Fire Pump Sprinkler Systems in NYC: Pump it Up!

May 23rd, 2023

Fire pump sprinkler systems supply water at high pressure to sprinklers, standpipes, or other firefighting equipment in high-rise buildings or other structures. They are designed to provide a reliable source of water pressure to help extinguish a fire before it worsens.

No matter what type of fire pump you install, they all require positive suction. However, this does not apply to vertical turbine fire pumps. Instead, these pumps use water drawn from nearby wells or water tanks.

Why Do You Need a Fire Pump?

If you live in a building where water pressure is an issue, you need to consider installing a fire pump for fire sprinkler systems in NYC. There are several additional reasons why you need a fire pump.

 
1. Water Supply

Fire pumps are primarily used when the existing municipal water supply can’t provide sufficient water pressure or volume to operate the sprinkler system.

 

2. Building Height

As discussed above, high-rise buildings over a certain height may require a fire pump to ensure that the water reaches the upper floors with enough pressure to meet the fire pump sprinkler systems requirement.

 

3. System Redundancy

Fire pumps are often installed as a backup to ensure the sprinkler system remains operational during a power or other system failure.

 

4. Fire Risk

Some NYC structures or buildings, such as high-risk industrial facilities, may require a higher level of fire protection. This may include using fire pumps to supply water at a higher pressure. Thus, you will need fire sprinkler systems in NYC.

Key Role of a Jockey Pump

Having a jockey pump in your fire pump is essential. It is a small pump connected to the fire sprinkler system to help it maintain water pressure in the sprinkler pipes. This ensures that if a fire sprinkler is activated and there is a pressure drop, it will be sensed by the fire pump’s automatic controller, causing the fire pump to start automatically. Jockey pumps do not have to be certified for fire system application, but the control equipment may carry approvals.

NFPA 20 Standards for the Installation of Fire Pumps

When it comes to fire pump installation, keep the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA 20 standards in mind. NFPA 20 guides fire pump installations but provides no listings or approvals. This depends on your local fire authority.

NFPA 20’s purpose is to ensure that fire pumps are correctly installed and function effectively in a fire. These standards cover various topics related to the installation of fire pump systems, including types of fire pumps, their installation requirements, pump room, pump house design, suction piping, etc.

Below are some key requirements of the NFPA 20 standard:

1. Install fire pumps in a dedicated pump room or house, which should be designed to protect the pump from damage and provide adequate ventilation.

 

2. Suction piping and discharge piping should be adequately sized and installed per the standards to ensure proper flow rates and minimum friction.

 

3. The electrical power supply and control systems should be checked for safe fire pump operations.

 

4. The pump should be able to meet 150% of the rated duty.

 

5. It must maintain at least 65% of the rated duty point pressure.

 

6. The churn pressure or dead head should not exceed 140% of the rated duty point pressure.

 

7. Test the fire pump sprinkler systems per the standard to ensure that it can deliver the required flow and pressure.

Another requirement is that each fire pump must be tested to meet the fire suppression requirements before it can be shipped. There has to be a certified factory test curve and fire pump flow chart, along with a rated duty point, which consists of the rated flow and the rated pressure.

Fire pumps are an essential component of fire sprinkler systems in buildings where water pressure is an issue. Their use can help you prevent property damage and save lives in a fire. For more fire pump sensing line details, contact us today.