TESTING APPLICATIONS: FIRE PUMP TESTING

Fire pumps provide water supply to fire sprinkler systems where the water supply pressure is too low or nonexistent. The field acceptance test is conducted on newly installed pumps and demonstrates that all the fire pump unit components perform according to manufacturers’ specifications as well as proving that the water supply is adequate. The annual fire pump flow test can identify deterioration of the fire pump or impairments to the water supply.

HOW OFTEN DO I TEST A FIRE PUMP?

According to NFPA, fire pumps are flow tested after initial installation according to the field acceptance test procedure (NFPA 20). Thereafter, the annual fire pump test is performed (NFPA 25).

WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON FIRE PUMPS?

• NFPA 20 — Installation of pumps, field acceptance test, hose valves
• NFPA 25 — Maintenance of pumps, annual tests
• The Hose Monster Company Application Catalog — Fire Pump Testing
• FAQS on Fire Pump Testing

The Hose Monster® fire pump test system

The Hose Monster will make your job of testing pumps safe, simple and accurate. Because of the unique thrust- canceling design of the Hose Monster, tests can be conducted on an established lawn or a gravel surface without causing damage. The Hose Monsters are FM Approved.

SOFTWARE FOR FIRE PUMP TESTING

Fire Pump Tester Software (FPT) allows fire protection contractors, fire protection engineers, and building managers to collect fire pump test data in a professional and comprehensive format. FPT eliminates the need for users to perform complicated tasks such as calculating flow-rates, calculating performance corrected flow, and graphing flow curves. The user just enters their data, and the program performs all the hard work.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 750

  For testing up to a 750 GPM pump with 2 hose streams.

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 1000

  For testing up to a 1000 GPM pump with 3 hose streams.

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 1500

  For testing up to a 1500 GPM pump with 4 hose streams.

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 2000

  For testing up to a 2000 GPM pump with 6 hose streams.

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 3000

  For testing up to a 3000 GPM pump with 8 hose streams.

• Fire Pump Testing Bundle 4000

  For testing up to a 4000 GPM pump with 12 hose streams.

HOW MANY HOSES AND WHICH SIZE NOZZLES WILL BE NEEDED?

We generally recommend flowing a maximum of 500 GPM per hose stream which in our experience allows most fire pumps to achieve flow at 150% rated capacity. This assumes 1 ¾” nozzle sizes and 2.5″ hoses that are 25′ or 50′ long.

• Example: 1000-GPM rated pump
• 150% of rated capacity = 1500 GPM
• 1500 GPM / 500 GPM per hose = 3 hoses