Test Header Req'd for Sprinkler Booster Pump?

10/9/2020

I have a question on the difference between Fire Pumps vs. Sprinkler Booster pumps test header connections.

In NFPA 20 (2007 Edition) they speak of a test header connection to verify fire pump capacity via either a 3-way or 5-way connection depending on pump capacity. I have a test header with a flow meter installed and I am aware that test header connection is required for a "FIRE PUMPS".

My question .. does this also apply to " Sprinkler Booster Pumps"? They are also under NFPA 20 but little mention is made.

Should a test header be installed at all?

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11 Comments

FIREPE25

10/9/2020 10:05:08 am

Can you enlighten me on what the difference between a fire pump and a "sprinkler booster pump" is?

Any pump that is used to supply a NFPA 13 fire sprinkler or NFPA 14 standpipe system is a fire pump and needs to meet NFPA 20.

JAMES

10/9/2020 10:21:23 am

I'm with you on this one - I'm not familiar with a "Sprinkler Booster Pump" but only Fire Pumps.

I don't think the term "Sprinkler Booster Pump" appears in NFPA 20 either. Would be interested to hear more on this.

If we're talking about an NFPA 13D pump, that is a non-listed pump used for a 13D system specifically.

All other fire pumps (NFPA 13R or NFPA 13) are required to fully comply with all of the requirements of NFPA 20.

Colin Lusher

10/9/2020 10:20:40 am

Same question/comment as FIREPE25

I don't think there is a difference between a fire pump and a sprinkler booster pump. Any pump dedicated to a fire sprinkler system is a Fire Pump, and is subject to NFPA 20, which would require a test header connection.

Jonathan Joseph

10/9/2020 10:21:36 am

I'm guessing no standpipes and booster pump is used to meet sprinkler demand and simply be tested through a main drain to meet your required residual pressure at the base of the riser.

Chris

10/9/2020 10:24:45 am

I wonder if the poster is talking about a jockey pump?

10/9/2020 10:29:01 am

I do not have the 2007 edition of NFPA 20 on hand, but perhaps the reference to a "booster pump" is actually a jockey or pressure maintenance pump which do not require test headers.

Franck

10/9/2020 10:53:05 am

A booster pump is definitely a fire pump and need to be tested from 0 to 150 % of its rated capacity.
This is not a Jockey pump (or the wording used is incorrect).

The difference between a "regular fire pump" and a "booster pump" is the water supply.
A "regular fire pump" is taking suction from a water tank, a pond, a river... There is not so much head pressure on the suction side (only the elevation difference between the top of water in the reservoir and the fire pump... which could be negative in the case of vertical fire pumps).
A "booster pump" is used on existing water supplies such as a city water grid, when there is enough flow but insufficient pressure to meet the demand of the sprinkler system.
In that case, the nominal flow of the booster pump would be the same as for a "regular fire pump", based on the highest sprinkler demand, but the nominal pressure will be lower as you already have the pressure from the city water system (or any other water supply such as an industrial water supply).

Needs to regularly test the pump are the same.

Flowmeter/test header should enable the test up to 150% of the nominal flow of the pump.
To check the characteristic, you compare the net pressure (i.e. the discharge pressure - the suction pressure).

Note that for a booster pump to be efficient, the required flow should be available in the water supply. The booster pump is only increasing the pressure, it does not provide a greater flow.

Jonathan Joseph

10/9/2020 12:02:08 pm

I think booster pumps gets confused with fire pumps. The booster pump term and language is being written off in NFPA slowly.
I always referred to booster bumps for domestic/residential 13D application off of wells and tanks. All the small domestic pump manufactures advertise as a booster pump.

In 13D the booster pumps don't even have to be listed and refer to NFPA 25

If this application is a 13 system the language should be used is that it is a "fire pump" So that is can be referenced and tested according to NFPA 25

Mike L

10/9/2020 04:04:23 pm

The poster may be inquiring about a NYC installation. Here in the Big Apple, we have different terminology for pumps given their arrangement.

An automatic fire pump supplies a building's standpipe/sprinkler systems and requires two independent water sources.

A sprinkler booster pump is used to augment the pressure on sprinkler systems only. This pump only requires 1 source of water

A special service fire pump is used to boost pressure on the upper floors of building being served by a gravity tank.

A limited service fire pump is a pump that is less than 30HP (I have no idea why they came up with that one).

All pumps get tested the same way though. Either a test header is provided or the hose outlets can be used (but there are limitations on the testing equipment if hose outlets are used).

Franck

10/10/2020 02:02:26 am

To Mike
A possible explanation for the limited service pump.

In France, the standard for sprinklers is requiring 2 pumps. The normal duty fire pump (adequate flow/pressure/duration for the most demanding sprinkler system) and a smaller electric fire pump rated at 250 gpm, 85 psi, and a 30 min duration water tank.
This smaller water supply is the first operating pump in case of fire. The purpose was based on the fact that most fires are controlled by 5 sprinklers or less and this limited duty pump would be sufficient in most cases to back up the main pump during limited maintenance period.

I am not sure whether the AHJ in NYC spent some holidays in France and brought back this idea at the same time as croissants and baguettes, but it could be the same reason behind : if your main pump is out of service, you still have a limited supply pump (smaller, less costly) that can still control a fire with limited sprinkler in operation (as it should be the case with well designed systems and light to ordinary hazard occupancies).

I have never seen this special arrangement outside of France... but maybe it is in the Big Apple.

Vincent Boves

10/10/2020 11:01:49 am

I agree with Mike L. New York City has it's own definitions. A fire pump services standpipe, not to be confused with a sprinkler booster pump which supplies sprinklers. Keep in mind that it's the same pump. But if you call it a Fire Pump it requires 2 independent 6" water supplies and the booster pump only requires one water supply. This labeling only works on low rise buildings, once you have a standpipe connected then you need two water supplies.
Also regardless of when the pump was installed (even applies to 1938 Code) grandfathering applies to the installation only.
NFPA-25 2011 (NYC FDNY follows) says that a pump must be maintained and flow tested (you need testing outlets). In the event of a fire the FDNY & the fire insurance company will request proof of testing.
Your job is to explain the rule to the customer and explain the AHJ and the fire insurance company will look for negligence in any fire or claim. Yes, you need to install a test header. The test header gives you the ability to test the pump. There is no way around it.

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