How to Install a Diesel Fire Pump

 A diesel fire pump is a machine that uses a diesel engine to supply water at a rate high enough for fighting fires. It is often installed in large facilities, such as warehouses and aircraft hangars, to protect the facility from fire damage. It is also used in high rise buildings and industrial sites to ensure that firefighting water is available. A diesel fire pump is typically located outside of the building, but it can also be located within a separate fire house.

The NFPA 20 standards for diesel fire pumps state that they must be UL Listed and FM Approved for their stated maximum rated capacity, churn pressure and 150 percent of the rated capacity at shut-off head. In addition, the fire pump must be capable of maintaining a continuous flow of at least 65 percent of its rated discharge volume at the maximum churn pressure.

During the installation of a diesel fire pump, it is important to make sure that all connections are secure and properly anchored. Additionally, the installer should carefully examine the area and concrete base to verify that all conditions are favorable for proper performance. If any deficiencies are encountered, the installation should not proceed until they have been corrected.

A faulty or poorly-anchored fire pump is more likely to leak and cause water to overflow. The fire pump must be completely drained and cleaned after every use, and the drain lines should always be clear of water. In addition, the drip pockets must be cleared of debris regularly to avoid clogging and to prevent damage to the bearings and shaft.

To perform a satisfactory flow test on the fire pump, the installer should inspect and verify the following:

During a flow test, all of the gauges and transducers--a device that converts energy into an electrical signal--used must be unique to the fire pump and calibrated for accurate measurements. The gauges should be able to detect changes in flow rate and be calibrated to within +/- 1 percent. The readings from these equipment should be compared with the results of the original acceptance test performed by the factory.

If the original acceptance test curve is not available, the fire pump must be inspected and retested to meet NFPA requirements. In some cases, the pump may need to be replaced if it fails to perform satisfactorily after inspection and field corrections.

If a fire pump is not maintained correctly, the fire protection system in the building will suffer. Moreover, a fire pump that is not properly maintained will have a short life span and will cost more to repair in the long run. It is recommended that the fire pump be serviced annually, which includes replacing the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter. In addition, the lubrication-type bearings must be removed and flushed with kerosene to remove old grease. The bearings should then be re-lubricated with the manufacturer's recommended lubricant. A complete list of service procedures can be found in the NFPA 20 standard.diesel fire pump