WEEKLY FIRE PUMP INSPECTION & TEST PROCEDURES

The purpose of the weekly fire pump inspection and test is to ensure the fire pump is in an operating
condition free of physical damage and can provide continuous delivery for required fire protection
demands. An additional purpose of the weekly test is to detect deficiencies that may not be obvious by
visual inspection. To prevent false alarms, notification should be provided to the alarm monitoring
facility prior to and after completion of the weekly fire pump test. After the test verify that all fire pump
supervisory signals were received by the alarm monitoring facility. The weekly inspection of the fire
pump is a visual examination of the fire pump and its assemblies to verify that the pump appears to be
in an operating condition and is free of physical damage. The weekly inspection procedure should be
completed prior to starting the weekly “churn” test. The weekly “churn” test verifies the operational
status of fire pump and identifies deficiencies that may not be evident by visual examination.

WEEKLY INSPECTION CHECKLIST

• Check to make ensure the pump suction, discharge and testing valves are open

• Examine piping, fitting, and connections for any physical damage or leakage

• Check to make sure the suction and discharge gauge pressure reading is normal

• Check the system pressure gauge to ensure the system pressure reading is normal

• Check to make sure the transfer switch pilot light is illuminated

• Make sure the isolating switch on the Diesel control panel is in OFF position.

• Make sure fuel tank is ¾ full

• Check the controller and verify the selector switch is in the automatic position for the selected diesel
control panel pump and rest are at off position.

• Check to ensure voltage readings on both sets of batteries is normal

• Check and verify charging current readings are normal on both sets of batteries

• If provided, check oil level in right angle gear drive

• Check and verify crankcase oil level is normal 2 of 3

• Check to ensure battery terminals are free of corrosion and connections are tight

• Check to make sure cooling water line is in discharge position while operating diesel pump.

• Check to ensure that antifreeze system is in active position.

• