Fire Fighting Water Pump – The Goldilocks Sweet Spot

A fire fighting water pump is an important component to ensure that a fire suppression system operates at the proper flow rates and pressures. Too much pumping and resources are wasted, too little and lives are at risk. Finding that Goldilocks sweet spot is a must.

When determining which fire fighting water pump is needed, an understanding of the building type is critical. The height and layout of the structure will determine the size of the fire pump room, the required hose sizes, and if an aboveground or belowground reservoir is best. Local and global regulations will also help to guide design and equipment selection.

In general, single-stage fire pumps are used for larger applications and can achieve higher pressures at a lower GPM (Gallons per Minute) than two-stage fire pumps. However, some fire departments may decide that two-stage fire pumps are better suited to their needs as they can provide the flexibility of low-pressure/high-volume or high-pressure/low-volume at the demand of a fire.

In either case, the fire pump must be sized properly for optimum performance. Typically, this is accomplished through a series of tests performed on the pump by a professional fire protection technician. The tests measure the pump’s ability to meet its rated flow point, maximum demand point, and pressure boost, all of which are compared to the pump’s certified factory test curve. The tests also include no-flow and churn tests, as well as full annual testing that puts the fire pump through its paces to ensure it is capable of operating as intended in an emergency.