Fire pump testing is required monthly and yearly according to NFPA 25.  It is important to make sure your fire protection system is up to code and working properly.

What is a Fire Pump?

A fire pump is a part of a fire sprinkler system’s water supply and powered by electric or diesel.  It uses water from an external water source to increase the water flow and pressure.  The pump intake is either connected to the public underground water supply piping, or a static water source. The pump provides water flow at a higher pressure to the sprinkler system risers and hose standpipes.  Fire pumps must be tested on both a monthly and annual basis to ensure that they will perform as designed.  These two different tests are referred to as a monthly “churn” test and an annual flow test. 

Monthly “Churn” Test

This test is conducted by running the fire pump without water flowing. The monthly churn test requires electric powered pumps to be tested as follows:

  • Run pump for a minimum of 10 minutes. 
  • Record the system suction & discharge pressure gauge readings. 
  • Check the pump packing glands for slight discharge. 
  • Adjust glands nuts; if necessary. 
  • Check for unusual noise or vibration. 
  • Check packing boxes, bearings or pump casing for overheating. 
  • Record the pump starting pressure. 
  • Interpret results. 

Annual Flow Test

The fire pump flow test must be conducted once a year in order to measure the pump’s flow and pressure. The test is performed by close the discharge line and open testing line and measure the RPM on 0 ,100 and 150 of rating pump flow for both electrical and diesel pump. During a flow test, pressure readings are taken as the pump is run through various stages, plotted on hydraulic graph paper, and compared to factory specifications and test results from previous years.  If there is a significant reduction in the pump’s performance, further examination is needed to make the necessary repairs. 

Fire pumps must be tested on a monthly and yearly basis to ensure that the pump will operate as needed to protect the property and people in the event of a fire.  Call Fire Cloud today to schedule your next fire pump test.