Fire fighting water pump is an essential component of fire protection systems. They are installed in high-rise buildings to generate the hydraulic pressure needed to support sprinkler demand, standpipes and foam systems. They are also a critical piece of equipment for marine vessels, road tunnels and public transport.

Fire pumps are rated by both the volume they can move in gallons per minute (GPM) and their maximum nozzle head pressure in pounds per square inch or PSI. The pump nozzle needs to be sized based on the most demanding requirement, which may be to ensure spray patterns develop properly or to give enough pressure to open the hose valves at the top of the fire building.

The most popular type of fire pump is the horizontal split case because it’s easy to work on for repairs or maintenance and has a long lifespan. It’s also affordable and can be installed in many places where a fire truck cannot be easily reached.

There are a few different ways that a fire pump can be powered, including an electrical motor that takes power from the utility connection or generator and spins a shaft connected to the impeller. A diesel engine or steam turbine system can also be used to drive the pump.

It is important that every fire pump has a test header, which gives the crew at the scene an alternative route to flow water through the pump without having it go thought the rest of the system. This way the crew can verify the pump sizing and performance under pressure, while also checking for leaks.