PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS

Fire Pump Installation

James E. Stenqvist, CPD NFPA 20: Standard for the Installaor other water flow devices. These tion of Stationary Fire Pumps for Fire systems components include the folProtection is the governing standard for lowing: fire pumps and their installation. Books Fire Pump. The fire pump boosts arent often written about National Fire the water supplys pressure to a Protection Association standards, but pressure sufficient to operate the fire NFPA 20 has an independent reference protection devices properly. guide appropriately titled Fire Pump Fire Pump Driver. The driver is Handbook, published by NFPA and an electric motor or diesel engine the National Fire Sprinkler Association. device used to supply the power to Also, numerous articles have been puboperate the fire pump. lished and seminars have been held on Valves and Fittings. These items the subject. Obviously, fire pump instalconnect the components to ensure lation is quite a popular topic among the system is operating properly and plumbing and fire protection engineers. allow for testing and servicing of all A fire pumps main function is to system components. receive a set amount of water flow Fire Pump Controller. The confrom a certain source at an initial prestroller is in charge of starting the sure and increase that pressure to a fire pump under preset conditions desired level. The fire pump enhances or potentially unfavorable cirthe given water supply; it cannot create cumstances. The jockey pump, or water. Thus, if a project requires 1,000 pressure maintenance, has its own gallons per minute and only 500 gpm controller. is available, an auxiliary water source is required. The auxiliary source could be Installing a Fire Pump suction tanks, a gravity or elevated tank, Before you begin to install a fire ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water. pump, make sure you know the A complete fire pump system comanswers to the following questions: prises components between the water What are the applicable codes? supply and discharge pipe to feed sprinklers, standpipes, hose valves, Table 1. Summary of Centrifugal Fire Pump Data (U.S. Customary) Minimum Pipe Sizes (Nominal) Pump Relief Relief Valve Meter Number and Hose Header Rating Suction1, 2 Discharge1 Valve Discharge Device Size of Hose Supply (gpm) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) Valves (inches) (inches) 300 4 4 2 3 3 1-2 3 400 4 4 3 5 4 2-2 4 450 5 5 3 5 4 2-2 4 500 5 5 3 5 5 2-2 4 750 6 6 4 6 5 3-2 6 1,000 8 6 4 8 6 4-2 6 1,250 8 8 6 8 6 6-2 8 1,500 8 8 6 8 8 6-2 8 2,000 10 10 6 10 8 6-2 8 2,500 10 10 6 10 8 8-2 10 3,000 12 12 8 12 8 12-2 10 3,500 12 12 8 12 10 12-2 12 4,000 14 12 8 14 10 16-2 12 4,500 16 14 8 14 10 16-2 12 5,000 16 14 8 14 10 20-2 12
1 Actual diameter of pump ange is permitted to be dierent from pipe diameter. 2 Applies only to that portion of suction pipe specied in 5.14.3.4. Source: NFPA 20, Table 5.25: Summary of Fire Pump Data

Does the available water supply meet the facilitys needs? Who is providing the water supply to the pump? What are the requirements or limitations imposed by the water purveyor? Is the pump room/house an adequate size, does it have a floor drain, and is it heated? Is it accessible to fire fighters and maintenance personnel? Who is providing the details of the pump foundation and pump house (if required)? Also, you must determine several design parameters. First, verify the design conditions: design criteria, required head (pressure), flow requirements, flow test results, etc. Then, decide the engine type (diesel or electric), whether the pump will be horizontal or vertical, and the electrical characteristics (208 volt or 480 volt). Next, locate the test header and determine if a remote alarm panel is required. Finally, ensure the pipe sizing is in accordance with Table 5.25(b) in NFPA 20 (see Table 1). Flow rates are standardized and range from 300 gpm to 5,000 gpm. Four types of pumps are available: horizontal shaft, vertical inline, vertical turbine, and end suction. After installing the fire pump, use the checklist on page 28 to ensure all of the components are included and properly assembled.

James Stenqvist, CPD, is the former president of ASPEs Connecticut Chapter. Please contact him with your suggestions, comments, or questions at jstenqvist@msn.com. This article is meant to provide some basic guidelines. Always check all relevant codes and resources for a particular project.

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Plumbing Systems & Design Jan/Feb 2005

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PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS

Checklist for Fire Pump Installation

Engineering calculations and tests document the preceding requirements performance. A flow control device is installed on the pump suction (if required by the water purveyor). Ensure hydraulic calculations reflect this devices imposed flow control. Where located in the pumps suction pipe, check valves and backflow prevention devices or assemblies are a minimum of 10 pipe diameters from the pump suction flange. Where the authority having jurisdiction requires the installation of a backflow prevention device or assembly in connection with the pump, special consideration has been given to the increased pressure loss resulting from the installation, which is reflected in the hydraulic calculations. Where a backflow prevention device is installed, the final arrangement provides effective pump performance with a minimum suction pressure of 0 pounds per square inch at the gauge at 150 percent of rated capacity. Valves Engineering calculations and tests A listed outside screw and yoke document determination of effecgate valve is installed in the suctive pump performance. tion pipe. No valve other than a listed OS&Y If required by the local jurisdiction, the suction control valve is valve is installed in the suction mounted in the discharge piping pipe within 50 feet of the pump with the sensing line properly suction flange. piped to the suction supply piping. Backow Preventers, Check If the existing water supply is Valves, and Water Supply normally of adequate pressure, a Protection properly installed bypass has been Check valves and backflow prevenprovided. tion devices and assemblies are If the water supply is taken from a listed for fire protection service raw water source (pond or lake), and meet the water purveyors suction screens and a vortex plate requirements. have been installed. Where the backflow prevention Centrifugal Pump Factory device or assembly incorporates a relief valve, the relief valve disand Field Performance charges to a drain appropriately Pump furnishes no less than 150 sized for the maximum anticipercent of rated capacity at no pated flow from the relief valve. less than 65 percent of total rated head. An air gap is provided in accordance with the manufacturers The shutoff head does not exceed recommendations. 140 percent of rated head for any type pump. Water discharge from the relief valve will be readily visible or easily detected.

