Fire Protection
A fire pump is expected to deliver the water pressure and flow a building's fire-protection system was designed to use. A fire pump flow test moves water through the pump and approved test equipment while qualified personnel record operating data. The results show whether the pump is performing as expected under controlled conditions rather than waiting for an emergency to reveal a problem.
What happens during a fire pump flow test?
The exact procedure depends on the pump, system design, water supply, adopted standard and authority having jurisdiction. A typical field process includes:
- Reviewing the pump nameplate, previous reports, system demand and test arrangement.
- Confirming safe access, drainage, hose routing and a controlled discharge area.
- Operating the pump at the required flow conditions while stabilizing the discharge.
- Recording flow, suction and discharge pressure, pump speed and applicable driver readings.
- Comparing the recorded performance with the pump curve, nameplate information, acceptance baseline and system demand.
- Documenting results, deficiencies and any follow-up required by the owner or fire authority.
Annual fire pump flow testing
An annual fire pump test evaluates the continuing performance of an existing pump. NFPA 25 technical material describes annual flow testing for a constant-speed pump at no-flow or churn, rated flow, and 150 percent of rated capacity when the available water supply permits. It also calls for calibrated equipment to determine pump pressure, flow and speed. The exact adopted edition and local requirements should be confirmed for each property.
The annual report is most useful when current readings are compared with the original acceptance test, the manufacturer's pump curve and prior annual results. That comparison can reveal declining performance, supply limitations, control problems or readings that require further investigation.
Review NFPA 25 technical material on annual flow testing.
Fire pump acceptance testing
A fire pump acceptance test is generally associated with a new pump installation, replacement or material system change. Its purpose is to establish that the installed pump, driver, controller, power arrangement and connected fire-protection system operate as intended before final approval.
NFPA 20 covers acceptance testing of stationary fire pumps. The test can include minimum, rated and peak loads, measurement of operating conditions, verification of controls and power transfer, and preparation of a performance report. When multiple pumps are designed to operate together, the applicable acceptance procedure can also require simultaneous operation.
Local procedures matter. For example, Denver Fire Department's published testing guide includes a fire-pump acceptance-test sequence, performance-curve reporting and review by the fire-protection engineer. Projects outside Denver can have different adopted editions, witnesses, documentation and scheduling requirements.
Review NFPA 20 technical material or see Denver Fire Department's testing guide.
Annual test vs. acceptance test
| Annual fire pump test | Fire pump acceptance test |
|---|---|
| Evaluates an existing pump's continuing performance. | Establishes performance for a new, replaced or materially changed installation. |
| Commonly associated with NFPA 25 inspection, testing and maintenance. | Commonly associated with NFPA 20 installation and acceptance requirements. |
| Compared with acceptance data, the pump curve, nameplate and prior annual results. | Creates the original field-performance baseline and supports final approval. |
| Scheduled as recurring property maintenance. | Coordinated with construction, commissioning, permits and the authority having jurisdiction. |
What should a property team prepare?
- Safe access to the pump room, controller, test header and discharge area.
- The previous annual report, original acceptance test and available pump curve.
- Pump and driver nameplate information.
- Advance notice for occupants, security, neighboring properties or operations affected by water discharge.
- Drainage and traffic-control planning appropriate to the site.
- Permit, witness or report-submission instructions from the authority having jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fire pump flow test?
A fire pump flow test operates the pump while water is discharged through approved test devices so qualified personnel can measure flow, pressure, speed and other operating data.
How is an annual fire pump test different from an acceptance test?
Annual testing evaluates the continuing performance of an existing fire pump. Acceptance testing establishes that a new, replaced or materially changed installation operates as intended before final approval.
What should a property team prepare before testing?
Provide safe access to the pump room and discharge area, previous test records, pump nameplate information, and any permit, inspection or authority-having-jurisdiction requirements that apply to the property.
Need fire pump testing in Colorado? AO Backflow & Fire can review the property, previous reports and project requirements to identify the appropriate testing scope. Send AO the available information to schedule service.