When a fire starts, the water system must deliver the required flow and pressure within seconds. A fire-fighting pump set is more than a single pump: it is a coordinated group of machines and controls designed to start automatically and keep running.
The main fire pump
The main pump supplies the full design flow and pressure to the sprinklers, hydrants and hose reels. It is sized from the fire-protection design of the building, which sets the flow and the pressure required at the most remote point. It starts automatically when the system pressure drops.
The jockey pump
The jockey pump is a small pump that keeps the pipework pressurised. Minor leaks and small pressure losses would otherwise make the main pump start unnecessarily. The jockey pump covers them quietly, and the main pump starts only when a real demand causes a larger pressure drop.
The standby pump
A standby pump, often driven by a diesel engine where the electricity supply cannot be guaranteed, takes over if the main pump fails or the power is lost. For critical sites, standby capacity is a requirement, not a luxury.
The controller
The control panel monitors pressure, starts the pumps in the right order, and shows alarms. It must keep working during a power cut, and the pumps should start automatically but stop only by hand once a fire demand has started.
What to specify when you order
- The required flow and pressure from the fire-protection design.
- The applicable standard or authority requirement.
- The type of driver: electric motor, diesel engine or both.
- Pump layout: horizontal split-case or end-suction, or vertical in-line for tight spaces.
- Inlet conditions: tank level, suction lift and NPSH.
- Test and commissioning requirements.
Always have the design confirmed by a qualified fire-protection engineer; the pump supplier supplies equipment to the stated duty.
Frequently asked questions
What does a jockey pump do?
It maintains pressure in the fire main and covers small leaks so the main fire pump does not start needlessly.
Do fire pumps run all the time?
No. They are idle most of the time and run only during a fire or during tests. Regular test runs prove they will start when needed.
Can a normal pump be used for fire-fighting?
Use pumps whose performance and construction meet the requirements of the fire-protection standard that applies to your project.
Talk to CNP Pumps Pakistan
Send us the duty from your fire-protection design and we will discuss suitable pump options, or browse the pump catalogue.
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