Foundation and Setting

Pump and driver are securely mounted with anchor bolts and are grouted. Pipe strain is not transmitted to pump and valve flanges. Pump and driver are aligned properly. A seismic restraint is included (if necessary). Overhung impeller and impeller between bearings, design pumps, and driver are mounted on a common grouted base plate. The overhung impellers pumps (close coupled inline) are mounted on a base attached to the pump mounting base plate. The base plate is securely attached to a solid foundation in a way that ensures proper pump and driver shaft alignment. The foundation is sufficiently substantial to form a permanent and rigid support for the base plate. The base plate, with pump and driver mounted on it, is set level on the foundation.

Centrifugal Pump Fittings The pump manufacturer has provided the following fittings: automatic air release valve (not required on vertical inline or top centerline end suction pumps) circulation relief valve (not required on water-cooled, dieseldriven pumps and vertical turbines) pressure gauges The following fittings are provided where necessary: eccentric tapered reducer at suction inlet hose valve manifold with hose valves flow measuring device relief valve and discharge cone pipeline strainer

exceed the fire protection systems working pressure) pressure gauges (not required by NFPA 20 but sometimes required by the AHJ and always recommended)

Fuel for Diesel Pump

Each engine has separate tanks and fuel lines. The tank(s) is/are exclusive for the pump(s). The tank is aboveground (gravity fed). The fuel lines are protected from damage. The tank and fuel lines are located in the pump room (preferred). Fuel lines and fittings are cast iron or stainless steel (no copper, galvanized steel, bronze, or brass). The appropriate grade of diesel fuel is marked on the fuel tank. A method for indicating the fuel tank level other than sight glasses is provided.

Vertical Turbine Pump Fittings

The following fittings are included: automatic air release valve water level detector discharge pressure gauge relief valve and discharge cone where required hose valve header and hose valves or metering devices

Electric Motor
Electric motor is listed for fire pump service. Electric motor nameplate HP and voltage matches the controller nameplate HP and voltage.

Pipeline Strainer
For pumps requiring removal of the driver to clean rocks or debris from the pump impeller, a pipeline strainer is installed in the suction line a minimum of 10 pipe diameters from the suction flange. The pipeline strainer is cast or heavy fabricated with corrosionresistant metallic removable screens to permit cleaning of the strainer element without removing the pumps driver. The strainer screens have a free area of at least four times the area of the suction connections, and the openings are sized to restrict the passage of a 0.3125-inch sphere.

Electric Controller
Controller is within sight of the fire pump. The correct controller typefull voltage (across the line), wye delta, part winding, primary resistor, auto transformer, or limited serviceis supplied per specifications. The fire pump controller has no thermal protector at the service entrance. (Any short circuit or disconnecting equipment must indefinitely hold 600 percent of the motors full load amps and be lockable in the closed position.) The controller is not being used as a junction box to supply power to other loads in the pump room. The transfer switch (if supplied) has been wired to the backup generator. A main relief valve is installed if a variable speed pressure limiting controller is provided.

Jockey Pump Fittings

The following fittings are included: suction and discharge butterfly or gate valves discharge check valve relief valve (only required if the maximum suction pressure plus the jockey pumps shutoff head

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Plumbing Systems & Design Jan/Feb 2005

PLUMBING DESIGN by the NUMBERS

There are no other means of disconnecting power to the pump (such as a disconnect switch). Adequate ventilation is available to maintain design pump room temperature and adequate air supply. Pipe hangers (not the engine) support the exhaust piping. Engine muffler is installed properly and exhaust piping terminates in an approved location and manner. The following local alarm indicators are functional: low oil pressure high temperature failure to start overspeed shutdown battery failure battery charger failure low fuel level Sensing lines are one-half-inch nominal diameter. Sensing lines for each pump are independent (including all fire pumps and jockey pumps). Sensing lines have two one-halfinch check valves with 332-inch holes in the clapper. Each check valve is separated by a minimum five feet of sensing line. No shutoff valves are in the sensing lines.

Diesel Engine
Engine has proper fluids (oil and coolant). Engine jacket water heater is wired and functional. Fuel and water solenoids are properly wired to the instrument panel. Engine instrument panel is wired to the fire pump controller. Batteries have been charged for 24 hours.

Diesel Controller
Controller is within sight of the fire pump.

Pressure Control Sensing Lines

Sensing lines are of copper, brass, or bronze construction.

Publishers Note: ASPE and PSD do not directly or indirectly endorse products or manufacturers. Material present in this magazine is for furthering the technical interests of plumbing engineers, designers, contractors, and other interested professionals. From time to time a product may be mentioned, or an article or the material from a professional or specialist from a product manufacturer may be presented. The presentation of this type of material is in no way an endorsement of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers or of Plumbing Systems & Design magazine. The material has been reviewed by PSD professionals who provide technical editing services to the Society and is deemed to be of sufficient or significant interest to the plumbing industry and profession.

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