Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions. We hope you find this a helpful resource, but don't hesitate to Contact Us if you need more information!

Q. What products/companies do you represent?
A. We are very selective about the companies and products we represent, because of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We are committed to helping you find the right equipment for your needs. We area regional provider for each company we represent, which means a more direct and personal contact for your sales and service needs. Take a look at our products page for all the details.

Q. What makes a fire pump different from other kinds of pumps?
A. Although Aurora fire pumps are nearly identical in appearance to their 410 and 420 horizontal split-case pumps, they differ in a few subtle ways that make them more suitable for use as Listed Fire Pumps. First, they meet the stringent requirements of MFPA Pamphlet 20, Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual Research Corporation for reliability and unfailing service under the most difficult and demanding circumstances. This fact alone should speak well for Aurora's product quality and premium design features. Fire pumps are required to produce specific flow rates (GPM) and pressures of 40 PSI or greater. Further, the above mentioned agencies advise that the pumps should produce at least 65% of that pressure at 150% of the rated flow-and all the while operating at a 15 foot lift condition. The performance curves must be such that the shut-off head, or "churn," is from 101% to 140% of the rated head, depending upon the agency's definition of the term. Aurora's fire pumps are not offered for fire pump service unless they meet all agencies' requirements. Beyond performance characteristics, Aurora fire pumps are carefully scrutinized by both U.L. and F.M. for reliability and long life through analysis of their design and construction. Casing integrity, for example, must be suitable to withstand a hydrostatic test of three times the maximum operating pressure without bursting! Aurora's compact and well-engineered design allows us to satisfy this specification with many of our 410 and 420 models. Engineering calculations for bearing life, bolt stress, shaft deflection, and shear stress must also be submitted to U.L. and F.M. and must fall within conservative limits to ensure utmost reliability. Again, the superior design of Aurora's split-case line comes through with flying colors. Finally, after all the preliminary requirements have been met, the pump is ready for final certification testing to be witnessed by representatives from U.L. and F.M. Performance tests will require that several impeller diameters will be demonstrated satisfactorily, including the minimum and maximum, and several in between.

Q. What is the typical lead time for a fire pump?
A. The control panels can ship out in a week or two if desired, but often are held back to ship with the fire pumps. Typical lead times run 5-8 weeks from release of an order; however, Aurora has a Red Hot Quick Ship program for their fire pumps which can produce fire pumps in three, two, or sometimes even one week!

Q. Is there a market for used fire pumps?
A. No. Due to the liability encountered in fire pump installations, there are not many trustworthy people who would be willing to risk putting used equipment in a new system.

Q. What is the easiest way of determining pump rotation?
A. For a horizontal split-case fire pump, if you are sitting on the motor facing the fire pump, from this vantage point a pump is right-hand, or clock-wise, if the suction is coming from the right and the discharge is heading toward the left. The opposite is true for left-handed, or counter-clockwise rotation.

Q. Can I get a single phase fire pump?
A. Yes, provided that the motor HP does not exceed 15, and the job site voltage is 230 volt. The motors on these units are not currently Listed for fire protection, but the control panels on the fire pumps are. Cost increases are moderate.

Q. How are engines and motors sized for fire pumps?
A. Motors and engines supplied with Aurora fire pumps are sized according to NFPA 20, and designed to operate on any point of the pump curve without exceeding the motor nameplate service factor, or engine size (see NFPA 20, 6-5.2.1). This means that the fire pump can flow more than 150% without damaging the motor or engine. Sizing only to 150% of rating is a short-cut, and is not the intent of NFPA 20. All Aurora motors and engines are sized to the intent of NFPA 20.

Q. Can I use a flow meter loop as a substitute for a test header?
A. A flow meter loop is often practical where flowing excessive water through standard U.L. Playpipe nozzles is inconvenient; however, when using a closed flow meter loop around a fire pump, you may be testing the pumps hydraulic performance, but you are NOT testing the water supply, which is a critical component of the fire pump system. If there is an obstruction to the water supply, this will not be evident with a flow meter loop, but will certainly be exposed by testing a fire pump with hoses and Playpipes. On an initial start-up of a fire pump system, we always insist on flowing water through the system to ensure the integrity of the entire system.

Q. I heard you no longer need a relief valve on diesel fire pumps. Is that true?
A. Not in all cases! The answer to this question depends on the highest expected job site suction pressure available, and the specific pumps churn pressure. If the sum of those numbers, multiplied by 1.21 exceeds the system component rating (which is typically 175 psi for standard fittings) the YES, you DO need a main relief valve. Or you can upgrade your fittings to a higher rating.

Q. Do I need to worry about NPSH in fire pump applications?
A. Rarely. NPSH (net positive suction head) is an important consideration in industrial applications, such as boiler feed or hot water pumps. With fire pumps, however, you are dealing with cold water, which uses all of atmospheric pressure to your advantage. Fire pumps need a "flooded suction," where the water arrives to the pump impeller through gravity. You need this to guarantee a pump prime 100% of the time, so that when you have a fire, your pump operates! You cannot get a fire pump without a foot valve, or some artificial means for priming.

Q. When do I need a pressure recorder in a fire pump panel?
A. On all diesel applications, and on all Factory Mutual electric fire pump applications.

Q. When will you answer more questions on this FAQ page?
A. We will add them as issues arise, but please call us with your questions!