In this part of Full Fire Protection series, we will learn about Codes and Standards for Fire Fighting Pumps.

Codes and Standards for Fire Fighting Pumps

Fire Fighting Pump Standards

In order to prevent pump fires, manufacturers have established codes and standards to ensure proper safety during operation and maintenance. These codes and standards cover not only the design of the pumps, but their installation, repair-maintenance, testing, and replacement. In addition to these codes and standards, many manufacturers provide training programs and seminars to help technicians learn how to properly install, service, maintain, and troubleshoot their equipment.

Types of Fire Fighting Pumps

There are three types of firefighting pumps commonly utilized today: dry type, wet type, and hybrid. Dry type firefighting pumps are similar to traditional pneumatic cylinders. These pumps are typically smaller in size than wet type machines, and are ideal for use inside buildings where space constraints may limit the use of larger-capacity machines. Because they do not require any water or liquid (as opposed to wet type machines), they are often preferred for use inside buildings that house combustible materials. Wet type firefighting pumps utilize pressurized water as the force source. They are generally more powerful than dry type pumps, making them ideal for use outside buildings, such as in industrial settings. Hybrid firefighting pumps combine both dry and wet technology. Like dry type pumps, they utilize compressed air as the primary force source, while wet systems utilize pressurized water to transfer the force. This combination of technologies creates a versatile machine that offers optimal performance for various applications and environments.

1. NFPA 1901 - Code for Fire Fighting Pumps (2014)

This code establishes requirements and test procedures for firefighting pumps used at construction sites where combustible materials are stored or handled.

2. NFPA 2103 - Standard Practice for Fire Extinguishers (2015)

This standard provides guidance for installing, testing, maintaining, repairing, and replacing fire extinguishing systems in hazardous occupancies.

3. NFPA 2084 - Guide for Portable Fire Fighting Systems (2013)

The standard defines portable fire fighting devices, including those intended for use in enclosed spaces, and sets forth recommended methods for their operation, maintenance, and inspection.

1. Standard IEC 60204-1

This standard is designed for electrical equipment for fire protection, including emergency power supply systems (EPSS) operating in hazardous areas.

2. Standard IEC 60312

This standard covers the requirements for fire protection pump stations. It specifies the minimum dimensions, design requirements and construction methods for pump station buildings and their components.

3. ISO 45001 : 2018

ISO 45001 is the International Organization for Standards (International Standardization Organization) fourth edition of the international safety management system standard ISO 45001 “Safety management – principles and practice”. It provides principles and practices for how to identify, assess, manage, monitor, report and control risks, and how to implement and continually improve the performance of the organization, its processes, products and services to reduce risk exposure and increase resilience.

4. NFPA 72

NFPA 72 is the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Life Safety Code, and includes code provisions for fire alarm and fire extinguishing systems and building occupancy classification systems.

5. CSA B84.1-2009

This Canadian standard establishes minimum requirements for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.

6. AS/NZS 1436.9.1 : 2013

AS/NZS 1436:2009 is the Australian and New Zealand Building Code. Part 9.1 sets out the requirements for fire protection systems and the general requirements for fire protection systems.

7. BS EN 13837:2002

BS EN 13837 is the British Standard for fire protection systems. Part 1 contains mandatory requirements for fire protection systems; Part 2 contains optional requirements on the selection, use, testing and maintenance of fire prevention and suppression systems; and Part 3 contains requirements for fire alarms and fire detection systems.

The NFPA codes and standards provide basic guidelines for firefighting equipment manufacturers regarding design, construction, performance, testing, certification, maintenance, and operation.

- Fire Fighting Pumps

NFPA Code 70 (2013) defines firefighting pumps as “a class of positive displacement pump originally designed for use in extinguishing fires using foam concentrate.” These devices may deliver water or air, depending upon the application requirements.

Firefighting pumps:

Pumps used for fire suppression and extinguishment are commonly referred to as fire pump systems. Most fire pumps fall under two categories; fixed mounted systems that require pressurization and mobile systems that do not require pressurization. Fixed mounted systems can use either dry chemical or foaming agents while mobile systems can only use foaming agents. The following codes and standards should be considered when designing and building fire pumps.

• NFPA 921: Standard for Fire Fighting Pumps (2011)

1. Fire-fighting pumps shall have no valve orifice less than 0.25 inch diameter (0.64 mm) in the discharge end except where otherwise specified. A pump having a valve orifice smaller than 0.25 inch may be approved if it meets the following conditions:

a. The pressure is not greater than 100 psi (690 kPa).

b. When tested at full flow rate, the time for complete discharge of water is not more than 10 seconds.

c. Ductwork, pipes, and fittings used to connect the pump with the fire hose shall conform with the requirements of ANSI B16.12.

d. Pipes, ductwork, and fittings connecting the pump with any container for extinguishing agent shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/ASME B31.8-2007 Standard Practice for Pipe System Design and Installation.

e. Where piping is installed, valves and faucets shall comply with the requirements of ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Part IV, Chapter 5 - Piping and Fittings, Article 4 – Plumbing Valves, Subchapter 4 – Pressure Control Valves.

f. When used with sprinklers, the valves shall be capable of stopping flow in all directions and shall be equipped with anti-backflow devices meeting ASHRAE Standard 135.

g. The pump shall be rated at least 120 gallons per minute (GPM) and shall discharge a minimum of 50 percent of its rated output during normal use.

h. No pump shall exceed the maximum operating temperature allowed by its manufacturer's recommendations.

i. No pump shall be located in close proximity to combustible materials or materials that could ignite spontaneously.

j. Where there is a separate outlet line for each individual appliance, such outlets shall not be less than 2 feet in length nor less than 6 inches in diameter.

k. When there is more than one pump, they shall not be connected in parallel unless the equipment operator knows how to properly control them.

2. Pump valves shall open and shut under the influence of pressure differentials caused by opening and closing of fire-fighting nozzle openings. Such pressure differentials shall not cause the valve to remain open.

3. Each pump shall be provided with an alarm of sound to indicate malfunction. If the pump malfunctions and is left unattended, a visual signal shall be generated to warn others that the pump is out of service.

Access all the previous parts of this full fire fighting series by clicking the links provided below:

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Part 2 --- Click Here!!!

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Part 4 --- Click Here!!!

Part 5 --- Click Here!!!

Part 6 --- Click Here!!!

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