Installation of a fire pump is governed by section

27-946 of the citys administrative code. It requires

that additional water supply be provided for
standpipes in buildings over 300 feet high by one
or more manually-operated fire pumps. When a
fire pump is required to be installed, the pump
must be tested and pass inspection. This guide
offers tips for how to conduct a successful fire
pump test.

Every pump installation requires the following:

1.at least three 50 foot lengths of approved
2 1/2- inch rubber lined hose
2.three 2 1/2 x 1 1/8 nozzles
3.three spanner wrenches (stored in the pump
room or other convenient location) and
4.twelve washers
Signaling System

General requirements for fire

pump installation

In all buildings over 300 feet high there shall be a

telephone signaling system for fire department use
in operating the standpipe system.

Pump Room Guidelines

1.Location: the fire pump room shall be located at the entrance floor or below and shall
have access to street level by direct opening
to the street or by a 2-hour fire rated passageway or stairway.
2.Design: the room shall be of non-combustible construction with a 2-hour fire rating
and must be properly heated, lighted, ventilated, and drained. Horizontal fire pumps
must be located on a concrete foundation at
least 12 inches above the floor with (3) foot
clearance on all sides.
3.Prohibitions: no hazardous refrigerant, gas
pipe or gas-consuming device shall be located
in a fire pump room.

The power supply for a fire pump motor must be

taken from the street side of the house service
switch and must have a disconnect switch plainly
marked Fire Pump Power Supply.

Guidelines for automatic fire

pumps
An automatic fire pump may be used as the primary
water supply for standpipe and sprinkler systems in
buildings 300 feet or less in height or in the lower
300 feet, in higher buildings.
Automatic Fire Pump Capacity: Pump
capacity must be at least 500 GPM with a
minimum discharge pressure of 25 G.P.M and
a maximum of 500 G.P.M.
Pressure Relief Valve: Each automatic fire
pump shall have a 3-inch pressure relief valve
in its pump discharge, set to relieve below the
shut-off head of the pump but above the
required pressure at the highest hose valve.
Relief valve discharge with visual sight glass
may connect to the suction side of the pump
on the pump side of the suction valve.

Water supply guidelines

A manual fire pump is required in addition to the

primary water supply in all buildings over 300 feet
tall.

For both automatic and manual pumps, two

6-inch services from independent street mains
are required. Requirement for residential may
differ.

Capacity: Minimum standard is one 750

GMP pump or two 500 GMP pumps to discharge 50 psi plus friction above the normal
static pressure at the highest hose valve.
Pressure Relief Valve: A manually-operated fire pump shall have a 3-inch relief valve
for 500 GPM pumps and a 4 inch relief valve
for 750 GPM pumps. The relief valve shall not
be set more than 15 psi over the required
pressure at the highest hose outlet. The relief
valve discharge with visual sight glass may
connect back to the suction side of the pump
on the pump side of the suction valve.
Test Valve: Each manual fire pump shall
have a test valve in pump discharge that may
be connected to the discharge side of the relief
valve if it is piped back to the suction side of
the pump. A minimum of 3-inch test pipe is
required for 500 GPM pumps and 4 inch for
750 GPM pumps.
Manual Fire Pump Control: The first step
of the starter shall produce 100 psig at the
pump and each succeeding step increased by
50 psig up to the required pump pressure.

For automatic pumps, one 6-inch service and

a suction tank is permitted if valves at meter
and pump have tamper switches wired to an
approved central station of an operating fire
alarm company. In the event two separate
and distinct water mains are not available,
provide a suction tank with a 1/2 hour supply
at the rated capacity of the pump.

Power Supply

Guidelines for manual fire pumps

Equipment guidelines

Fire pumps at a glance

Tips for a successful fire pump

test
A fire pump test should be conducted only
after the hydrostatic test and walk through
inspection is completed.
Advance notice of inspection and test is
required.
You must have the approved and perforated
plans and the authorizing letter available.
An authorized fire pump company representative must be on site at the time of the test.
All pump and control panel wiring should be
complete before the test is conducted.

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Fifty feet of approved 2 1/2-inch rubber lined

hose with 1 1/8-inch nozzle shall be connected to the highest 2 1/2-inch hose outlet valve
for each 250 GPM of rated pump capacity.
At the top of the highest riser, there shall be
provided above the main roof level, a 3-way
manifold equipped with three 2-1/2 inch hose
valves with hose valve caps.
Hose nozzle shall discharge at or above highest hose outlet, or through a manifold.
Pitot tube gauge readings shall be taken at
each nozzle to determine required pump
capacity.
Note: 46 pitot gauge reading from one nozzle
is equal to 254 GPM (1 1/8-inch nozzle).
Check all controls for good working order. No
valves in the line leading to controls.
For manual fire pumps, suction and discharge
pressures shall be recorded for each step of
pump speed. The pump R.P.M. electrical current and voltage readings shall be recorded
with specific discharge pressure for each supply condition.
When pumps are supplied by two services,
the test shall be conducted from each service,
independent of each other, and in addition,
with both services supplying the pump.

Reminder:

No Schedule B amendment is required for

minor variations in fixture count.
Details are available on-line at
www.nyc.gov/buildings
Go to resources link and then PIPES.
Does not apply to Gas (PL), Sprinkler (SP or PL),
Medical (PL), or Standpipe (SD)

Call 311 to:

Report illegal construction work

Reach DOB Program Units or Borough Offices

New York City Department of Buildings

Executive Offices / 212-566-5000
280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Manhattan Borough Office / 212-566-0042

280 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

Bronx Borough Office / 718-579-6920

1932 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457

Brooklyn Borough Office / 718-802-3675

210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11202

Queens Borough Office / 718-286-0600

120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11424

Staten Island Borough Office / 718-816-2300

10 Richmond Terrace, Borough Hall, Staten Island, NY 10301

For comprehensive information about DOB, to check

the status of a filing on the Building Information
System (BIS), and to download plan/work approval
forms and the Building Code, visit NYC.gov/buildings

BUILD
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NYC

Pump test guidelines

Department of Investigation (DOI) / 212-825-3330

80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038

Call 311 for non-emergency complaints or information for

Building Department services.
Use 911 only for life threatening emergencies.

Visit NYC.gov/buildings to:

Access comprehensive information about DOB
Check the status of a filing on the Building Information
System (BIS)
Download plan/work approval forms and the Building Code

Mission
The NYC Department of Buildings ensures the safe and lawful
use of buildings and properties by enforcing the Building
Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate development with
integrity, efficiency and professionalism.

Michael R. Bloomberg, MAYOR

Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, COMMISSIONER

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about

Fire Suppression
Work: The Guide
to Fire Pump
Installation and
Testing