I have been asked a question by a facility owner, as to if they could conduct monthly in service pump checks rather then the NFPA 25 required weekly test as outlined:
The question is of unique note in that this facility has been conducting the required weekly test for over 15 years. (We have the witnessed test records - by fire marshal) It begs to the underlying question of, is the code to demanding? the pump and motor have had problems over the years; shaft alignment, bearings worn, relief valves having to be replaced. The pump and motor are the original installed in 1977. The facility operator is concerned that the pump/motor is wearing out? We also have witnessed annual fire pump tests record and the pump had to be rebuilt a few years back. Water supply strainer replaced and so on with minor problems. I would dare to say that this record is fairly complete with information. The pump is showing signs of a lower output but still meeting required flow output. 8.3*<http://nfpacodesonline.org/a/c.ref/ID00002503929/sec> Testing.<javascript:void(0)><javascript:void(0)><javascript:void(0)> 8.3.1 A weekly test of fire pump assemblies shall be conducted without flowing water. 8.3.1.1 The weekly test shall be conducted by starting the pump automatically. 8.3.1.2 The electric pump shall run a minimum of 10 minutes. 8.3.1.3 The diesel pump shall run a minimum of 30 minutes. 8.3.1.4 A valve installed to open as a safety feature shall be permitted to discharge water. 8.3.1.5 The automatic weekly test timer shall be permitted to be substituted for the starting procedure. 8.3.2 Weekly Tests. 8.3.2.1 Qualified operating personnel shall be in attendance during the weekly pump operation. 8.3.2.2*<http://nfpacodesonline.org/a/c.ref/ID00002503946/sec> The pertinent visual observations or adjustments specified in the following checklists shall be conducted while the pump is running: * (1) Pump system procedure: * (a) Record the system suction and discharge pressure gauge readings. * (b) Check the pump packing glands for slight discharge. * (c) Adjust gland nuts if necessary. * (d) Check for unusual noise or vibration. * (e) Check packing boxes, bearings, or pump casing for overheating. * (f) Record the pump starting pressure. * (2) Electrical system procedure: * (a) Observe the time for motor to accelerate to full speed. * (b) Record the time controller is on first step (for reduced voltage or reduced current starting). * (c) Record the time pump runs after starting (for automatic stop controllers). ________________________________ FOIA Disclaimer You are hereby advised that, pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, written correspondence (including, but not limited to, letters, e-mails and faxes) from and to the City of Fairfax and its officials and employees, and others acting on its behalf, may be subject to disclosure as being a public record. This includes the e-mail address(es) and other contact and identifying information for parties involved in the correspondence. _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
