Fire pumps are the core of your fire suppression system, kicking into action while you wait for the fire brigade to arrive. They are essential rescue devices that can save lives and business establishments from disaster.
Fire pumps supply the necessary water pressure to fire sprinklers and hose standpipes to control or contain a fire. Don’t get caught in an emergency situation unaware that your pump isn’t ready for the task. Regular fire pump tests ensure that you and your business assets are protected from the threat of fire.
Contact Performance Systems Integration today to learn more about fire pump testing and inspection.
The role fire pumps play in fire suppression means they must be serviced and inspected regularly to be ready for what is required of them. Annual inspections must be performed by qualified engineers certified to do the testing. Contact a NICET-certified engineer who has specific experience with all standard fire pump systems to meet your inspection and testing needs.
NFPA 25 permits some systems to limit their testing to just once per month. But diesel-driven fire pumps should be tested for at least 30 minutes each week and electric motor-driven fire pumps for at least 10 minutes one time each week. This is necessary to make sure that pressure switches, transducers, and other components are functioning as they should.
Inspections should happen at the established intervals (weekly, monthly, and annually) and be documented to meet federal and state certification and licensure requirements. In fact, fire pump systems require mandatory inspections, tests, and maintenance to meet the NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. Compliance with regulations for fire pump safety ensures that systems can deliver dependable results in a fire emergency.
During a fire pump test, inspection teams will test the system suction and discharge pressure, pump packing glands, discharge valves, gland nuts, and other components. Teams will also carefully evaluate the system for noises, vibration, leaks, and other signs of damage. At your annual inspection, the hydraulic systems, transmission, and motor will require a thorough maintenance check.
Weekly and monthly testing of your system ensures that pump integrity is ready to meet your fire suppression system’s flow and pressure demands in an emergency. Testing the fire pump alarm signals, pump operation, flow test, and ventilating louvers are also essential parts of the testing process.
Performance Systems Integration offers full-service fire protection and inspection programs for maintaining your fire pump system. We’ve been serving the Portland and Seattle area since 2002. If you need a fire pump test and inspection in Seattle, WA, or Portland, OR contact us online to set up an appointment!