FRQ

Q. What makes a fire pump different from other kinds of pumps?
A.  First, they meet the stringent requirements of NFPA Pamphlet 20, Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual Research Corporation for reliability and unfailing service under the most difficult and demanding circumstances. This fact alone should speak well for TKFLO's product quality and premium design features. Fire pumps are required to produce specific flow rates (GPM) and pressures of 40 PSI or greater. Further, the above mentioned agencies advise that the pumps should produce at least 65% of that pressure at 150% of the rated flow -- and all the while operating at a 15 foot lift condition. The performance curves must be such that the shut-off head, or "churn," is from 101% to 140% of the rated head, depending upon the agency's definition of the term. TKFLO's fire pumps are not offered for fire pump service unless they meet all agencies' requirements.
Beyond performance characteristics, TKFLO fire pumps are carefully scrutinized by both NFPA and F.M. for reliability and long life through analysis of their design and construction. Casing integrity, for example, must be suitable to withstand a hydrostatic test of three times the maximum operating pressure without bursting! TKFLO's compact and well-engineered design allows us to satisfy this specification with many of our 410 and 420 models. Engineering calculations for bearing life, bolt stress, shaft deflection, and shear stress must also be submitted to NFPA . and F.M. and must fall within conservative limits to ensure utmost reliability. Finally, after all the preliminary requirements have been met, the pump is ready for final certification testing to be witnessed by representatives from U.L. and F.M. Performance tests will require that several impeller diameters will be demonstrated satisfactorily, including the minimum and maximum, and several in between.

Q. What is the typical lead time for a fire pump?
A. Typical lead times run 5-8 weeks from release of an order. Call us for details. 

Q. What is the easiest way of determining pump rotation?
A. For a horizontal split-case fire pump, if you are sitting on the motor facing the fire pump, from this vantage point a pump is right-hand, or clock-wise, if the suction is coming from the right and the discharge is heading toward the left. The opposite is true for left-handed, or counter-clockwise rotation. The key is the vantage point when discussing this topic. Make sure both parties are viewing the pump casing from the same side.

Q. How are engines and motors sized for fire pumps?
A. Motors and engines supplied with TKFLO fire pumps are sized according to U.L., F.M. and NFPA 20 (2013), and are designed to operate on any point of the fire pump curve without exceeding the motor nameplate service factor, or engine size. Do not be fooled into thinking that the motors are sized only to 150% of nameplate capacity. It is not uncommon for fire pumps to operate well beyond 150% of rated capacity (for example, if there is an open hydrant or broken pipe downstream).
For more specifics, please refer to NFPA 20 (2013) paragraph 4.7.6, UL-448 paragraph 24.8, and Factory Mutual's Approval Standard for Split Case Fire Pumps, Class 1311, paragraph 4.1.2. All motors and engines supplied with TKFLO fire pumps are sized to the true intent of NFPA 20, U.L. , and Factory Mutual.
Since fire pump motors are not expected to be running continuously, they are often sized to take advantage of a 1.15 motor service factor. So unlike domestic water or HVAC pump applications, a fire pump motor is not always sized “non-overloading” across the curve. As long as you do not exceed the motor 1.15 service factor, it is allowed. An exception to this is when a variable speed inverter duty electric motor is used.

Q. Can I use a flow meter loop as a substitute for a test header?
A. A flow meter loop is often practical where flowing excessive water through standard U.L. Playpipe nozzles are inconvenient; however, when using a closed flow meter loop around a fire pump, you may be testing the pumps hydraulic performance, but you are NOT testing the water supply, which is a critical component of the fire pump system. If there is an obstruction to the water supply, this will not be evident with a flow meter loop, but will certainly be exposed by testing a fire pump with hoses and Playpipes. On an initial start-up of a fire pump system, we always insist on flowing water through the system to ensure the integrity of the entire system.
If a flow meter loop is returned back to the water supply -- such as an above-ground water tank -- then under that arrangement you will be able to test both the fire pump and the water supply. Just make sure that your flow meter is properly calibrated. 

Q. Do I need to worry about NPSH in fire pump applications?
A. Rarely. NPSH (net positive suction head) is an important consideration in industrial applications, such as boiler feed or hot water pumps. With fire pumps, however, you are dealing with cold water, which uses all of atmospheric pressure to your advantage. Fire pumps need a "flooded suction," where the water arrives to the pump impeller through gravity. You need this to guarantee a pump prime 100% of the time, so that when you have a fire, your pump operates! It is certainly possible to install a fire pump with a foot valve or some artificial means for priming, but there is no way to guarantee 100% that the pump will function properly when called on to operate. In many split-case double suction pumps, it only takes approximately 3% of air in the pump casing to render the pump inoperable. For that reason, you will not find a fire pump manufacturer willing to risk selling a fire pump for any installation that does not guarantee a "flooded suction" to the fire pump at all times.

Q. When will you answer more questions on this FAQ page?
A. We will add them as issues arise, but feel free to contact us with your questions!