Number of Fire Pumps?

[Bagge]

According to European Standards we have to use two Fire Pumps when we are installing a water tank in stead of a public water supply.

I can not find anything in the NFPA 13 regarding the demand of number of Fire Pumps. I hope a friendly soul could post the table concerning this? Please.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

NFPA doesn't have requirements for multiple pumps.

 

[Bagge]

Thank you very much SprinklerDesigner2.

I know if you use the FM codes, you are only allowed to use a FM approved Fire Pump. But what about the NFPA codes - should it be FM approved? Or does it only have to comply to the NFPA 20?

 

[stookeyfpe]

Factory Mutual operates a testing laboratory and performs listings on fire pumps. However, Underwriters Laboratories, Southwest Research Institute and others also perform similar listings. As long as the pump is listed by a nationally recognized testing lab, you are good here in the US.

NFPA 20 only requires the pump and controller to be listed - it does not prescribe who performs the listing.

 

[Bagge]

When I come to think about it, I find it a bit unsafe to allow only one Fire Pumpe when water supply comes from a water tank only.
If the pump breaks down, there will be no water supply to the sprinkler system as opposes to when the systems is supplied from a public water supply. In this case it is ok with only one Fire Pumpe, because you will have to install a by pass, so you still have water coming from the public water supply (because there will be some pressure left in the public supply - but just not enough, which demands a Fire Pump) in case of Fire Pump break down.

But maybe I am missing something?

 

[natka24]

we use pomps with curve according to NFPA rules, FM aprooved pumps only when we design with FM rules

 

[DonPhillips]

My guess it is a local/state/national building code requirement to have the second fire pump.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[LCREP]

From an insurance point of view we base the need on 2 pumps based on value at risk. When you have a warehouse or manufacturing location with building, contents and business income over a $100 million we start to ask for 2 water supplies. Weather it be one public and one private i.e. tank and pump, or 1 tank with 2 pumps if the public is not adequate to meet demand. All insurance companies requirements are different, so always ask what they require.

My experience overseas is most public water supplies are either very minimal or not available. Thus the requirements for a tank and 2 pumps. Keep in mind the duration of the water supply is significantly less then NFPA requirements and many times the densities are less two. Most times they require two diesel pumps.

IBC requires two sources of water for high rise buildings, mostly public main and a pressure tank. Or in NYC a pump and a wood gravity tank on the roof.

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