Fire Protection: Choosing a Fire Pump

Fire pumps are the unsung heroes of fire protection systems – they are the reason that there is enough water supply and pressure to allow fire sprinkler systems to work. When a regular water supply cannot provide the required amount of pressure that theses systems need to work, fire pumps are installed to meet the design necessities.

As a business owner, you should be aware of the different types of fire pumps so that you, along with your fire protection company, can figure out which is the best kind for your specific needs. These are a few of the most common types of fire pumps:

• Horizontal Split Case – The most  ommon type of fire pump, the horizontal split case requires a positive-suction external water source. It is a favorite among fire protection professionals as all of its parts are easily accessed for maintenance or repairs and they are available in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of the system. Their long lifespans and ability to quickly move large amounts of water make the horizontal split case a reliable fire pump choice.
• Vertical Split Case – Similar in many ways to the horizontal split case, the vertical split case takes up quite a bit less space as it stands straight up and down. This fire pump also requires positive suction pressure from the water source, but protects the motor from potential water damage caused by flooding thanks to its vertical build.
• Vertical In-Line – Although the vertical in-line is very similar to both the vertical split case and horizontal split case, it is rather significantly smaller than other fire pumps. This type is for use in areas with a limited amount of space, so they are as compact as possible. With in-line mounting, these pumps offer the advantage of not requiring a special foundation for installation. However, when maintenance is required, the unit must be removed in its entirety. They also require positive suction pressure from the water source.
• Vertical Turbine – A vertical turbine fire pump does not require positive suction pressure from the water source, which means that it can use sources such as wells or tanks. Water is merely transported to the top after traveling up the long, thin pipe of the pump. It does not actually require any suction to operate at all.

Without the right type of fire pump, even the most sophisticated fire sprinkler system will be rendered totally useless. Do you have the right fire pump installed for your fire protection system? Don’t worry! The experts at A Total Solution, Inc. are here to help! Contact us today to learn more about our fire pump installation, inspection, maintenance, monitoring, and emergency services today!