrifugal pumps  increase water pressure by spinning water using a rotating impeller, while the positive displacement pumps use high pressure to supply a fixed volume of water in each cycle. 

Here is a further breakdown of fire pumps types:

  • Horizontal split-case: This is a centrifugal pump which has a horizontal casing. It is designed to allow for easy access to internal components like the impeller for repair and maintenance. A horizontal split-case delivers high water flow and pressure to sprinkler systems or hydrants during a fire emergency. It is commonly used in commercial buildings, high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, warehouses, petrochemical plants, power stations, and offshore facilities.

  • Vertical inline: This is a compact fire pump, designed to be installed directly into a pipeline for water supply while saving space. A vertical inline fire pump is also used to retrofit older systems, provide water pressure for sprinklers, standpipes, and hydrants to put out fires in high-rise buildings with limited space. 

  • Vertical turbine: A  specialized fire pump, a vertical turbine  fire pump is commonly used when the water source is below ground level. This includes  wells, underground tanks, or reservoirs. 

  • End suction: Commonly used in fire suppression systems for smaller buildings and facilities, such as residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. An end suction can be found in schools, hospitals, and offices with simple designs and easy maintenance.

Signs a Building Needs a Fire Pump Upgrade

An outdated or incompatible pump model can decrease water flow or pressure during system use. Therefore, here are signs that your fire pump needs an upgrade.

  • Pressure fluctuations: Can lead to inconsistent water delivery, equipment damage, and reduced system efficiency during a fire. For an upgrade, ensure a stable water supply,  correct pipe design and use  pressure relief valves to manage surges. 

  • New building expansion or remodel: This means a fire pump must meet the increased demands of the new or expanded fire sprinkler system.

  • System failing compliance inspections: A fire pump system can have mechanical issues due to worn components, air binding, or blocked lines. 

  • Aging parts needing replacement: They often include the packing and mechanical seals, wearing rings, bearings, and the impellers. 

Why Choose FireProtectionParts.net?

FireProtectionParts.net is an online fire pump parts supplier that specialises in providing top-quality fire pumps. This platform is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property through the following services:

Wide selection of replacement parts and accessories: Offers a comprehensive selection of top-quality fire protection products designed to keep your property safe.

NFPA-compliant equipment: Products are designed to follow the NFPA 20 standards. Ensures your fire pump systems meet all applicable codes.

Fast delivery for contractors and facility managers:  Exceptional customer service and nationwide delivery for clients in residential, commercial and industrial settings.

Expert support for choosing the right products: Our team of experienced consultants provides the right solutions for building fire safety systems. 

Conclusion

A fire pump system is a key component to keeping your property safe. Ensure your building meets fire safety standards of the NFPA. Shop fire pump parts today at FireProtectionParts.net.

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