Fire Safety: Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Pumps
A fire pump assembly is usually inspected weekly to verify that is in proper condition. The inspection is performed in conjunction with a weekly test of an electric, diesel or steam-driven pump.
- The test for electric motors should last for at least 10 minutes
- The test for diesel engines should last a minimum of 30 minutes
The tests are conducted with an automatic start, but without flowing water.
Fire pumps are tested annually by flowing water at "no load," "rated load" and "peak load" flow conditions. Fire pump testing is performed annually by the Grunau Company, Inc. 1100 W. Anderson Ct., Oak Creek, WI 53154, Phone: (414) 216-6900 or (800) 365-1920. Records of test results are maintained by the Facilities Services Department, Mechanical Shop Supervisor.
| Activity | Frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Pump house, heating ventilating louvers | Inspection | Weekly |
| Fire pump system | Inspection | Weekly |
| Pump Operation -- No Flow Condition | Test | Weekly |
| Pump Operation -- Flow Condition | Test | Annually |
| Hydraulic | Maintenance | Annually |
| Mechanical transmission | Maintenance | Annually |
| Electrical system | Maintenance | Varies |
| Controller, various components | Maintenance | Varies |
| Motor | Maintenance | Annually |
| Diesel Engine System, various components | Maintenance | Varies |
Updated November 8, 2007 by SAK
