Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire Fighting Water Pump

A fire fighting water pump can be a lifesaver during a major emergency. These powerful pumps can provide large amounts of water for a variety of firefighting applications, such as spraying a fire suppression system in a building or dousing down a wildfire. There are a number of factors to consider when selecting the right fire fighting water pump for your needs. These include the GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pressure per square inch). It is important to find that “Goldilocks” level of flow and pressure, which means that you have enough capacity but not too much. Too little and you will be wasting resources, too much and it could be disastrous.

GPM and PSI are closely related, as they both affect each other. When you increase the GPM, the PSI will decrease, and vice versa. The reason for this is because the pump is working harder to push the water out at a higher rate. This increased stress on the pump is why it is very important to keep an eye on GPM and PSI, especially during annual tests.

Another factor to consider when choosing a fire fighting water pump is the capacity of the reservoir from which it will draw its water. Typically, fire fighting water pumps are used to draw from large lakes, rivers or other bodies of water. However, they can also be used to draw from water tanks or other storage containers in a building. This is often called a deluge system.

In addition to the reservoir and the pump, a fire fighting water pump also requires some additional equipment. This includes a suction strainer, foot valve assembly and the suction hose. The suction strainer is designed to prevent air from entering the pump or the system, which can cause damage and reduce the efficiency of the system. It is very important to properly maintain the suction strainer and ensure that it is always submerged in the water source.

The fire fighting water pump is powered by an electric motor or diesel engine. The motor/engine turns a shaft that in turn powers an impeller. The impeller in the fire fighting water pump is responsible for drawing water into the system. This is why it is very important to regularly inspect the motor and all other components in the system.

NFPA 20: Standard for Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection Chapter 9 requires that qualified personnel perform regular visual inspections, and running tests on each fire fighting water pump. These tests can help to identify potential problems before they can become serious and potentially catastrophic. This testing can include, but is not limited to, checking the water supply and pump conditions, discharge piping and valves, electrical system, engine consumables, etc.

It is also recommended that a fire fighting water pump be located in an enclosure with sufficient clearance to allow for easy maintenance and access for operation. Generally, a minimum of 12 inches of clear space should be maintained behind and around the pump. fire fighting water pump