Co-operators General Insurance Company

Loss Prevention Bulletins

Fire Pumps - Inspection, Testing and Maintenance

The information contained in this bulletin is based on the minimum requirements for inspecting, testing and
maintaining an automatic sprinkler system, and other related components, as detailed in the 2002 Edition
of NFPA 25 - Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems.

This bulletin is published only as a guide to assist in identifying and managing some of the basic and
common requirements as they relate to fire pumps and associated equipment. Further detail and
professional advice should be considered for situations beyond the scope of this bulletin.
Important notice: The proper authorities should be notified - alarm receiving facility, fire department, or
your insurance company, before and after any testing or shutting down of protection systems.

Definitions:
Inspection: A visual examination of the fire pump system to verify that it appears to be in operating
condition and free of physical damage. The visual inspection is generally done from floor level by walking
through the protected premises.
Testing: The procedures used to determine the status of a system as intended by conducting periodic
physical checks of the applicable systems, at specified intervals.
Maintenance: Work performed to keep equipment operable or to make repairs. Repairs to the fire pump
system must be made immediately to assure that the systems will operate as required when needed.
Perform maintenance for fire pumps in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Maintenance is usually performed at the time of the weekly or annual fire pump tests.

The following is provided for information on what inspections, test procedures and checks should be made
of your fire pump:

Inspections:

Weekly: ! Check pump house heating during the heating season to assure an adequate room
temperature is maintained and the heat is operational. A minimum of 4.4°C (40°F) for
areas housing diesel pumps without engine heaters should be maintained.
! Check the fire pump system visually to assure that all devices appear normal and
operational. Suction, discharge and bypass valves are open.
! Check ventilation louvers in the pump house to assure that they are operational.
! Check suction and discharge pressure gauges for damage.
! Controller power is on and transfer switch is in normal position.
! Check fuel level and battery conditions.

Monthly: ! Check the pressure on all fire pump gauges.

! Check the controller unit to assure all systems are normal and the "automatic" indication
is on.
! Check all valves to make sure they are open.

LP039 (09/04)
Testing:

Weekly: ! Perform fire pump operating test.

! Check packing gland tightness (the glands should be adjusted so there is a slight drip to
allow cooling of the bearings).
! Check suction and discharge pressure gauge readings during fire pump operating test.
! Check steam trap and steam relief valve (steam turbine).
! Operate speed governor and overspeed trip (internal combustion).
! Check controller timer for proper shutdown of the fire pump.
! Make sure the control alarms function properly,

Annually: ! Conduct pump performance test (flow test to verify pump performance with the
manufacturer’s original pump curve).
! Verify pump speed at each flow.
! Record suction and discharge pressure at each flow.
! Verify setting of relief valve.
! Operate waterflow and alarm switches.
! Confirm valve positions.

Maintenance:

Annually: ! Service hydraulic system.

! Service mechanical transmission.
! Service motor.
! Electrical system (see manufacturers' recommendations).
! Controller (see manufacturers' recommendations).
! Diesel engine components (see manufacturers' recommendations).

Recordkeeping: Records should be kept of the inspections, tests and maintenance.

Further details and specific information, including sample inspection and testing report formats can be
obtained from the Loss Control department. Please contact your agent if you require more information.

In this bulletin the reader is provided with information about loss control issues. The bulletin is not a
substitute for a thorough loss prevention assessment. In those situations where there is a concern
about issues raised in this bulletin the reader should seek professional advice.
The Co-operators Group of Companies will not be responsible to the reader for any loss or damage
which the reader may suffer as a consequence of having relied on this publication.