When Should You Install a Fire Pump System?

Fire protection systems are not one-size-fits-all. One of the most critical components in a fire protection system is the fire pump—a device that ensures adequate water pressure reaches your sprinkler and hydrant systems during emergencies. But when should you install a fire pump in your building or facility? Whether you're constructing a high-rise, designing a warehouse, or upgrading existing fire safety infrastructure, understanding when a fire pump is required is essential for compliance and safety.

This article outlines the key indicators, codes, and building scenarios that call for a fire pump installation. We'll also discuss NFPA 20 guidelines and walk you through how to assess your property’s fire protection needs.

What Is a Fire Pump?

A fire pump is part of a fire sprinkler or standpipe system’s water supply. It increases the pressure (measured in PSI or bar) of the water flowing through the fire protection piping to ensure effective firefighting capability.

Fire pumps are powered by diesel engines, electric motors, or steam turbines, and they are typically required when the local water supply cannot provide sufficient pressure for fire protection.

Key Indicators You Need a Fire Pump

Let’s explore the common triggers that determine when a fire pump is necessary:

1. Inadequate Water Pressure from Municipal Supply

The most frequent reason for installing a fire pump is low incoming water pressure. Even if your building has access to a municipal water supply, it may not deliver sufficient pressure to meet system demand—especially during a fire emergency when hydrant and sprinkler systems activate simultaneously.

NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection) recommends performing a hydraulic analysis to confirm the adequacy of water pressure. If calculations show the pressure or flow is below required levels, a fire pump is needed.

2. High-Rise Buildings

In most jurisdictions, high-rise buildings—typically defined as structures over 75 feet (23 meters)—require fire pumps. The vertical height creates a significant pressure loss, and municipal pressure often cannot reach the upper floors with enough force.

Why?
Every 10 feet of vertical elevation reduces water pressure by about 4.3 PSI. Without a fire pump, water may never reach sprinklers above the 5th or 6th floor at functional pressure levels.

3. Large-Coverage Areas (Warehouses, Airports, Malls)

Buildings with extensive floor areas often need fire pumps even if they’re not high-rises. Warehouses, distribution centers, and airports may have multiple fire zones, requiring sustained pressure and volume that exceeds municipal supply capabilities.

If your system design includes multiple risers, loops, or zones, a fire pump helps maintain consistent pressure throughout all areas.

4. Elevated Storage or Fire Tanks

If your system relies on gravity-fed storage tanks rather than a pressurized water supply, you likely need a fire pump to maintain flow and pressure. This is especially true in large industrial facilities or remote areas without access to municipal water.

5. NFPA 13 System Design Requirements

Sprinkler systems designed under NFPA 13 (Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems) often require a fire pump to meet minimum pressure and flow criteria. If your hydraulic calculations reveal that your water supply does not meet the required density or coverage for your hazard classification, a pump becomes mandatory.

6. Local Fire Codes and AHJ Requirements

Local fire codes and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may impose stricter rules than national codes. Some jurisdictions require a fire pump regardless of pressure test results, especially in critical-use buildings like hospitals, data centers, or schools.

Tip: Always consult your local fire marshal or AHJ early in the design phase to determine if a fire pump is required.

7. Complex Standpipe Systems

When your building includes Class I or III standpipe systems, particularly in high-rise structures or buildings with long hose lengths, NFPA 14 may mandate a fire pump to ensure 100 PSI at the most remote hose valve.

8. Fire Hydrant Systems with Minimum Flow Requirements

If your building includes on-site fire hydrants, you must provide sufficient flow and residual pressure (often around 250 gpm at 20 psi or more, depending on the code). In rural or industrial settings with low static pressure, fire pumps ensure hydrants remain functional during peak demand.

Benefits of Installing a Fire Pump

Even when not explicitly required, installing a fire pump provides benefits such as:

• Enhanced life safety for occupants.

• Improved property protection, reducing risk of structural damage.

• Faster insurance approvals and possible rate reductions.

• System flexibility, allowing for future expansions.

When You Might Not Need a Fire Pump

Not all properties require fire pumps. You may not need one if:

• The municipal supply pressure is high enough, even at peak demand.

• Your building is low-rise and small in area (e.g., less than 12,000 sq. ft).

• You use a booster system with sufficient redundancy.

• You operate in a non-hazardous occupancy, such as residential buildings with NFPA 13D or 13R systems.

However, these conditions must be confirmed with hydraulic calculations and approved by the AHJ.

Types of Fire Pumps to Consider

If you've determined that your building needs a fire pump, the next step is selecting the right type. The most common options include:

• Electric Fire Pumps – Cost-effective and easier to maintain but require a reliable power source.

• Diesel Engine Fire Pumps – Ideal for locations with power reliability concerns.

• Vertical Turbine Pumps – Required when drawing water from a well or underground tank.

• Jockey Pumps – Maintain system pressure and prevent frequent fire pump starts.

Fire Pump Installation Checklist

Before installing a fire pump, consider the following:

✅ Confirm need through hydraulic calculations
✅ Refer to NFPA 20 and local codes
✅ Choose pump type based on site conditions and hazards
✅ Ensure UL/FM listed components are used
✅ Include testing, maintenance, and backup power plans

Conclusion

Installing a fire pump is not just a matter of compliance—it’s about ensuring that your building’s fire protection system performs when it matters most. Whether driven by code, pressure loss, or property type, understanding when you need a fire pump is key to designing a reliable system.

Consult with fire protection engineers, your AHJ, and pump manufacturers like Better Technology Group to evaluate your unique project requirements. We offer a full range of UL-listed, NFPA 20-compliant fire pump packages, designed to safeguard lives and assets across commercial, industrial, and residential settings.