Well maintained automatic fire pump systems are very reliable and play a key role in reducing death rates and property damage during fire emergencies. Regular inspection and testing goes a long way toward making sure your fire pump offers you full fire protection. If you need your Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC fire pump inspected, call Guardian Fire Protection today.
Fire Pump Inspection
Like all other equipment, fire pumps deteriorate over time. Fire pumps are also vulnerable to external factors such as corrosive environments, tampering, accidental damage and careless use. Since they are used so infrequently, fire pumps must also be routinely inspected to determine their condition, operability and need for routine maintenance. For all your fire pump inspection needs, call Guardian Fire Protection.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
Shaft Alignment
One of the most crucial steps of fire pump inspection is making sure your fire pump’s couplings are aligned properly. There are many factors that can affect alignment, including thermal expansion and equipment maintenance. Couplings that are misaligned are far more likely to fail and could cause disruption of service.
Circulation Relief Valves
Circulation relief valves are usually mounted on the neck of the discharge flange, and prevent the fire pump from overheating when the pump is operating at shutoff condition. The valve should be inspected weekly and should discharge to a drain. Visual inspection of the fire pump is critical because if the valve fails to operate, the fire pump could overheat at a time when it is needed most.
Fire Pump Testing
It is highly recommended that all fire pumps undergo weekly testing at shutoff conditions. Electric fire pump systems should be tested for 10 minutes, while diesel fire pump systems should be tested for 30 minutes. Annual testing is conducted at minimum, rated, and peak load to ensure that the fire pumps will work optimally under all of these conditions. Annually, demand must be placed on the suction supply to test the hose streams and flow meter systems. Guardian will also check the pump controller and current draw of the pump as well as motor rotation and RPM speed.
Fire Pump Maintenance
Fire pumps must undergo regular preventative maintenance to ensure that they maintain their effectiveness. One of the most common maintenance measures is proper bearing lubrication. As a general rule, an ounce of grease should be added to the bearings every 3 – 6 months, and care should be taken to not add too much grease.
If you need fire pump maintenance or inspection in Maryland, Virginia or Washington, DC, call Guardian Fire Protection today. We can test and inspect your pipes and make sure that your fire protection system is up to code and will protect you and your coworkers and equipment during an emergency.
