Fire Pump Testing Requirements

It is assumed that the reader has a basic understanding of the use of fire pumps fire pump installation requirements and the role of nfpa in establishing these requirements.
Fire pump testing requirements. Nfpa 25 requirements for fire pump tests part 1 ensure water flow and pressure with the annual fire pump flow test fire pumps are a vital part of many fire sprinkler systems driving the necessary pressure and volume to keep water flowing when it isn t generated by the water supply. Branch circuit conductors to a single fire pump motor must have a rating of not less than 125 of the motor flc as listed in tables 430 248 or 430 250. 245 the fire pump flow test. Current basis for the examination is the nfpa fire protection handbook 20th edition.
Wait back up what is a fire pump. Overall nfpa 20 received 264 proposals for revision 135 official follow up comments and 2 successful floor actions at nfpa s 2012 technical reporting session in las. For electric motor driven fire pumps we recommend at least running your equipment once a week for at least ten 10 minutes for a visual inspection. Did you know nfpa25 requires specific monthly and yearly testing of fire pumps.
This allows the engine to establish a running speed and confirm that no problems exist such as overheating. Below is an overview of the inspection and testing activities that should be completed on your pump. The national fire protection association nfpa fire pump testing requirements are issued with and detailed procedures for performing these tests. In recent editions of nfpa 25 the requirements for no flow churn test frequencies have changed for electric motor driven fire pumps only.
Pump test will also serve as a flow test for the backflow preventer the fire department connection may be used as a test connection by reversing the check valve and flowing water out of the fdc. The purpose of the cfps examination is to provide a basis for determining the competency of candidates seeking the certified fire protection specialist cfps designation. Iso also requires annual pump testing and the results help determine the fire suppression capability of your community which will be reflected in local. Most fire pumps are either electric motor driven or diesel engine driven and the type and frequency of testing will vary depending on what you have in your building.
The insurance services office inc. Conductors supplying only a fire pump motor must have a minimum ampacity of at least 125 of the motor full load current rating as required by 430 22 695 6 b 2 as shown in fig. Inspection testing and maintenance requirements are outlined in nfpa 25 standard for the inspection testing and maintenance of water based fire protection systems.