Fire Pump House

The purpose of a fire pump house is to provide and maintain a reliable water supply for firefighting purposes.
- Purpose of the the diesel engine-driven pump serves as a backup to ensure that firefighting systems continue to function even during power outages. This pump is critical for maintaining water pressure in systems like sprinklers and hydrants when the primary electric supply fails.
- Starts automatically in response to significant pressure drops but may need manual intervention to stop.
- The diesel engine-driven pump is made up of several important components:
- The Manual mode of operation on the unit mode switch is different from the Automatic Mode is that the Diesel Fire Pump has to be started manually by the operator by pressing the ‘START’ push button.
- To ensure engine stops, the ‘STOP’ push button should remain in pressed position till the engine stops completely, otherwise the engine starts again.
- Pump Type Fire Pump
- Capacity 180 LPM
- Net Head Generated 70 MWC
- Speed 2900 RPM
- Shut Off Head 71.5 M
- Power Absorption (KW) 9.3 KW
- Suction Size As per OEM
- No. of Stage Single
- Efficiency 28%
- Pump Type
- Capacity 900 LPM
- Net Head Generated 35 MWC
- Speed 2900 RPM
- Power Absorption (KW) 9.3 KW
- Suction Size As per OEM (80/65)
- No. of Stage single
- Efficiency 52%
The Air Vessel is crucial for maintaining stable system pressure by addressing minor pressure drops and providing an air cushion to absorb surges when the pump operates. It features a 100 mm diameter flanged connection to the pump, a 25 mm drain valve, a water level gauge, and 25 mm sockets for pressure switches. Capable of withstanding pressures up to 10.5 kg/cm², the vessel has a diameter of 250 mm and a length of 1500 mm, with dished ends. It includes both an inlet valve and a drain valve and is mounted on the pump’s delivery side to ensure reliable and consistent system performance.
The purpose of a pressure switch is to detect pressure and activate a built-in mechanical switch. It includes a provision to set a threshold level. These pressure switches are mounted on the main header at the pump house. Based on the detected pressure, they send signals to the fire pump control panels to enable automatic operation and provide indications.
A pressure gauge in a fire pump house monitors water pressure within the system. It is typically installed at key points such as the pump discharge and suction, providing real-time pressure readings. Accurate gauges are crucial for ensuring the system maintains the proper pressure needed for effective fire protection. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the gauges function correctly.
- Aluminium conductor, PVC insulated armoured cable 3 x 95 Sq.mm PVC AA cable alongwith 2×6 SWG GI wire.
- Aluminium conductor, PVC insulated armoured cable 3 x 25 Sq.mm PVC AA cable alongwith 2x8SWG GI wire.
- Aluminium conductor, PVC insulated armoured cable 4 x 6 Sq.mm PVC AA cable alongwith 2×8 SWG GI wire.
- 150 mm dia. non-return valve (flanged)
- 100 mm dia. Gunmetal Non Return valve
- 80mm dia. Gunmetal Non Return valve
a) Flushing of Underground Connections:
– Before connecting the underground mains and lead-in lines to the system risers, flush these connections to clear out any debris or foreign materials that might have entered during installation.
– Continue flushing until the water flowing out is clear, indicating that the pipes are clean.
b) Flow Rate for Flushing:
– The flushing process should be performed at a flow rate of at least 1620 liters per minute to ensure thorough cleaning of the underground mains and connections.
c) Disposal of Test Water:
– Arrange for proper disposal of the test water from the flushing process to prevent any damage to property. This could involve directing the water to a drainage system or other suitable area.
d) Acceptance Test:
i) Jockey Pump Start-Up:
– Set the pressure switch on the Jockey Pump to activate at 7 kg/cm² and to stop at 7.5 kg/cm².
– To test, open the system drain to lower the pressure. The Jockey Pump should turn on automatically when the pressure drops to 7 kg/cm² and turn off once the pressure is restored to 7.5 kg/cm².
This procedure ensures that the system is properly cleaned and functioning before final acceptance.
ii) Main Electric Pump:
– Set the pump to start at 6.5 kg/cm².
– Open an external hydrant valve with a single hose and branch pipe to cause a pressure drop. The Jockey Pump should start at 6.5 kg/cm². Allow the pressure to drop to 5 kg/cm² to test the automatic start of the electric pump.
– The electric pump should run for at least 5 minutes, raising the pressure to 7.5 kg/cm². The Jockey Pump should then start automatically.
– Manually stop the electric pump using the stop button.
iii) Standby Diesel Pump:
– After the system is fully charged to 7.0 kg/cm², open an external hydrant valve with a hose and branch pipe.
– When the pressure drops to 6.0 kg/cm², the electric main pump should start automatically.
– After 5 minutes of operation, turn off the power supply to the pump house. The diesel pump should then start automatically.
e) Repetition of Tests:
– All tests must be repeated after a one-hour interval, and results should be consistent. The system can be accepted from the contractor once it satisfactorily passes all tests.
