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Category: Fire Pumps
Fire Pump Testing – Hose Valve Manifold vs Flow Meter
September 17, 2026Updated September 17, 2026 We will cover fire pump testing, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of two different methods of testing water flow: external water flow through a hose valve manifold on the exterior of a building, versus a flow meter recirculating loop within the mechanical room.
Buying the Pump Is Easy, But Knowing Who to Buy It From Is the Harder Part
August 25, 2026Buying a fire pump is a major equipment decision, but choosing where to buy it can require just as much thought. A supplier may be involved long before the equipment arrives and depending on the company, may also be part of the conversation when questions arise about parts, testing, service or replacement. So, what should…
How to Prepare Your Building for an Annual Fire Pump Flow Test: Access, Water Discharge, and Paperwork
July 22, 2026To prepare for an annual fire pump flow test, confirm three things ahead of time: the technician can reach the pump, controller, and test connections; the test water has a safe place to go; and the pump’s records and system status are ready. Handling these before the test day is what keeps it from being…
Fire Pump Test Log: What to Record Every Time and How to Spot Wear Before a Failed Test
July 16, 2026A fire pump test log should record the date, who ran the test, how long the pump ran, the pressures and readings taken, the condition of the equipment, and any alarms or problems found. Use the same fields every time. That consistency turns the log into an early warning system, because a slow drop in…
Fire Pump Head Replacement or Full Pump Replacement: What Decides the Scope and Cost
July 9, 2026Replacing only the pump head can be enough when the motor, base, coupling, and controller are still in good condition and match the pump’s required performance. A full replacement, with a new pump, motor, base, coupling, and guard, makes more sense when those other components are worn, obsolete, or no longer suited to the system….
What is a fire pump controller?
May 25, 2022In simple terms, a fire pump controller is a device to reliably start and stop a fire pump, as well as monitor conditions in an ongoing manner that could hinder or prevent the proper operation of a fire pump. They act the same way any motor controller operates, except they are built with more strict…
Future Safety Features in Fire Pump Controllers – Master Controls
November 16, 2020We are often interested in directing industry attention to important future advancements in fire protection. Today’s topic pertains to new safety features that include an effective and creative solution to minimizing the dangers of arc flash in fire pump controllers. For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing electric fire pump controllers.
How Long Should A Fire Pump Last?
August 18, 2020So, when should a fire pump be replaced? If an owner of a fire pump is testing and maintaining the equipment based on NFPA 25, then the answer to this question is often based on the hydraulic performance of the pump in question. The pump is tested, and perhaps it failed a flow test. For example, if the pump is rated 1000 gpm @ 100 psi boost, and upon evaluation of the performance test results the pump is now only providing 1000 gpm @ 93 psi boost, then the fire pump might need to be replaced based on this performance deficiency alone.
Check out this Impressive Fire Pump System Installation
June 30, 2020As an industry leader in the sale of fire pump systems, we have a unique perspective of the final product — when the fire pumps, drivers, and controllers are sold and installed in a building with a sprinkler system. As we prepare to test the fire pump in the mechanical room where it is installed,…
Steven Brown in the Media: Choose the Right Fire Pump
July 29, 2019Back in May, Steven Brown & Associates was featured in Pumps & Systems magazine! We wanted to help our customers and others learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different pumps used for stationary fire protection. We discussed two types of fire pumps in our article: horizontal split case pumps and end suction horizontal pumps….