NFPA 20 - Dedication of Fire Pumps

[Wnaqsh]

Hi Guys,

I went through NFPA 20 - regarding the possibility of using the fire pump for other purposes.
example: Use fire pump to flush the fire system piping network, but couldn't find any reference about this subject.

please advise if you have any information related to this point.

Note: I found this paragraph from NFPA 20 - 2016 Edition, but no restrictions!!!
4.7 Pumps, Drivers, and Controllers.
4.7.1* Fire pumps shall be dedicated to and listed for fire protection service.

Thanks in advance
Waseem

 

[stookeyfpe]

Flushing underground mains is one of several required acts required to approve a water based fire protection system. Nothing in NFPA 20 prohibits one from using the fire pump for this purpose.

 

[dbill74]

For what other purpose are you thinking of using the fire pump?
From your own admission NFPA 20 doesn't allow it to be used for any other systems other than fire protection, and why would you?
Any other water system (potable, industrial, chiller systems, etc) has the potential for being shut-off for repair, testing, etc. You do NOT want to be shutting off your emergency fire suppression system in such an event. You never know when it will be needed.

 

[Wnaqsh]

Thanks stookeyfpe / Thanks dbill74

In my case the Contractor is trying to save money by not getting special flushing pump, and he is planning to flush the FF piping network with the same fire pump.
After flushing the system, the fire pump will be dedicated the FF system only, and no other system will be connected to it.

That should clear it.

Thanks again
Waseem

 

[Adam Hollebakken]

Usually the municipal water supply is sufficient to flush the system.
NFPA#13 asks for 10 feet/second water velocity in underground piping.

Fire pumps are normally tested at full flow annually, doesn't really matter where the water goes..

 

[mk3223]

It sounds like an operation issue, not a Code issue. But, your Fire Department should be notified and approve for using the system for non-fire fighting purpose. For a small job, It may not be worthy to ask the Fire Dept for an approval.

 

[MatthewJWillis]

Adam, NFPA 20 requires closer to 15fps, if supplying a fire pump. There is a chart therein which specifies the minimum flow for size pipe.

R/
Matt

 

[Wnaqsh]

Thanks Guys,

Actually my case is best described by (mk3223) since the contractor wants to cross the AHJ approval and use the fire pump for flushing.

and the source of water is not municipal pressurized line, it's a ground tank, so a pump is required for flushing.

Regards,