Fire Pump Inspection Testing and Maintenance
At Thompson’s we take operation of our customers Fire Pumps with the highest level of attention. We understand this high cost asset requires regular maintenance which will extend the life of the system and keep future replacement requirement at bay. Fire pumps are used to ensure an adequate water supply by increasing pressure for fire suppression and, as such, are an integral part of the fire protection system for a facility. Failure of a fire pump to operate under fire conditions can result in a major loss. To help ensure the fire or booster pump is working, there needs to be periodic inspection, maintenance and testing of the pump. The following information provides an overview of the requirements; a separate checklist for electric pump and diesel pump is attached at the end of the document.
Who Can Perform the Inspections and Testing
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, states that inspection testing and maintenance should be performed by a qualified person who has developed competence through training and experience. Many companies use a qualified outside contractor for the annual flow test on a pump and use in-house personnel for the weekly or monthly tests.
Inspections and Testing
Who Can Perform the Inspections and Testing Inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements are outlined in NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Below is an overview of the inspection and testing activities that should be completed on your pump. A detailed checklist for an electric pump and diesel pump follow on subsequent pages.
Maintenance Schedule
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, states that inspection testing and maintenance should be performed by a qualified person who has developed competence through training and experience. Many companies use a qualified outside contractor for the annual flow test on a pump and use in-house personnel for the weekly or monthly tests.
Weekly
- Pump house, heating, ventilating louvers
- Fire pump system
- Pump Operation (Diesel only)—no flow start and run test for 30 minutes
Monthly
- Pump Operation (Electric only)—no flow start and run test for 10 minutes
Annual
- Full flow test both diesel and electric pumps
- Fire pump alarm signals
Maintenance
- On an annual basis service hydraulic systems, mechanical transmission and motor
- All other maintenance on the pump and associated components varies and should be completed in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Water holding Tanks Inspected Per NFPA 25. Internal and external per manufacturer