Fire Pump Test Log: What to Record Every Time and How to Spot Wear Before a Failed Test

A 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 pressure or a growing leak shows up on paper long before it causes a failed test. NFPA 25 calls for fire pump test records to be kept, and your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or insurer may ask to see them.

A missing or vague log is one of the easiest ways to turn a passing test into a paperwork problem. This guide covers what to write down, how to record the annual flow test, and how to read the log for trends.

What Basic Information Goes At The Top Of Every Entry?

Each entry should identify the test itself:

• Date and start and stop times.
• Name of the person or company who performed it.
• Pump identification (location, manufacturer, model, serial number).
• Driver type (electric or diesel).
• Type of test, such as a routine no-flow churn run or an annual flow test.
• Unusual conditions, if relevant.

Writing the pump and driver type on every entry matters when a building has more than one pump or a jockey pump. It keeps readings from being mixed up later.

Which Readings Should You Record During A Churn Test?

During a no-flow (churn) run, record the pressures and operating readings that show whether the pump behaves as it did last time. Typical entries include:

• Suction pressure and discharge pressure.
• Pump speed, if a tachometer is available.
• Run time.
• Pressure at which the pump started, if it started automatically.
• For electric drivers: motor amperage and voltage readings.
• For diesel drivers: oil pressure, coolant temperature, engine hours, and battery condition.

The exact readings required depend on the driver and on the edition of NFPA 25 your jurisdiction has adopted, so treat this as a working list and check it against your adopted requirements. What matters most is consistency. A single discharge pressure reading means little, but the same reading tracked over months shows a trend.

What Should You Note About The Equipment’s Condition?

Readings show performance. Observations catch problems before the numbers move. During each test, look for and write down:

• Packing gland leakage: how much it drips and whether it has changed.
• Unusual noise or vibration.
• Leaks at the casing, piping, or fittings.
• Bearing or casing temperature that feels abnormal.
• Controller lights, alarms, or displays.
• The condition of the pump room, such as ventilation, heat, and clear access.

A note like “packing dripping, slightly more than last month” is more useful than “OK.” Small changes in leakage or noise are often the first sign of wear.

How Do You Record The Annual Flow Test Results?

The annual test differs from the routine run because the pump is tested at multiple flow points and compared with its performance curve. Record the flow and pressure at each test point, the pump speed, and the driver readings, and note the test equipment used. Also attach or reference:

• The manufacturer’s performance curve.
• The original acceptance test results, if you have them.
• The previous annual test for comparison.

The comparison against the original curve and past results is what reveals a decline in performance. Without those documents, the test cannot show whether the pump has changed.

What Problems And Alarms Should Be Documented?

Record any alarm, trouble signal, failed start, or manual intervention, even if the pump appeared to recover on its own. Include:

• What happened and when
• What was done in response
• Who was notified
• Whether the pump was out of service and for how long
• The repair or follow-up scheduled

An unexplained alarm with no follow-up note is the kind of gap an inspector or insurer notices first.

How Should You Store And Organize The Log?

Choose one format and keep it consistent, whether that is a bound logbook kept in the pump room, a spreadsheet, or a maintenance system. Whatever you use:

• Keep records accessible for inspectors, following the retention requirements in your adopted standard.
• Store signed reports from outside contractors with the log.
• Keep a backup copy off-site, since a pump room can be damaged by the same event the log is meant to help with.
• Give one person clear responsibility for reviewing it.

How Can The Test Log Help You Spot Wear Before A Failed Test?

Review entries side by side every few months. Signs worth investigating include:

• Discharge pressure trending downward.
• Packing leakage increasing.
• Longer starting times or more frequent starts.
• Rising temperatures or amperage.
• Repeated alarms of the same type.

These patterns can justify a repair call before an annual test exposes the problem, and they give a technician a history to work from instead of a single snapshot.

Conclusion

A good fire pump test log takes a few minutes per test and gives you a record of readings, conditions, and follow-up that shows how the pump is changing over time. Use the same fields every time, record what you observe as well as what you measure, and review the log for trends.

Steven Brown & Associates provides certified fire pump performance tests, including peak flow and churn testing. Learn more about fire pump testing, or submit a service request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a digital test log replace a paper log?

Often yes, if it is legible, retrievable, backed up, and acceptable to your AHJ and insurer. Confirm before switching.

Who should sign the test log?

The person who performed the test. If a contractor tests, keep their signed report with your log and note the date in yours.

What if earlier entries are missing or incomplete?

Start a consistent log now. Tell your technician about the gap so they can establish a baseline at the next test, and don’t reconstruct past readings from memory.

Does the log help with insurance or inspections?

It can show a history of maintenance and testing, and insurers and inspectors often request it. What they require varies, so ask.