How to Select the Right Fire Pump for Your Building

When it comes to fire protection, a reliable fire pump system is the heart of your building’s safety infrastructure. Whether you manage a commercial high-rise, a residential complex, an industrial facility, or a logistics warehouse, choosing the right fire pump is critical to ensuring your fire protection system performs effectively when needed most.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the right fire pump for your building, including NFPA 20 compliance, flow rate calculation, pump types, power sources, and installation considerations.

1. Understanding the Role of a Fire Pump

A fire pump is an integral part of a building’s fire protection system. It provides the necessary water pressure to sprinkler systems, standpipes, and hydrants when the local water supply cannot deliver sufficient flow and pressure.

Fire pumps are required in many scenarios, such as:

• High-rise buildings where gravity-fed pressure is insufficient

• Industrial facilities with high fire risk

• Large commercial complexes

• Areas where municipal water supply pressure is low

Selecting the right fire pump ensures your system meets safety codes and performs reliably during emergencies.

2. Know the Applicable Standards and Regulations

Before selecting a fire pump, you need to ensure compliance with relevant fire safety standards.

NFPA 20 Standard

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 20 outlines the installation requirements for stationary fire pumps. It covers topics like sizing, pressure, flow, driver types, controllers, and testing procedures. Compliance with NFPA 20 is crucial for system approval and insurance purposes.

UL and FM Approvals

For buildings with higher safety requirements, selecting a UL-listed or FM-approved fire pump ensures the equipment has been tested for reliability and performance. Many jurisdictions require UL/FM-certified pumps, especially for high-risk facilities.

3. Determine the Required Fire Pump Capacity

The first step in selecting the right pump is to calculate the required flow rate and pressure. These are determined based on your building’s fire protection design.

3.1. Flow Rate (GPM or L/min)

Flow rate depends on:

• Type of fire protection system (sprinklers, hydrants, foam systems, etc.)

• Building size and occupancy type

• Fire hazard classification

For example, a small commercial office may need a 500 GPM fire pump, while a large warehouse may require up to 2,500 GPM.

3.2. Pressure Requirements

Your fire pump must generate enough pressure to overcome:

• Friction losses in piping

• Elevation differences in high-rise buildings

• Minimum pressure requirements for sprinklers and hydrants

A typical building fire pump delivers 40 to 250 PSI, depending on the system design.

4. Choose the Right Type of Fire Pump

There are several types of fire pumps available, each designed for different applications:

4.1. Horizontal Split Case Fire Pump

• Best for: Large commercial and industrial facilities

• Advantages: High efficiency, easy maintenance

• Capacity: Up to 5,000 GPM

• Commonly UL/FM approved

4.2. Vertical Turbine Fire Pump

• Best for: Facilities with water stored in tanks, reservoirs, or lakes

• Advantages: Ideal when water source is below pump level

• Applications: High-rise buildings, airports, power plants

4.3. End Suction Fire Pump

• Best for: Small to medium-sized buildings

• Advantages: Compact, cost-effective, easy installation

• Capacity: Up to 1,500 GPM

4.4. Vertical In-Line Fire Pump

• Best for: Space-limited mechanical rooms

• Advantages: No base plate needed, vertical configuration saves space

• Applications: High-rise residential and commercial buildings

5. Decide Between Electric and Diesel Drivers

Fire pumps are powered by either electric motors or diesel engines, and selecting the right driver depends on your building’s infrastructure and fire safety needs.

5.1. Electric Fire Pump

• Advantages: Lower initial cost, quieter operation, less maintenance

• Requirements: Reliable electrical supply, backup generator in some cases

• Recommended for: Urban commercial buildings with stable power

5.2. Diesel Engine Fire Pump

• Advantages: Operates independently from the grid, highly reliable during power outages

• Considerations: Higher initial and maintenance costs, fuel storage required

• Recommended for: Industrial facilities, remote locations, or areas prone to blackouts

5.3. Dual Power Systems

For critical facilities like hospitals, airports, or data centers, a dual-drive fire pump ensures maximum redundancy.

6. Don’t Forget the Jockey Pump

A jockey pump maintains pressure in the fire protection system, preventing unnecessary start-up of the main fire pump. Selecting a correctly sized jockey pump:

• Reduces wear and tear on the main pump

• Ensures quicker system activation during an emergency

Typically, a jockey pump delivers 3–10% of the main fire pump’s capacity.

7. Installation Considerations

Proper installation is just as important as selecting the right pump:

• Follow NFPA 20 guidelines for pump room layout

• Ensure adequate ventilation for diesel-driven pumps

• Install vibration isolation to protect piping

• Include test headers and flow meters for regular performance testing

Partnering with an experienced fire pump manufacturer and installer ensures compliance and reliability.

8. Testing, Commissioning, and Maintenance

Once your fire pump is installed, testing and ongoing maintenance are critical:

• Acceptance Testing: Conducted after installation to verify performance

• Weekly and Monthly Tests: Start the pump to ensure readiness

• Annual Flow Testing: Confirms pump capacity meets design requirements

Choosing a manufacturer that provides after-sales support, spare parts, and maintenance guidance can extend the pump’s lifespan and reduce downtime.

9. Work with a Trusted Fire Pump Manufacturer

Selecting the right fire pump isn’t just about technical specifications — it’s also about choosing a reliable manufacturer who can provide certified products, engineering support, and long-term service.

As a leading manufacturer of UL/FM-approved fire pumps, Better Technology Group offers a complete range of electric fire pumps, diesel engine fire pumps, vertical turbine fire pumps, and jockey pumps designed to meet international fire safety standards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fire pump for your building requires balancing flow, pressure, compliance, pump type, power source, and installation considerations. By working with an experienced manufacturer and following NFPA 20 standards, you can ensure your fire protection system operates reliably when it matters most.

If you need expert assistance in selecting a fire pump tailored to your building’s requirements, Better Technology Group is here to help.