A fire pump set supplies water at the flow and pressure a hydrant or sprinkler system needs. It usually has a main pump (electric), a backup (often diesel) and a small jockey pump that keeps the system pressurised. A UL-listed or FM-approved pump has been independently tested for fire service, which is why many approvals and insurers ask for one.
What is in a fire pump set?
| Component | Job |
|---|---|
| Main fire pump | Delivers the design flow and pressure when the system demands water |
| Backup pump | Takes over if the main pump or its power fails. Often diesel, because a fire can cut the power |
| Jockey pump | Small pump that holds system pressure and tops up minor leaks, so the main pump only starts for a real demand |
| Controllers | Start the pumps automatically on pressure drop and show alarms |
| Pipework and valves | Suction and discharge piping, test header and flow meter for testing |
NFPA 20 is the main standard for installing stationary fire pumps.
UL-listed vs non-listed: what's the difference?
A UL-listed or FM-approved fire pump has been tested by the listing body for fire protection duty. Among other things, a listed pump's performance curve is controlled: it must deliver at least 150% of its rated flow at no less than 65% of its rated pressure, and its pressure at zero flow (churn) must stay within a set limit. A non-listed pump may be a perfectly good general-purpose pump, but nothing independent guarantees how it behaves in a fire.
Whether you need a listed pump depends on your fire safety plan, approval and insurer. Many factories and high-rise projects require one.
Which type of pump?
| Type | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Horizontal split case | Larger flows. Easy to service because the casing opens without disturbing the pipes |
| End suction | Smaller to medium flows, compact and lower cost |
| Vertical inline | Tight plant rooms with limited floor space |
| Vertical turbine | Water source below the pump, such as a deep tank or well |
The right choice comes from the required flow and pressure, the water source and the space in the pump room.
How is a fire pump sized?
From the system demand: the flow and pressure needed at the most demanding outlet or sprinkler area, plus friction losses and the height of the building. Oversizing wastes money and can over-pressurise the system; undersizing fails the flow test. This is a calculation, not a guess from the building's size.
How should a fire pump be tested?
NFPA 25 sets the routine: a no-flow (churn) run on a regular schedule, weekly or monthly depending on the driver type, and an annual flow test that checks the pump still delivers its rated performance. Log every run: start time, pressures, running time and any alarms.
What affects fire pump price in Bangladesh?
Listing (UL/FM or not), pump type and size, driver type (electric or diesel), controller specification, and the pipework and installation around it. Stock availability also matters for lead time.
Not sure what your building needs? Book a free survey and we will size the pump set and explain the options.