Fire Pump Testing Requirements

Wait back up what is a fire pump.

Fire pump testing requirements. Diesel engine driven fire pumps have always been required to run weekly for 30 minutes. Did you know nfpa25 requires specific monthly and yearly testing of fire pumps. It is assumed that the reader has a basic understanding of the use of fire pumps fire pump installation requirements and the role of nfpa in establishing these requirements. Below is an overview of the inspection and testing activities that should be completed on your pump.

Make sure your fire protection system is up to code and working properly. Conductors supplying only a fire pump motor must have a minimum ampacity of at least 125 of the motor full load current rating as required by 430 22 695 6 b 2 as shown in fig. The national fire protection association nfpa fire pump testing requirements are issued with and detailed procedures for performing these tests. Nfpa 25 requirements for fire pump tests part 1 ensure water flow and pressure with the annual fire pump flow test fire pumps are a vital part of many fire sprinkler systems driving the necessary pressure and volume to keep water flowing when it isn t generated by the water supply.

Current basis for the examination is the nfpa fire protection handbook 20th edition. Branch circuit conductors to a single fire pump motor must have a rating of not less than 125 of the motor flc as listed in tables 430 248 or 430 250. Pump test will also serve as a flow test for the backflow preventer the fire department connection may be used as a test connection by reversing the check valve and flowing water out of the fdc. Iso also requires annual pump testing and the results help determine the fire suppression capability of your community which will be reflected in local.

In recent editions of nfpa 25 the requirements for no flow churn test frequencies have changed for electric motor driven fire pumps only. The insurance services office inc. 245 the fire pump flow test. The purpose of the cfps examination is to provide a basis for determining the competency of candidates seeking the certified fire protection specialist cfps designation.

For electric motor driven fire pumps we recommend at least running your equipment once a week for at least ten 10 minutes for a visual inspection. A fire pump is used when the water supply can t provide enough pressure to meet the hydraulic design requirements of the fire protection system. Inspection testing and maintenance requirements are outlined in nfpa 25 standard for the inspection testing and maintenance of water based fire protection systems.