A fire fighting pump is used to boost the water pressure of a sprinkler system. It is an essential piece of equipment that ensures the fire suppression system works properly and does not jeopardize people’s lives. The pump may be powered by a diesel, electric or petrol engine and has to meet strict requirements set forth by third party listing agencies. The pump must provide a high enough flow to keep up with the sprinkler’s risers and hose standpipes’ hydraulic demands.
Pumps are also often used as a backup water supply when municipal water supplies cannot provide sufficient water pressure to the sprinkler system’s risers and hose standpipes. It is a highly-specialised device that requires special training to operate. A firefighting pump must have a very high water flow rate to ensure that the nozzles on the handline can be connected and operated with ease. It must also be able to handle back pressure that is created by the height of the building above it and any elevation changes on route to the scene of a fire.
Fire fighting pumps are rated by their PSI and GPM. PSI stands for “pressure per square inch,” while GPM refers to a measure of the water flow in litres per minute. When selecting a firefighting pump, look for one with a higher PSI rating, as this will give the water more force.
The other factor to consider is the size of the pump outlet. The larger the outlet, the faster it will be able to discharge water from the nozzles. Ideally, the pump outlet size will be equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the discharge hoses that you plan to use with it.
Most pumps have two different outlets: an inlet valve for drawing water from a source and a discharge valve for dispersing water out the outlet. Inlet valve sizes range from 1″ to 4″ (sometimes more), with the bigger inlet size helping a pump reach higher heads and move water at a faster rate.
There are many types of fire fighting pumps that are available on the market today. Some are made of aluminium while others are built from stainless steel. A few of them have a digital display that shows the status of the pump. Others have a remote control that allows you to turn the pump on and off without having to leave your vehicle.
Some of these fire fighting pumps come with a trolley kit to make it easier for them to be transported from one place to another. You should also consider the weight of the pump when you are selecting it. The heavier it is, the harder it will be to maneuver, so look for a model with a lower weight if you need one that can be moved easily. You should also look for a model that is easy to start and run, as this will save you on fuel costs.