Fire Sprinkler Pumps
Sprinkler System Pumps
Ideally, every small to medium residential fire sprinkler system would be connected directly to the town mains. This is often the case in other countries where mains water pressures tend to be higher than that of the UK. Consequently, there are many systems that are fed by a storage system which will incorporate a ‘fire pump’ or also referred to as a‘ fire set’.
The original version of BS9251 focused much more on the technical aspects of mains water supplies than storage systems presumably, because no-one envisaged the amount of problems that have been created by Water Authorities throughout the country.
Early shortcomings of BS 9251:2005 in fire pump maintenance
A major shortcoming of the original British Standard (BS 9251:2005) was the lack of attention given to the problems associated with fire pumps standing idle and not regularly moving water. The standard simply suggested that the fire pump should be activated periodically – on a bi-monthly basis – to prevent seizing.
In practice, it was very unlikely that this would be done, especially as many systems were installed in loft spaces and remained out of sight.
Manufacturer limitations and market context
At the time, manufacturers such as Lowara and Grundfos were producing fire-sets designed to meet what was considered the minimum required level of functionality. These units were relatively costly, but the price reflected the research and development investment involved and the limited size of the residential sprinkler market at the time.
Decline in standards as the market grew
It was generally assumed by the pioneering Residential Sprinkler Association (RSA) — and reflected in early training — that installers would use fire pump-sets specifically designed for the purpose.
However, as the market slowly expanded and more installers entered the industry, some began reducing standards in an effort to lower costs and secure work. This led to an increase in systems using pumps without adequate automation or purpose-built features.
Industry response through training and guidance
These issues were eventually addressed — at least in part — through RSA and BAFSA training courses and technical bulletins. Both organisations worked to raise awareness of proper pump specification and encourage higher installation standards across the industry.
Sprinkler Pump Installation
Here at RAD Fire Sprinklers, we offer sprinkler pump installations to both individuals and businesses. We offer a range of fire pump systems that are suitable for use with a number of fire protection systems. With a team of experts, we’ll ensure your sprinkler system is fitted with the correct type of fire sprinkler pump.
We have been carrying out fire sprinkler pump installations for many years and have become well-known for the service we provide. With years of experience, we have all the skills, knowledge and tools needed to ensure a professional and efficient service is provided. When it comes to sprinkler pump installations, be sure to get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers.
Why can’t a standard pump be installed in a Domestic or Residential Fire sprinkler system?
The answer is very simple and no company should fit a normal pump to a life safety system which may lie dormant for many years.
The two most fundamental requirements for any fire pump set is that it should carry out the following actions automatically:
- carry out some form of activation cycle periodically to prevent it seizing up and
- that it should provide a fault alarm if the power is disconnected from the system. Neither of these were a requirement of BS9251-05
The publication of BS9251-15 has provided very clear guidance regarding fire sets and they must be designed to include an automatic test cycle which will active the pump at least monthly. *
*It is important to understand that during a test, the fire set doesn’t need to deliver the large volumes of water required during an activation. Flows are restricted and re-circulated back into the water tank
Is it possible to combine the domestic water supply with the fire sprinkler supply? – YES
- BS9251-15 provides clarity on this issue by suggesting that the two supplies can be combined providing that the storage tank has sufficient capacity.
- The pump must also have the capacity to supply the combined total of the domestic and fire supply or, whichever is higher provided that a shut-off valve is connected to the domestic supply which will automatically divert all the available water to the sprinkler system in the event of an activation.
All our storage systems are supplied and have been supplied in the past with full monitoring and an automatic periodical movement cycle.
Why Choose Us For Sprinkler Pumps?
We have been carrying out fire sprinkler pump installation for our customers for many years. With years of experience carrying out sprinkler pump installation, we have all the skills and knowledge needed to ensure a professional and efficient service is provided. No matter what your sprinkler pump requirements might be, RAD Fire Sprinklers has you covered. Some of the reasons we think you should choose us for sprinkler pump installation are:
- Team of experienced pump installers
- Will ensure the correct type of fire sprinkler pump is fitted
- Always on hand to provide advice and assistance
- Well-known for the services we provide
- Offer a professional and efficient installation service
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Sprinkler Pumps
The cost of having a sprinkler pump installed depends on a number of factors such as the type of system you have, and the amount of work required to install it. At RAD Fire Sprinklers, we offer competitive installation quotes, so be sure to get in touch for your quote today.
The type of sprinkler pump you require will depend on a number of factors such as the type of sprinkler system you have or are wanting installing. Our team at RAD Fire Sprinklers can provide expert advice and guidance to ensure the best type of sprinkler pump is installed.
The length of time it takes to carry out fire sprinkler pump installation will depend on the type of system you have. When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers, we’ll give you an estimated timeframe for completion. We always aim to achieve and beat this, but we never comprise on the quality and standard of our installation service.
When you choose RAD Fire Sprinklers to install a fire sprinkler pump for you, all work will be carried out by a trained and highly experienced professional. Our team have undergone extensive training to ensure they have all the skills and knowledge needed to carry out pump installations in the most efficient and professional manner.
If you’re interested in having a fire pump installed, then all you need to do is get in touch with RAD Fire Sprinklers. Either call or email us and one of our team will be more than happy to assist with your enquiry.
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