What Does a Fire Pump Do in Fire Protection?
news

What Does a Fire Pump Do in Fire Protection?

2025-06-06
Share :

Fire protection systems are designed to save lives and property, but without reliable water pressure, even the most advanced sprinkler or standpipe systems would fail. This is where the fire pump comes in.

What Is a Fire Pump?

A fire pump is a critical component of a building's fire protection system. It is designed to boost water pressure to ensure an adequate and steady supply of water reaches the fire suppression systems—such as sprinklers, hose reels, and standpipes—during a fire emergency.

Fire pumps are usually connected to a public water supply or a dedicated water source, like a water tank, reservoir, or even open water sources in rural applications. They are typically activated automatically when system pressure drops below a threshold—usually due to an open sprinkler head—or can be manually started.

The Purpose of a Fire Pump

The main function of a fire pump is to increase water pressure. Fire protection systems often require higher pressure than a normal building water supply can provide. This is especially true in:

  • High-rise buildings

  • Warehouses with extensive pipe networks

  • Facilities with foam or deluge systems

  • Industrial plants with elevated fire risks

By maintaining optimal water pressure, the fire pump ensures the effectiveness of sprinklers and hydrants to suppress fires quickly and efficiently.


How Does a Fire Pump Work?

When a fire sprinkler head opens due to heat detection or when someone opens a fire hose valve, there’s a sudden drop in system pressure. This triggers the fire pump controller to start the pump. Once running, the pump draws water from a water supply and pushes it into the fire protection piping network, ensuring all endpoints receive sufficient flow and pressure.

Most fire pump systems include the following components:

  • Pump (Electric or Diesel-driven)

  • Pump controller

  • Pressure relief valve

  • Jockey pump (maintains pressure during normal conditions)

  • Test header

  • Flow meter


Types of Fire Pumps

Different types of fire pumps are used depending on system requirements and water sources. Here are the main types:

1. Centrifugal Fire Pumps

The most common type, using impellers to move water efficiently.

2. Vertical Turbine Pumps

Used when water is sourced from below ground, such as wells or tanks. NFPA 20 mandates this type when water level is below the pump.

3. End Suction Pumps

Compact and economical, suitable for small to medium-sized buildings.

4. Split Case Pumps

Known for reliability and ease of maintenance; often used in large facilities.

5. Multistage Pumps

Ideal for systems needing very high pressure, often found in high-rises or large industrial plants.


Electric vs Diesel Fire Pumps

Fire pumps are driven by either electric motors or diesel engines. Each has its own benefits:

Electric Fire Pumps

  • Quieter operation

  • Lower maintenance

  • Requires a reliable power supply

Diesel Fire Pumps

  • Independent from building power

  • Ideal for areas prone to blackouts

  • Requires fuel storage and regular engine maintenance

Some systems use both types in redundant configurations for extra reliability.


What Happens If You Don’t Have a Fire Pump?

Without a fire pump, the pressure available in the system may not be sufficient to:

  • Activate sprinkler heads effectively

  • Reach upper floors in high-rise buildings

  • Deliver water through long pipe networks

  • Support hose stream demands during large fires

This can severely compromise the fire protection system’s performance, leading to greater damage and risk of injury.


Standards That Govern Fire Pumps

Fire pumps must be installed and maintained according to international standards, most notably:

Get in touch with us
Rellene Su Consulta Y Nos Pondremos En Contacto Con Usted Las 24 Horas.
X
Get in touch with us
For Jiuyi Fire Technology Co., Ltd future focus on oversea market product, like the EDJ fire pump set, EJ, DJ, EEJ and so on, also include the vertica