Fire Jockey Pump 101: The Unsung Hero of Fire Safety

January 18th, 2024

Fire jockey pumps are the unsung heroes of fire safety. They are designed to streamline the operation of a sprinkler system during a potential fire threat, ensuring reliability in times of emergency.

Are you eager to learn more about jockey pump function and applications? Let’s delve into the world of fire jockey pumps and unravel their significance in fire safety!

Understanding Jockey Pump Functions

A jockey pump is a small device connected to a fire protection or sprinkler system. Its role is to maintain water pressure in the sprinkler pipes, helping the fire pump operate adequately when a sprinkler is activated and there is a sudden pressure drop.

Fire jockey pumps are sized for a flow less than the flow to one sprinkler. They are typically small multi-stage centrifugal pumps not necessarily listed or certified for fire system application. However, the control equipment for jockey pumps may need approval.

Components of Fire Jockey Pump

Jockey pumps are typically mounted on a skid or base to save space. Their design makes them well-suited for continuous operation without consuming excessive energy. To understand the jockey pump’s purpose, you must understand its components.

1. Electric Motor

The electric motor is the primary power source for the jockey pump and is responsible for driving the pump’s operation and maintaining the required pressure within the fire protection system.

 

2. Pump Casing

The pump casing is also known as the pump housing. It is the outer shell that encloses the jockey pump’s internal components. Its primary role is to provide protection and structural support for the pump.

 

3. Impeller

This one is a rotating component inside the pump that generates the necessary force to move water. It plays a chief role in creating the flow required to maintain water pressure in the fire protection system.

 

4. Mechanical Seal

The mechanical seal prevents water from leaking out of the jockey pump. It ensures a tight seal between the pump casing and the rotating shaft, preventing water from entering the motor and other sensitive components.

 

5. Check Valve

A check valve is installed to prevent the backflow of water when the pump is not in operation. This ensures that the fire protection system maintains the water pressure by preventing water from flowing back into the water source.

 

6. Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is a key control device that monitors the water pressure within the fire protection system. When pressure drops below a set point, the pressure switch signals the jockey pump to start, restoring pressure.

 

7. Control Panel

The control panel houses the electrical components that manage the operation of the jockey pump. It includes features such as starters, relays, and other control devices that ensure the pump operates efficiently and responds to pressure changes.

Buying Submersible Jockey Pumps

Fire jockey pumps are essential to your fire suppression system, so make sure you choose the right one. If you are planning to buy a jockey pump, these are some crucial factors to keep in mind before making your purchase:

1. Flow rate: Choose a jockey pump with a flow rate that matches the flow rate of the primary fire pump system. It must be at least 10% of the main flow rate, but not greater than 20%.

 

2. Motor horsepower: The jockey pump’s motor horsepower must go with the fire pump system’s size and flow rate. The jockey pump will fail to maintain the pressure if it is too low. If it’s too high, it will result in increased operating costs.

 

3. Pressure rating: The rating should be higher than the system’s static water pressure, but lower than the main pump’s water pressure. This allows the jockey pump to maintain the system’s pressure when the main pump is not running.

 

4. Pump material: The pump material is also a deciding factor. The material should be corrosion-resistant if the pump operates in a corrosive environment. If the pump operates in high temperatures, the material must withstand heat.

 

5. Pump type: There are two main types of fire jockey pumps: vertical and horizontal. Vertical pumps consume less space and are simpler to install but can be expensive. Horizontal pumps are more common, but they take up more space.

 

6. Manufacturer reputation: The reputation of the jockey pump manufacturer is another consideration you need to make. Choose a pump manufacturer with a proven history of producing quality pumps.

 

Remember, no fire protection system is complete without fire jockey pumps. Make sure you keep these factors in mind when making a fire jockey pump investment. If you need more information, please let us know!