Fire Water Pump Mechanical Test Run

[CaracasEC]

Is the use of Shop Motor acceptable for the Mechanical Test Run of Fire Water Pump purchased under NFPA 20 or the use of the Job Motor Mandatory? Thanks Guys...

 

[bimr]

There is no requirement for a mechanical test run in NFPA 20.

NFPA 20 requires a field acceptance test:

"1-6.2 The complete unit shall be field acceptance tested for proper performance in accordance with the provisions of this this standard."

Fire pump experts, including the manufacturers and installer, typically do acceptance tests. Insurers and Authorities Having Jurisdiction are typically present as well.

Why would you want to do a mechanical test run as well as a field acceptance test?

 

[CaracasEC]

Shop mechanical test run would be the best time for any modification in case there will be abnormalities (vibration, performance) and sufficient time is still available. If any abnormalities will be found during the field test run, then this would have much cost impact including schedule impact.

 

[bimr]

I was thinking that it would take some effort to install a shop motor just for a field test and then repeat that work with a new motor.

I don't believe that a shop mechanical test run with a shop motor is prohibited by NFPA 20.

 

[TenPenny]

5.5 calls for Certified shop test curves being provided, but does not state that they have to be created using the job motor.

 

[CaracasEC]

Our usual practice on other pumps especially API 610 pumps is that when doing the performance test, shop motor is acceptable especially if motor overload could be a problem. However we use the job motor for mechanical runnning test.

 

[Smokerr]

I believe the whole package still has to be FM approved at least in most applications by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (saves them huge amounts in not having to hold the expertise to do it themselves).

Note that supposedly, we cannot use any component on the system that is not the same identical one that it was approved with.

Realistically our people have fought that battle and things like hoses, filters etc are "ignored".

Still has to pass the field certification test.

 

[CaracasEC]

Thank you all guys for informative comments...