A fire pump is an essential component in a water-based fire safety system. They increase water pressure and help distribute sprinklers throughout the building or space, even in areas with low-pressure.
They are also an integral part of the fire fighting system integrated into fire trucks and fire boats. To learn more about this important fire protection equipment, read on!
It’s Easy to Operate
Fire pumps are an integral part of the fire sprinkler system in high-rise buildings and other structures that can’t rely on water pressure from local sources. Without these pumps, building owners and their employees are put at much more risk during a fire emergency.
A fire pump’s controller is an electronic or mechanical device that oversees the operation of the entire fire protection system. It’s tasked with detecting a drop in pressure and activating the pump accordingly. This is why it’s important that all controllers meet the quality standards in AS 2941-2013.
A fire pump’s power requirements are significant. This has a direct impact on the design of the primary and emergency power supplies for these electric-driven systems. Some of these pumps may require a reduced voltage starter to lower the starting inrush current to a manageable level. This can help to mitigate the impacts on the generator size required to handle all other emergency loads at the same time.
It’s Portable
Whether installed into fire trucks or integrated into foam systems, portable fire pumps are an essential component in water-based fire safety systems. They boost pressure of the sprinkler system so that all areas of your building are protected with a sufficient amount of water.
These water pumping devices can be taken to any water source that can provide adequate flow and pressure, such as lakes or rivers. They can also be pumped up to high elevation areas that can’t easily be reached by fire trucks, such as attics or the roofs of large buildings.
Angus Fire’s range of self-contained portable fire fighting pumps are powered by petrol or diesel engines, and are built into an easy to operate pump trailer for quick and safe operation. These engines are air-cooled and designed to meet world wide standards governing exhaust emissions and sound levels. For additional convenience these models are available with a toolbox attached to the trailer.
It’s Affordable
Fire fighting pumps are often the most affordable part of a fire protection system and are especially useful when you need to pump water over long distances or to high elevation areas. They are available in a variety of sizes and can easily be mounted on a trailer or hitched and towed to your vehicle for easier transport and use.
Fire pumps are critical components integrated into fire trucks and fire boats, serving a similar purpose of boosting water supplies to firefighting hoses. Most models are powered by an electric motor or a diesel engine and may be equipped with a steam turbine as well.
Angus fire offers portable fire pumps with petrol or diesel engines, including a range of size options to suit your needs and budget. Each unit comes with a portable pump trailer that can accommodate the specific model you choose, along with suction and delivery hoses and ancillary equipment in the provided tool box.
It’s Easy to Maintain
Just like any other piece of equipment, fire pumps require a regular preventative maintenance routine. Keeping the pump, controller and battery in good shape will help ensure it is ready to operate when needed.
Check the pump for any signs of wear and tear, including leakage. Visual inspections of the pump, engine and controller are also important. A no-flow test should be performed to confirm the pump starts and runs with no water.
A portable fire pump’s components are easy to access for cleaning and maintenance. Horizontal split case fire pumps, for example, feature a compact design that takes up less space in the back of a vehicle than their counterparts, allowing the user to easily fit the system into a ute. This makes them the preferred fire safety option for many users, particularly those in rural areas where fire engines can be delayed due to poor traffic conditions. They can also be easily loaded onto a float to be used when required.