1. Location and Construction:
- Location: The pump house should ideally be situated outside the building, at least 6 meters away from adjacent structures. It should have natural ventilation with protected windows.
- Diesel Pump: If it includes a diesel pump, the exhaust must extend outside and discharge at a safe height.
- Flooring: The floor should slope to drain water from leaks.
- Lighting: Provide both normal and emergency lighting, either from an alternate source or a generator.
- Fire Safety: If inside, the pump house must be separated by a 2-hour fire-rated wall and have a 1-hour fire-rated door. Basement pump houses require forced mechanical ventilation, while those on the first floor should have exterior access.
2. Pump Arrangement:
- Space: Ensure sufficient space for all equipment, with clearances of 1 meter front and back, and 0.75 meters on sides for large pumps (>2,280 l/min). For smaller pumps, clearances should be 0.75 meters front and back, and 0.60 meters on sides. Headroom should be at least 2.75 meters.
- Control Panel: The panel should include a TPN switch, HRC switch, ammeter, voltmeter, phase indicators, single-phase preventer, start/stop buttons, and auto-manual switches. Use copper busbars of appropriate thickness.
- Diesel Pump Panel: This should be in the same or adjacent room, with its own battery and charging device, and interlock with the main pump panel to prevent simultaneous operation.
- Air Vessel: Install a suitably sized air vessel with pressure switches—one for upper and lower limits for the jockey pump, and another for the main pump’s lower limit. Manual control for stopping the main pump should be clearly indicated.
2.1. Terrace Pump:
- Automatic Start: The terrace pump should start automatically when any hydrant or hose reel is used. Include a manual push button on the ground floor for starting and stopping the pump. Ensure push buttons are clearly marked and colored differently.
3. Pipe Sizes:
- Minimum Sizes:
- 450 l/min pump: Suction & Delivery 50 mm
- 900 l/min pump: Suction 75 mm, Delivery 50 mm
- 1,400 l/min pump: Suction & Delivery 100 mm
- 2,280 l/min pump: Suction & Delivery 150 mm
- 2,850 l/min pump: Suction 200 mm, Delivery 150 mm
- 4,540 l/min pump: Suction 250 mm, Delivery 200 mm
- Manifold Size: Must match the cross-section of the main pump’s suction inlets.
4. Priming:
- Preferred Method: Use positive suction by positioning the pump house below the water tank. If not feasible, use a priming tank with a foot valve and strainer. The tank should be eight times the volume of the suction pipe.
5. Wet-Riser-Cum-Down-Comer System:
- Pump Setup: Install two pumps—one for the wet-riser and one for the down-comer system. Provide power from both a normal and an alternative source.
6. Wet-Riser System:
- Pump Configuration: Use two automatic pumps for the wet-riser, with one as a standby. Ensure each pump has a different power source and interlock them to operate one at a time.
7. Alternative Power Supply:
- Options:
- A diesel generator capable of meeting the full requirements, including initial start-up currents and other emergency services.
- A separate sub-station dedicated to emergency services.
8. Pump Mounting:
- Foundation: Pumps should be mounted on a concrete foundation (minimum 75 mm thick) with vibration-absorbing layers. Foundations must match the dimensions of the pump, motor, and coupling base.
- Diesel Pumps: Foundations should cover the length of the engine and pump with flexible couplings.
- Pump Specifications: Use horizontal split-casing centrifugal pumps with cast iron casings, bronze impellers, and stainless steel shafts. All metal parts in contact with water should have anti-corrosive treatment or be of non-ferrous material.
5.1.2.2 Firefighting pump house (NBC 2016)
The requirements shall be as given below:
a) It is preferable to install the pump house at ground level. Pump house shall be situated so as to be directly accessible from the surrounding ground level.
b) Pump house shall be installed not lower than the second basement. When installed in the basement, staircase with direct accessibility (or through enclosed passageway with 120 min fire rating) from the ground, shall be provided. Access to the pump room shall not require to negotiate through other occupancies within the basement.
c) Pump house shall be separated by fire walls all around and doors shall be protected by fire doors (120 min rating).
d) Pump house shall be well ventilated and due care shall be taken to avoid water stagnation.
e) No other utility equipment shall be installed inside fire pump room.
f) Insertions like flexible couplings, bellows, etc, in the suction and delivery piping shall be suitably planned and installed.
g) Installation of negative suction arrangement and submersible pumps shall not be allowed.
h) Pump house shall be sufficiently large to accommodate all pumps, and their accessories like PRVs, installation control valve, valves, diesel tank and electrical panel.
i) Battery of diesel engine operated fire pump shall have separate charger from emergency power supply circuit.
j) Exhaust pipe of diesel engine shall be insulated as per best engineering practice and taken to a safe location at ground level, considering the back pressure.
k) Fire pumps shall be provided with soft starter or variable frequency drive starter.
4.9 (h) From fire command and control center following monitoring facility shall be provided as per NBC 2016.
1) Water level in all tanks.
2) Hydrant and sprinkler pressures of respective zones as provided.
3) Pump ‘ON/OFF’ status.
