Weekly/Monthly Fire Pump Testing

Pump House Conditions:

  • Heat is adequate, not less then 4.4°C (40°F) [21°C (70°) for pump room with diesel pumps without engine heaters]
  • Ventilating lourvers are free to operate

Pump System Conditions:

  • Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open.
  • Piping is free of leaks.
  • Suction line pressure gauge reading is normal.
  • System line pressure gauge reading is normal.
  • Suction reservoir is full.
  • Wet pit suction screens are unobstructed and in place.

Electrical System Conditions:

  • Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.
  • Transfer switch normal pilot light is illuminated.
  • Isolating switch is closed – standby (emergency) source.
  • Reverse phase alarm pilot light is of and normal phase rotation pilot light is on.
  • Oil level in vertical motor sight glass is normal.

Diesel Engine System Conditions:

  • Fuel tank is two-thirds (2/3) full.
  • Controller selector switch is in auto position
  • Batteries’ (2) voltage readings are normal.
  • Batteries’ (2) charging current readings are normal.
  • Batteries’ (2) pilot lights are on or battery failure (2) pilot lights are off.
  • All alarm pilot lights are off.
  • Engine running time meter is reading.
  • Oil level in right angle gear drive is normal.
  • Crankcase oil level is normal.
  • Cooling water level is normal.
  • Electrolyte level in batteries is normal.
  • Batter terminals are free from corrosion.
  • Water-jacket heater is operating.

*Steam system conditions: Steam pressure gauge reading is normal

  • *Testing.
  • A weekly test of fire pump assemblies shall be conducted without flowing water.
  • This test shall be conducted by starting the pump automatically.
  • The electric pump shall run a minimum of 10 minutes.
  • The diesel pump shall run a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • A valve installed to open as a safety feature shall be permitted to discharge water.
  • The automatic weekly test timer shall be permitted to be substitured for the starting procedure.
  • *Weekly Tests
  • Qualified operating personnel shall be in attendance during the weekly pump operation.
  • The pertinent visual observations or adjustments specified in the following checklists chall be conducted while the pump is running:
    1. Pump System procedure:
    • Record the system suction and discharge pressure gauge readings
    • Check the pump packing glands for slight discharge
    • Adjust gland nuts if necessary
    • Check for unusual noise or vibration
    • Check packing boxes, bearings or pump casing for overheating
    • Record the pump starting pressure
    1. Electrical system procedure:
    • Observe the time for motor to accelerate to full speed
    • Record the time controller is on first step )for reduced voltage or reduced current starting)
    • Record the time pump runs after starting (for automatic stop controllers)
    1. Diesel engine system procedure:
    • Observe the time for engine to crank
    • Observe the time for engine to reach running speed
    • Observe the engine oil pressure gauge, speed indicator, water, and oil temperature indicators periodically while engine is running
    • Record any abnormalities
    • Check the heat exchanger for cooling water flow
    1. Steam system procedure:
    • Record the steam pressure gauge reading
    • Observe the time for turbine to reach running speed