Isn't Tommy Duross (FGOL) up your way?
Suggest the owner hire someone competent and fixing this might be as easy as
adjusting a mercoid. While you don't need much in the way of tools to do
this, it would be a knowledge thing. And there are folks in Boston who DO
know their way around a fire pump- and the related tools (and THEN some!!!).

I know about OFF and ON- what's the third point?

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Todd Williams
Sent: Monday, November 02, 2009 4:01 PM
To: [email protected]; Charles Thurston
Subject: Re: pump failure/flow alarm

Charles, you raise a good point. I haven't witnessed the test or even 
seen the pump. I have no idea exactly what is or is not running. My 
only involvement so far is what I am getting via phone calls. I've 
already suggested a pressure switch on each system, if we cannot find 
another solution.

FWIW, I just got back from a pump test (different pump) and neither 
the contractor nor his helper showed up with any tools. They had to 
borrow a couple of adjustable wrenches in order to swap the gauges 
(which I supplied). I had told him, as had the building owner, that 
we needed a 3 point test and he had no idea what we were talking 
about. This is the guy that regularly does the ITM at this location.


At 12:19 PM 11/2/2009, you wrote:
>Hello Todd,
>
>Is the jockey running during this test?
>
>If not, There is not enough flow to keep the flow switch activated 
>longer than the delay duration this will happen.
>
>If so and the jockey does not supply enough GPM (4-10) to keep the 
>flow switch activated for the duration of the delay this will happen.
>
>
>Maybe use a Pressure switch for the flow alarm..... Or to signal Pump
Failure.
>
>Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:06:39 AM, you wrote:
>
> > A situation came up this morning that I probably should know the
> > answer to, but I don't. A building is protected by a 500 gpm at 40
> > psi diesel pump taking suction from a tank (no public water). The
> > pump feeds to 2 sprinkler risers with riser checks and flow switches.
> > The jockey pump pressure is set to approximately 50 psi. If the
> > inspector's test opens and the pump does not turn on, there is not
> > enough flow in the system to activate the flow switch. Consequently,
> > if a sprinkler goes off and the pump does not activate, then no alarm
> > is sent. Having never run into this or heard of it being tested, I
> > don't know if this is normal but it seems like it shouldn't be.  Is
> > this normal? Is it ever tested?
>
> > My first reaction is what is the delay on the flow switch set to (30
> > seconds). I told them to set to delay to 0 and see what happens. It
> > may be just a situation of getting the setting right. Thoughts?
>
> > Todd G. Williams, PE
> > Fire Protection Design/Consulting
> > Stonington, Connecticut
> > www.fpdc.com
> > 860.535.2080
> > _______________________________________________
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>
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>
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to:[email protected]
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>
>
>--
>Best regards,
>  Charles Thurston                            mailto:[email protected]
>   Coastal Fire Protection/ Myrtle Beach Fire & Safety Co.
>AFAA Guest
>
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Todd G. Williams, PE
Fire Protection Design/Consulting
Stonington, Connecticut
www.fpdc.com
860.535.2080  
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