RISK CONTROL AND CLAIM ADVOCACY PRACTICE

TECHNICAL JOURNALBULLETIN
TECHNICAL ADVISORY
November 2014
FIRE PUMP www.willis.com

FIRE PUMP TESTING

Fire pumps are a critical part of a fire protection system, especially when
they are fed via suction from water tanks. Properly maintained and
tested, fire pumps will deliver countless years of worry-free performance.

Two types of testing of fire pumps are needed: 1) Weekly/monthly testing,

typically done by facility personnel and 2) annual flow testing that should
be done by a contractor. Maintenance and testing of fire pumps should be
in accordance with NFPA 25 – Standard for the Inspection, Testing
and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

The current edition of NFPA 25 requires weekly tests of diesel-driven

fire pumps and monthly tests for most electric pumps. However, weekly
tests of electric fire pumps are required 1) if a pump serves a high rise
building that is beyond the pumping capacity of the fire department, 2)
for pumps with limited service controllers, 3) for vertical turbine fire
pumps and 4) for pumps that take suction from ground-level tanks or a
source of water that does not provide sufficient pressure to be of material
value without the pump. Some insurers or authorities having jurisdiction
(AHJs) may require weekly testing of electric fire pumps even without
any of the above four conditions.

WEEKLY/MONTHLY FIRE PUMP INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

The weekly/monthly test should be accomplished by a pressure drop.
This may be done by opening the valve on the sensing line or another
valve in the pump room. Electric pumps should be run for a minimum
of 10 minutes; diesel-driven pumps, a minimum of 30 minutes. Sample
forms for weekly/monthly inspections and tests are attached to this
bulletin.

ANNUAL FIRE PUMP FLOW TEST

An experienced third-party contractor should perform the annual test.
It is not unusual for the performance test results to indicate a problem
with the fire pump or with the pump’s water supply. However, the Fire pumps should furnish the pressure
contractor often will not interpret the test results for the building owner. delivered during the initial fire pump acceptance
Therefore, the building owner must know how to interpret fire pump test or the pressures as indicated on the pump
performance test data. If a problem is identified the contractor should try nameplate. When this information is not
to address the problem while on site. available, the pump should deliver:

This bulletin will provide building owners with information to help them ƒƒ 150% of rated capacity at 65% of rated
understand and interpret data from the annual performance testing of pressure
centrifugal pumps. This information applies to centrifugal pumps only. ƒƒ 100%of rated capacity at rated pressure
Other types of pumps have different performance characteristics. ƒƒ A maximum of 140% of rated pressure at
churn (no flow)

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 The following figure illustrates the pressures the pump should produce. Acceptable test results can be up to 5% below
the above figures due to possible experimental error. Test results worse than 5% below the above figures should be
investigated and corrected .

150
Shutoff
140
Head capacity curve with
steepest shape permissible

“Flat” head capacity curve

Percent of rated total head

100 Rated total head

Rated capacity

65

50

0
0 50 100 150 200
Percent of rated capacity

ANALYSIS OF A SAMPLE FIRE PUMP FLOW TEST

The results of a fire pump flow test that is taking suction from a 12-inch public water main are shown below (related
data color-coded for clarity). The pump is rated at 2500 gpm at 110 psi and is driven by a 200 hp electric motor.
At churn (dead head or no flow), the pump nameplate indicates the pump will deliver 129 psi; at the rated flow of
2500 gpm, it will deliver 110 psi, and at 150% of rated flow (3750 gpm) it will deliver 82 psi. The pump test yielded
a churn pressure of 126 psi, 117 psi at rated flow and 97 psi at 150% of rated flow (3750 gpm). Therefore, the pump
delivered better results than shown on the pump nameplate and is considered to be in good or excellent condition.

If the pump nameplate data had not been available, the pump would have been expected to produce a maximum
pressure of 154 psi (140% of pump rating of 110 psi) at churn, a minimum of 110 psi at 2500 gpm and 71.5 psi (65% of
pump rating of 110 psi) at 3750 gpm.

