Fire pumps are an essential part of fire sprinkler systems. They are installed to provide adequate water flows and pressures to meet the demands of the sprinkler system based on the risk requirements/hazard classification for the occupancy. Once installed, tested, and commissioned, these pumps must be checked every week to make sure they can be relied upon in the event of a sprinkler activation.
Why weekly maintenance matters
Routine testing, service, and maintenance is essential and must cover all parts of the sprinkler system. This is required by standards BS EN 12845, clause 20, and LPC Technical Bulletin TB203. It is also required to maintain the certification of a system.
Weekly testing of the pump(s) helps confirm that:
- They can be relied upon in the event of sprinkler operation.
- Water pressure and flow are at the correct levels.
- All parts of the system are working safely and efficiently.
To perform these crucial test routines, qualified or trained personnel must be in attendance so that adequate safety and verification checks are performed. Any potential issues that arise can then be resolved quickly to address potential problems or to isolate the pump safely.
Weekly sprinkler pump maintenance
LPC Technical Bulletin TB203 requires the following weekly pump tests:
Automatic pump starting test
Tests on automatic pumps shall include the following;
- water pressure on the starting device shall be reduced, thus simulating the condition of automatic starting;
- when the pump starts, the starting pressure shall be checked and recorded;
- check that there is cooling water flowing through open circuit cooling systems
- check diesel pump oil pressure;
- fuel and engine lubricating oil levels in diesel engines shall be checked;
- check the correct operation of any automatic ventilation louvres;
- Electric pump shall be run for a minimum of 15 minutes, or for the time/interval recommended by the supplier, whichever is the greater. The pump shall not be left unattended at any time while being tested.
Diesel engine restarting test
Immediately after the pump start test of TB203.2.2.4, diesel engines shall be tested as follows:
- the engine shall be run for 30 minutes, or for the time/interval recommended by the supplier, whichever is the greater. The engine shall then be stopped and immediately restarted using the manual start test button. Diesel engine driven fire pumps shall not be left unattended at any time while being tested. The test operative(s) should ensure that they remain in a safe position for the duration of the test so that they can respond accordingly in a safe manner in the event of pump issues;
- the water level in the primary circuit of closed circuit cooling systems shall be checked.
Oil pressure (where gauges are fitted), engine temperatures and coolant flow shall be monitored throughout the test. Oil hoses shall be checked and a general inspection made for leakage of fuel, coolant or exhaust fumes.
LPC Technical Bulletin TB203 can be downloaded here.
How guidance has evolved
Weekly testing for fire pumps has been part of sprinkler standards for many years. This includes BS 5306-2:1990, BS EN 12845:2003/2009/2015, and the LPC Rules for Automatic Sprinkler Installations. Despite this long-standing requirement, failures still occur which have led to losing one or more pumps within a sprinkler system.
Recent feedback from insurers confirmed that during a weekly test, mechanical parts of a sprinkler pump failed leading to pump casing being broken and thrown airborne within the compartment. This incident and other known pump issues (such as split pipes, oil pressures, or leaks) highlight the need for immediate intervention and isolation to prevent further damage.
Updated guidance
To address these risks, LPC Technical Bulletin TB203 was updated in December 2024 to confirm that a pump should not be left unattended at any time whilst being tested. This aligns with manufacturer guidance and NFPA 25.
Who can monitor the pump room?
Common practice on sprinklered sites, where the installation control valves are remote from the pumphouse, is to start the pump, then leave the pump running and conduct weekly bell testing. This practice is hazardous and leaves the pump(s) being tested vulnerable.
A competent engineer trained by the sprinkler service provider in accordance with TB203.1.1 and TB203.2.1, will be required to monitor the pumproom whilst the pump(s) are running. This does not specifically require two service engineers from the same contractor and could include a site engineer or facility manager. In the event of a pump issue the trained individual could act appropriately to the situation.
Staying safe during testing
TB203 advises:
'The test operative(s) should ensure that they remain in a safe position for the duration of the test so that they can respond accordingly in a safe manner in the event of pump issues’.
Each site and pumproom is different and it is important that the client, building owner, or occupier have their own procedures in place to cover health and safety of operatives in and around mechanical equipment, which should extend to the sprinkler pumproom.
Sprinkler System Inspections
The Fire Protection Association prides itself on being an independent body within the fire protection market and can offer inspection services in accordance with best practice guidelines. You can find out more about our sprinkler system inspection service here.
Please be aware that considerable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this article at the time of publication, however any legislative (or other) changes that come into effect after this may render the information out of date until it is reviewed and updated as part of the FPA’s content review cycle.