Instruction & Training: NFPA 20/25 Fire Pump Inspection

Emergencies seldom give warning before they strike.  Thus, it is essential that fire protection equipment be inspected, tested, and maintained to be certain it is operable at all times.  To accomplish this, management must establish an effective fire protection equipment inspection program that meets the minimum requirements of the guidelines set forth in NFPA 25.

Fire pump equipment, like all other equipment, deteriorates with time.  It is also vulnerable to external influences such as corrosive environments, tampering, accidental damages, and careless use.  Further, since fire pump equipment is used infrequently, it must be inspected and tested regularly to determine its condition, its operability, and its need for routine maintenance.  Detecting an unsatisfactory condition prior to an emergency is far better than discovering it during the emergency.

All inspection report sheets and training information is included in the seminar.  Those who will be conducting the weekly and monthly fire pump test will have "hands-on" training.  Below is some of the specific inspection information included during the seminar.

Weekly Observations

     Pump Enclosure

Pump room is adequately heated (Above 40°F)
Ventilation louvers free to operate

     Pump Conditions

Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open
Inspect for piping leaks
Pressure gages reading normal
Suction reservoir full, if applicable

     Diesel Engine Condition

Fuel tank two-thirds full
Controller selector switch in the AUTO position
Batteries voltage reading normal
Batteries charging current reading normal
Batteries pilot lights on
No alarm lights on
Engine running time meter reading
Oil Level in right angle gear drive normal
Crankcase oil level normal
Cooling water level normal
Electrolyte level in batteries normal
Battery terminals free from corrosion
Water-Jacket Heater Operation

Weekly Tests

Observe time for engine to crank
Observe time for engine to reach running speed
Record any abnormalities

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Weekly Pump Observations

     Pump Enclosure

Pump room is adequately heated (Above 40°F)
Ventilation louvers free to operate

     Pump Conditions

Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open
Inspect for piping leaks
Pressure gages reading normal
Suction reservoir full, if applicable

     Electrical System

Controller pilot light (power on) illuminated
Transfer switch normal illuminated
Isolation switch closed
Reverse phase alarm pilot light off
Oil Level sight glass normal

Weekly Tests

     Pump

Operate the pump for a minimum of 20 minutes against a closed system
Record suction and discharge pressures
Check for unusual noise, vibration or leaking

     Electrical System

Observe time for engine to reach full speed
Record any abnormalities

Licensed • Insured • Professional