Fire Pump Fire Pump Motor

Make ITT AC - 10X8X20F Make WEG HP 200
Size L Type 8100 Stages 1 RPM 1780 AMPS 220 VOLTS 460
RPM 1785 S/N 123456789 FRAME 0 S/N 9876545321
IMP DIA 17 GPM 2500 at 110 PSI
Dead Head Pressure 129 PSI 150% at 82 PSI Coupling WOODS

PRESSURE
RPM VOLTS AMPS PITOT TUBE PRESSURE GPM
SUCT DISCH NET
1794 486 486 488 87 97 1063 44 170 126 CHURN 0
1780 481 482 485 194 196 200 28 145 117 16 14 14 14 2568
1776 480 483 481 222 222 236 18 115 97 19 19 20 20 20 3732

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WATER SUPPLY PERFORMANCE can be compared to previous pump tests to identify any
The annual fire pump performance test is also an potential problems; however, this may not identify water
opportunity to determine if there are any problems with supply problems that have existed for some time.
the fire pump water supply, such as shut or partially
shut valves or obstructions from the water supply to In the above example, the city water pressure was 44 psi
the pump. If the test is conducted with a flow meter, it at no flow, 28 psi at a flow of 2568 gpm and 18 psi at
usually will not be possible to identify problems with 3732 gpm at the suction side of the fire pump. We don’t
the fire pump water supply. know the details of the public water system, except that
the pump is supplied by a 12-inch water main. It appears
Determining if there is a problem with the fire pump water that there is not any problem with the water supply to the
supply can be difficult unless the person analyzing the pump. Had the pressure dropped to a value of 18-20 psi at
test results is familiar with the water supply for the pump 2500 gpm, there may have been reason to believe there
and understands hydraulics. The results of the pump test could be a problem with the public water supply.

Pictures showing a fire pump and a hose monster after a fire pump flow test. The underground water
main supplying the pump had not been properly flushed prior to installing the fire pump.

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 FIRE PUMP FLOW TESTING SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Serious injuries can occur when flow testing fire pumps. Many fire pumps have more horsepower than cars.
It is essential that appropriate precautions be taken before testing. Only use contractors who are experienced
conducting pump flow tests. The following are examples of precautions the contractor should take. If they cannot
be taken, the pump test should be deferred.

1. Some pump tests may expose personnel to a confined space; a fall; drowning, electrical, fuel and/or battery
explosion hazards. Proper safety precautions must be taken for these and any other potential hazards.
2. Minimize the number of personnel involved in conducting or witnessing the test.
3. Under no circumstances should anyone (including professional fire fighters) manually hold any hoses or hose
nozzles during a fire pump test. Hose nozzles must be secured so that there is no chance they will come lose.
“Hose monsters” are safer to use than hose nozzles.
4. Avoid discharging nozzles back into the top of a tank. If it is necessary to do so, provide adequate ladders,
platforms and guard rails.
5. Everyone present should know how to shut the pump off in an emergency.
6. The contractor should carefully examine the pump test header. It should be in good condition and securely
attached to the supply pipe.
7. Carefully examine the hose valves on the test header. They should be in good condition, free of any significant
rust and free of cracks. Ensure the hose or nozzles are screwed all the way onto the hose valves.
8. Carefully examine the condition of the fire hoses, hose couplings and hose nozzles. Replace any hose that
shows signs of possible failure. This is especially important if the test header is located inside the pump room
or building. Request documentation on the most recent hydrostatic test of the fire hose if there is any doubt.
The use of “hose monsters” instead of hose nozzles reduces the likelihood of injuries.
9. When a fire hose is used, be sure the nozzle is secured so it cannot work or vibrate loose.
10. Be sure to check the oil level, coolant level, battery electrolyte level (low electrolyte level can cause the battery
to explode) and fuel level before starting the engine.
11. The fire pump should be started manually to prevent any pump running timers from operating during the test.
12. Before starting the test, only the personnel necessary for the test should be in the vicinity of the hoses and pump.
13. Adjusting water flow through the test header with the test header control valve (typically a 6-10 inch valve) is
generally safer and faster than adjusting water flow with the 2½-inch test header valves.
14. Aim hose nozzles or “hose monsters” so that discharged water will not cause damage or injury.
15. During the test, run variable speed drivers (engine or turbine) under governor control.

As a critical part of a fire protection system properly maintained and tested, fire pumps will provide numerous
years of reliable performance.