4) All isolation valves, wherever provided with supervisory switch (non-padlock valves).
5) Other requirements to meet electro- mechanical services interface.
6) Talkback speaker shall be installed to communicate with fire command and control center.
7) Adequate emergency lightning shall be provided.
Bill of Material for Fire Pump House – Type 1 | |||
Sl.No | Description | Unit | Qty |
Pumps | |||
1 | Main electric pump – 96 Cum/hr. electrically driven horizontal centrifugal (end suction) Common Main & Standby pumpset for Hydrant & Sprinkler system, at 7 Kg/sq.cm and 2900 rpm with all necessary accessor. Pump shall have electrical motor of adequate KW/HP suitable for Electric supply 415V, 50 Hz, 3Phase and cofirm to IS 325 – 1978. | No | 1 |
2 | Diesel Engine Pump – 96 Cum/hr. deisel engine driven horizontal centrifugal (end suction) Common Main & Standby pumpset for Hydrant & Sprinkler system, at 7 Kg/sq.cm and 1800 rpm with all necessary accessor. Batteries & battery leads with stand, 200 ltrs. The electric motor shall be of rated HP and speed and suitable for operation at 415V, 50Hz. The pump shall be of cast iron construction with bronze impeller, stainless steel shaft, flexible coupling and gland packing seal. | No | 1 |
3 | Jockey Pump – 10.8 Cum/hr. electrically driven horizontal centrifugal (End suction type ) Common Jockey pumpset for Wetriser & sprinkler system at 7Kg/sq.cm and 2900 rpm with all necessary accessories like providing & fixing bronze impeller, stainless steel shaft and mechanical seal along with anti-vibration mounting pad and flexible connections at discharge end of the pipes etc. and shall be automatic in operation. | No | 1 |
Fire Pump House Control Panel | |||
1 | control panel for Electrical motor driven pumps , Diesel engine driven pumps. | No | 1 |
Terrace Pump | |||
1 | 450 lpm 35 metres head and 3.5 kg/sqcm pressure monoblock type booster pump | No | 1 |
Control Panel for booster pump | |||
Valves for Fire Pump House | |||
1 | Sluice Valves(pn-1.6,non rising type) | ||
a)100 mm dia – Sluice Valves(pn-1.6,non rising type) | No’s | 2 | |
b)40mm dia – Sluice Valves(pn-1.6,non rising type) | No’s | 1 | |
a) 150 mm dia foot valve with strainer | No’s | 2 | |
b)50mm dia foot valve with strainer | No’s | 1 | |
2 | C.I NRV slim seal type as per IS: 5312 | ||
a) 100 mm dia C.I NRV slim seal type as per IS: 5312 | No’s | 2 | |
b) 40 mm dia C.I NRV slim seal type as per IS: 5312 | No’s | 1 | |
a) 150 mm dia C.I. butterfly valve | No’s | 1 | |
3 | Ball Valve / gate Valve25mm dia(Gun Metal) | No’s | 10 |
4 | GM Air Release valve of 25 mm. dia. | No’s | 1 |
Instruments | |||
1 | pressure gauges for pumps in delivery line and common delivery header(0-14 Kg./sqcm) | No’s | 4 |
2 | pressure switch (0-15 Kg./sqcm) | No’s | 3 |
Pipes | |||
1 | MS “B” class pipes for fire pump house | ||
a) 150 mm dia – MS “B” class pipes | RMT | 12 | |
b) 100 mm dia – MS “B” class pipes | RMT | 12 | |
c)50mm dia – MS “B” class pipes | RMT | 6 | |
d)40mm dia – MS “B” class pipes | RMT | 6 | |
e)25mm dia – MS “B” class pipes | RMT | 6 | |
2 | Air Cushion vessel(150mm dia) | No’s | 1 |
3 | exahust pipe for diesel engine | Mtrs | 6 |
Cable requirement for fire pump house | |||
1 | PVC insulated PVC sheathed, steel armoured, Aluminium / copper conductor, 100v grade power cables. The cables shall be laid in tray / Hume pipe / in trenches/on walls/ floor etc. as required. | ||
a) PVC insulated PVC sheathed, steel armoured, Aluminium conductor, 100v grade power cables – 3C x 25 sq.mm copper-for Main Pump | Mtrs | 24 | |
b) PVC insulated PVC sheathed, steel armoured, Aluminium conductor, 100v grade power cables -3 c X 10 sq.mm Copper for Jockey Pump | Mtrs | 24 | |
c) 2C x 1.5sq.mm copper armourd cable for instrumentation | Mtrs | 30 | |
d) 12cx1.5sqmm copper armourd cable for diesel pump | Mtrs | 24 | |
e) 100mm wide 50mm depth perforated sheet cable tray. Rate shall include necessary angle iron suspension, anchor fasteners etc., complete. | Mtrs | 24 | |
Earthing Strip | |||
1 | i)G.I Earthing Strips – 25x3mm Thickness | Mtrs | 12 |
ii)G.I Earthing Strips – 50x6mm thickness | Mtrs | 12 |