How to Choose the Right Fire Fighting Pump

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Is a Fire Fighting Pump?
  3. Why Choosing the Right Pump Matters
  4. Types of Fire Fighting Pumps Explained
  5. Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing
  6. How to Calculate the Right Pump Capacity
  7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
  8. Real-World Example: Selecting a Pump for a Commercial Building
  9. Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability
  10. Why Fiffco Global Is the Right Fire Protection Partner
  11. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

1. Introduction

Fire emergencies can strike without warning — and when they do, your building’s fire fighting pump is the first line of defense.

Whether you manage a residential complex, commercial tower, or industrial facility, your pump must deliver enough water pressure and flow to extinguish fires efficiently.

This guide from Fiffco Global, the UK’s trusted fire protection expert, will help you understand how to choose the right fire fighting pump, what factors matter most, and how to ensure long-term reliability.

By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical understanding of how to make an informed decision that keeps your building safe and compliant.

2. What Is a Fire Fighting Pump?

A fire fighting pump is a critical part of your fire protection system. It supplies pressurized water to the sprinkler network, hose reels, and hydrants when the main water supply cannot maintain adequate pressure.

It ensures steady water flow during emergencies, making it indispensable for:

In short:
Without a properly selected and maintained pump, even the best sprinkler system may fail when it’s needed most.

3. Why Choosing the Right Pump Matters

Selecting the right pump isn’t just about power — it’s about precision and safety.

The right fire pump ensures:

An undersized pump may fail to deliver enough pressure, while an oversized one can cause system stress, leakage, or pipe bursts.

That’s why expert evaluation and calculation are vital — and that’s where Fiffco Global’s engineering expertise comes in.

4. Types of Fire Fighting Pumps Explained

Different buildings and applications require different types of pumps. Let’s explore the main ones:

A. Electric Fire Pumps

B. Diesel Fire Pumps

C. Jockey Pumps

D. Portable Fire Pumps

E. Split-Case and End-Suction Pumps

5. Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing

Choosing the right fire fighting pump involves technical and environmental evaluation.

Here are the critical factors:

1. Building Type and Height

2. Water Source

3. Flow Rate (GPM or LPM)

Flow rate determines how much water your system delivers.

4. Pressure Requirements

Measured in bar or psi, pressure must be enough to reach the highest point or farthest hydrant.

5. Power Supply

Determine if your building supports electric or diesel pump operation — or both for redundancy.

6. Compliance Standards

Ensure your pump meets:

7. Budget and Maintenance

Always factor in initial cost + long-term maintenance.
Cheaper pumps often cost more in the long run due to breakdowns or inefficiency.

6. How to Calculate the Right Pump Capacity

Here’s a simplified approach:

  1. Identify the system demand — sprinkler type, number of heads, and water area coverage.
  2. Calculate total flow rate (Q):
    Q=No. of sprinklers×flow per sprinkler (LPM)Q = \text{No. of sprinklers} \times \text{flow per sprinkler (LPM)}Q=No. of sprinklers×flow per sprinkler (LPM)
  3. Determine required pressure (H):
    Include losses from elevation and friction in the piping network.
  4. Add a safety factor (10–15%) for reliability.
  5. Select the pump that delivers Q and H under real operating conditions.

At Fiffco Global, engineers use advanced hydraulic modeling to ensure accuracy and compliance before installation.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced facility managers sometimes make these costly errors:

Each mistake can lead to system failure during a real fire — putting lives and property at risk.

8. Real-World Example: Selecting a Pump for a Commercial Building

Scenario:
A 15-story commercial building in London required a reliable fire fighting system.

Challenge:
Fluctuating municipal pressure and limited electrical backup.

Fiffco Global Solution:

Result:
The system passed the BS EN 12845 compliance test and provided consistent water pressure across all floors.

This project demonstrates how the right engineering approach ensures both compliance and safety.

9. Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability

Your pump is only as good as its maintenance. Follow these tips:

Routine testing ensures your system performs flawlessly when it matters most.

10. Why Fiffco Global Is the Right Fire Protection Partner

At Fiffco Global, we combine engineering precision, regulatory compliance, and real-world experience to deliver complete fire protection solutions.

Our fire fighting pump services include:

With years of expertise across industrial, residential, and commercial sectors, Fiffco Global ensures your system is always ready when you need it most.

 Visit fiffco.co.uk to explore our full range of fire protection and safety systems.

11. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Choosing the right fire fighting pump isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a life-saving investment.

A well-selected and properly maintained pump can:

At Fiffco Global, we help building owners, engineers, and facility managers make the right choices from design to delivery.

 Ready to secure your building?
Contact Fiffco Global today for a free consultation or system audit.

Author:

Fiffco Global Engineering Team
Fire Protection Specialists | Certified Engineers | NFPA & BS Compliant System Experts

Last Updated: October 2025

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