CONTACTS
For additional information contact your Willis Client Advocate®, Property Risk Control Consultant or:

John Ammeson, PE, ARM, CFPS

Senior Property Risk Control Consultant
Risk Control and Claim Advocacy Practice
Willis NA
[email protected]

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SAMPLE MONTHLY ELECTRIC FIRE PUMP REPORT
Pump Location: Pump Rating:___________ gpm @___________ psi @__________ rpm

Completed By: Date:

Yes No
1. Is fire pump controller on “automatic”?...................................................................................................  
2. Is jockey pump controller on “automatic”?.............................................................................................  
3. Are all jockey pump and fire pump control valves open?......................................................................  
4. Is jockey pump running frequency normal?............................................................................................  
5. Is pump room adequately heated?.............................................................................................................  
6. Did fire pump start automatically by a drop in water pressure?..........................................................  
Record the following: Pump start pressure: ___________ psi
Pump discharge pressure: ___________ psi
Pump suction pressure: ___________ psi
7. Are pump bearings operating at normal temperature?.........................................................................  
8. Are pump packing glands leaking sufficient water?................................................................................  
9. Is pump free of unusual noises and vibrations?......................................................................................  
10. Is pump circulating relief valve operating?..............................................................................................  
11. Is the pump test header drained to prevent freezing?...........................................................................  
12. Is a charged fire extinguisher in the pump room?...................................................................................  
13. Is pump room clean and free of combustible materials?.......................................................................  
14. Is pump controller’s “Power Available” light on?...................................................................................  
15. Did all remote pump alarms function properly? (i.e., running, power loss, etc.).............................  
16. Was water tank overfilled to verify it’s full, or is reservoir at normal level?......................................  
17. Was pump run for at least 10 minutes?......................................................................................................  
18. Were both the jockey pump and fire pump controllers left on “automatic”?......................  

Explain all “No” responses and corrective actions taken: (Ex: 8. Pump packing leaking too much – repaired 5/1)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed By: Date:

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SAMPLE WEEKLY DIESEL FIRE PUMP REPORT
Pump Location: Pump Rating:___________ gpm @___________ psi @__________ rpm

Completed By: Date:

Yes No
1. Is fire pump controller on “automatic”?...................................................................................................  
2. Is jockey pump controller on “automatic”?.............................................................................................  
3. Are all jockey pump and fire pump control valves open?......................................................................  
4. Is diesel fuel line locked open?....................................................................................................................  
5. Is jockey pump running frequency normal?............................................................................................  
6. Is pump room adequately heated?.............................................................................................................  
7. Is adequate combustion air provided?………………………………………………..................................................  
8. Is engine oil at the correct level?................................................................................................................  
9. Is engine coolant at the correct level?.......................................................................................................  
10. Is water level and specific gravity correct for both batteries?..............................................................  
11. Does battery charger appear to be functioning properly?....................................................................  
12. Did fire pump start automatically by a drop in water pressure?..........................................................  
Record the following: Pump start pressure: ___________ psi
Pump discharge pressure: ___________ psi
Pump suction pressure: ___________ psi
13. Did fire pump start manually on each set of batteries?..........................................................................  
14. Are pump bearings operating at normal temperature?.........................................................................  
15. Are pump packing glands leaking sufficient water?................................................................................  
16. Is pump free of unusual noises and vibrations?......................................................................................  
17. Is engine cooling water discharging effectively?.....................................................................................  
18. Is the pump test header drained to prevent freezing?...........................................................................  
19. Is a charged fire extinguisher in the pump room?...................................................................................  
20. Is pump room clean and free of combustible materials?.......................................................................  
21. Did all remote pump signals function properly?
(i.e., running, controller not on “automatic”, etc.)..................................................................................  
22. Was water tank overfilled to verify it’s full, or is reservoir at normal level?......................................  
23. Was pump run for at least 30 minutes?.....................................................................................................  
24. Did engine achieve proper operating temperature, speed & oil pressure?.......................................  
Record the following: Water temperature: ___________ °F
Engine speed: ___________ rpm
Oil pressure: ___________ psi
Engine hours: ___________ hrs
25. Is diesel fuel tank at least ¾ full?...............................................................................................................  
Record fuel tank level: ___________
26. Were both the jockey pump and fire pump controllers left on “automatic”?..................  

Explain all “No” responses and corrective actions taken: (Ex: 10. Battery A water level low – filled 5/1)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewed By: Date:

6 Willis North America | November 2014

Willis North America Inc.

Brookfield Place
200 Liberty Street
7th Floor, New York
New York 10281-1003
United States
Tel: +1 212 915 8888

www.willis.com

The observations, comments and suggestions we have made in this publication are advisory and are not intended nor should
they be taken as legal advice. Please contact your own legal adviser for an analysis of your specific facts and circumstances.

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