Re-Evaluate Supply with Replacement Fire Pump?

8/23/2024

We have a number of apartment buildings, 4-5 stories in height, with fire pumps serving the standpipes coming towards their end-of-life.

Is there a code requirement to re-evaluate the water supply when replacing a pump in a like-for-like scenario?

Of course, this building has no existing fire protection records or placards to reference. Thanks!

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9 Comments

Anthony

8/23/2024 07:14:50 am

First off you need to have placards in order to be able to know if your water supply is sufficient. That'll be an expensive hydraulic survey.

You'll also need to review your pump testing reports if you're running 5% below your rated output you need to replace your pump if the pump is the reason for the failure. see NFPA 25 -2020 ed 8.3.7.2.3

Glenn Berger

8/23/2024 08:11:08 am

The question "Is there a code requirement to re-evaluate the water supply when replacing a pump in a like-for-like scenario?" --

There is an ethical requirement to always re-evaluate the water supply and that is why regularly schedule hydrant flow tests are required. This is not just when replacing fire pumps.

Jesse

8/23/2024 08:19:54 am

I'm not familiar with a code requirement to do so, but if I put my name on it you can bet I'm going to have an udated flow test.

Dan Wilder

8/23/2024 08:39:54 am

There is no word for word requirement for the entire pump (impellor, driver, controller) that I have seen, more inferred via sections like 25-23' below. At a liability standpoint, since this goes beyond component replacement, this would/should be a more detailed process.

4.1.7.1 "Where changes in the occupancy, hazard, water supply, storage commodity, storage arrangement, building modification, or other CONDITION THAT AFFECTS THE INSTALLATION CRITERIA of the system are identified, the property owner or designated representative shall promptly take steps to evaluate the adequacy of the installed system in order to protect the building or hazard in question."
8.6.1 "Whenever a component in a fire pump is adjusted, repaired, rebuilt, or replaced, the tests required to restore the system to service shall be performed in accordance with Table 8.6.1."
8.6.3 "Replacement parts shall be provided that will maintain the listing for the fire pump component assembly whenever possible."

However, as a fire life safety SYSTEM, confirmation of system performance should include a new water supply evaluation, the hydraulic requirements of the sprinkler/standpipe system beyond, and review of the existing/proposed new pump performance to ensure the system is capable of performing as originally intended.

Our AHJ's have an entire check list we have to provide when replacement of pumps including existing conditions from the city main into the building, hydraulic placard information and analysis to the fire pump curves-which include a current water supply, the old and the new fire pump curves, electrical requirements, new pump mounting details....and a very similar path for a temp fire pump installation while the pump is being replaced.

Other issue is this would potentially open the door for the AHJ to push for compliance with the current adopted codes and standards, not just back to the originally designed system.
Engage the owner, owner's insurance, and the AHJ so there are less surprises.

Jimmy

8/23/2024 09:23:20 am

As an AHJ my suggestion;

If the pumps "need evaluation" either by requirement or concern.

Like all older system they were designed for the water supply and the protection demand at that time.

Occupancies change - codes change - water supplies change.
If you know the pumps are in need of replacement,

>I would have the water supply tested for supply availability (hopefully it has improved)
>Verify the current occupancy flow demand required.
(this is often overlooked)

Make it easy on yourself, call the AHJ advise them you are about to reach out to fire protection contractors for bids in the mentioned concerns, the AHJ will at that time be aware and most probably give their input on a requirement or concern they will need addressed.

AHJ advise is free, estimates are also free and so are the flow test required for that estimate,..... make things easy on yourself.

Two things will happen, you will know the AHJ's opinion, and you will have the correct protection system installed.

Robert W Hughes

8/23/2024 01:00:23 pm

Hydrant Flow Tests cost $350 and up around here. FYI

Eric R

8/23/2024 09:43:14 am

You mention that the fire pump feeds standpipes. This leads me to assume the standpipes are automatic type, and if so, then they need to be flow-tested every 5 years per NFPA 25.

If this flow-test hasn't been done then this is a great way to solve two problems at once. First you can get the standpipe back in compliance with NFPA 25, and second you'll then be able to see what the existing water supply and fire pump boost output are and how far off you are from the standpipe design requirement. So if the water supply has degraded you can account for it when replacing the pump.

Also, field sketching the layout for a standpipe should be relatively simple considering how little piping there is compared to a sprinkler system. Even if the pump supplies both sprinklers and standpipes in almost all cases the automatic standpipe will be the most demanding.

DLS

8/23/2024 10:51:22 am

I believe that in order to properly ensure the performance of the pump, an updated water supply evaluation should be provided.

The water distribution system may have undergone extensive modifications that are outside the scope and control of the property owner and service contractor.

NFPA 25:8.6.2
NFPA 20 shall be consulted for the minimum requirements for design, installation, and acceptance testing.

NFPA 20:4.2.3.1
(10)Water supply information including the following flow test information, if applicable:
(a)Location and elevation of static and residual test gauge with relation to the elevation reference point
(b)Flow location
(c)Static pressure, psi (bar)
(d)Residual pressure, psi (bar)
(e)Flow, gpm (L/min)
(f)Date
(g)Time
(h)Name of person who conducted the test or supplied the information
(i)Other sources of water supply, with pressure or elevation

NFPA 20:14.5.1.4 Field Retest Results.
14.5.1.4.1
The field retest results shall be compared to the original pump performance as indicated by the fire pump manufacturer's original factory-certified test curve, whenever it is available.

14.5.1.4.2
The field retest results shall meet or exceed the performance characteristics as indicated on the pump nameplate, and the results shall be within the accuracy limits of field testing as stated elsewhere in this standard.

The key is if there is no available existing information for the original pump, you are going to have to provide the updated information.

Jack G

8/23/2024 12:18:12 pm

Of course you must meet or exceed the performance of the original test of the standpipe system.

Re-Evaluate Supply with Replacement Fire Pump?

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