We are expanding some of our buildings and need to replace the existing fire pumps. What are the technical requirements for such pumps?
A. Pumps currently used for fire protection in buildings are primarily centrifugal and provide water to a sprinkler and/or standpipe system. NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) issues Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps, which deals with the selection and installation of pumps supplying liquid for private fire protection. The scope of this document includes liquid supplies; suction, discharge and auxiliary equipment; power supplies, including power supply arrangements; electric drive and control; diesel engine drive and control; steam turbine drive and control; and acceptance tests and operation. The standard applies to centrifugal single-stage and multistage pumps of the horizontal or vertical shaft design and positive displacements pumps of the horizontal or vertical shaft design. A Technical Committee on Fire Pumps, consisting of a broad range of interested parties involved with fire protection, reviews and updates this document (referred to as pamphlet N
