If you are looking to get your diesel fire suppression pump start and flow test, we’ve put together a simple checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Save yourself the headache, time, and cost of having to make multiple trips by making sure you successfully complete each item before the test arrives.
We’ll start our checklist with the most popular ignored items below.
120 volts of power is brought to the fire pump control unit and a separate power source is connected to the engine block cable. Do not turn on the block heater!
Make sure the fire pump controller is connected to the motor junction box according to the instructions inside the panel door.
You need 50 ft. 2 in. Hoses. And U.L. Kit tube nozzles are raised with 1¾-inch starter tips with one hose for every 250 GPM nominal fire pump. You will also need a way to secure it. If you have Hose Monsters®, these are acceptable.
Other items that you will need to complete and verify the diesel fire pump start-up and flow test are:
The air release valve and gauges are installed correctly.
Have a separate drain line running from the gasket assembly point under each arm leading to a frost-free location such as the drain.
Properly installed and installed unit, pump base is filled with non-shrinking plaster. You cannot have pipe pressure on the fire pump.
There is a reliable source of water that connects to the fire pump and the water supply lines are properly cleaned. If you don’t wash these lines properly, rocks and debris can damage the fire pump.
You will need an electrical power source connected to the auxiliary pump control panel. Do not use the main fire pump controller as a junction box to power the JOCKEY PUMP.
There should be wires from the start of the jockey pump control board to the jockey pump motor.
Be sure to check the voltage of the jockey pump at the job site and that all electrical checks have been completed.
Use proper motor fuel, typical # 2 diesel fuel. The fuel lines must be connected to the engine, without copper or galvanized pipes, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are the appropriate remote alarms connected to the terminal strip of the fire pump control unit? See your field connection diagram inside the console door.
At a minimum, you must observe these conditions:
Engine start
The main switch is bad
Motor problem
Pump room problem
The control panel sensor lines were installed in accordance with NFPA 20.
Make sure a representative of the fire pump manufacturer brings a volt/ammeter and tachometer, along with calibrated gauges.
You will also need to schedule an appointment for the owner or representative, the insurance inspector, the fire marshal, and the fire pump representative.
Make sure the fire pump representative is responsible for scheduling the controller and motor repeats.
Battery cables must be installed by a certified diesel engine technician.
If you follow these steps closely, you will get a smooth start and flow test from this diesel fire suppression pump. If you encounter any roadblocks, need clarification on an issue, or have any questions, feel free to contact our team of experts here at Yash Engineering. We would love to help you!