The flow test of the fire pump must achieve what minimum flow rate and discharge pressure?

Annual testing for a 1,500 gpm (5,677 L/min) at 80 psi (1.4 bar) fire pump supporting an attached sprinkler system demand of 1,800 gpm (6,813 L/min) at 100 psi (6.9 bar) is being conducted.

The flow test of the fire pump must achieve what minimum flow rate and discharge pressure?
A . 1,500 gpm (5,677 L/min) at 80 psi (1.4 bar)
B . 1,600 gpm (6,056 L/min) at 75 psi (5.1 bar)
C . 1,800 gpm (6,813 L/min) at 100 psi (6.9 bar)
D . 2,250 gpm (8,516 L/min) at 65 psi (4.5 bar)

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

For annual testing of fire pumps, NFPA standards require the pump to be tested at its rated capacity and pressure, as well as at 150% of its rated capacity at a correspondingly lower pressure. In this scenario, the minimum flow rate required for the test is the demand of the attached sprinkler system, which is 1,800 gpm at 100 psi, to ensure the pump can meet or exceed the system’s highest demand.

Reference: NFPA 13, NFPA 20, and CWBSP materials provide guidance on fire pump testing, indicating that pumps should be tested for both rated and excess capacities to ensure they can handle the required system demand.