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? Submitted anonymously and posted for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
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?
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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.
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Colin Lusher
10/9/2020 10:20:40 am
Same question/comment as FIREPE25
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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.
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Chris
10/9/2020 10:24:45 am
I wonder if the poster is talking about a jockey pump?
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DT
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Franck
10/10/2020 02:02:26 am
To Mike
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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.
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