Flow Rate and Pressure of a Fire Fighting Water Pump

When purchasing a fire fighting water pump, there are two important factors that all purchasers should take into consideration – Flow Rate and Pressure. The pump that you end up buying all depends on the job required, as well as your terrain and other variables like elevation changes. Choosing the right pump that is capable of meeting your requirements will ensure that you can properly protect your property from any threats and keep your family, employees or tenants safe.

Most people assume that they need a fire fighting water pump with a high flow rate, which is not always true. There are several other variables that go into the equation to determine if a pump is necessary, including available raw water, building size and sprinkler system demand.

It is also important to remember that the Flow and Pressure of a fire fighting water pump are inversely related, meaning that as the flow increases, the pressure decreases. This is why it’s critical to know how many gallons per minute (GPM) and how much pressure your pump can provide at that flow rate.

One of the most popular types of fire fighting water pumps on the market is a horizontal split case fire pump. This is due to its simplicity and ease of maintenance. The pump itself is made up of several different components that are easy to access and repair, making it a great option for most companies.

It’s also important to note that a single-stage fire pump can achieve 500 gpm flow at the fire floor with residual pressure, which is within the operating range of most fire departments and the maximum operating pressure of most hoses. However, it is crucial to understand that single-stage pumps will not perform as efficiently at higher discharge pressures than a two-stage fire pump, which is why we always recommend speaking with an application specialist before choosing the type of pump that will best suit your needs.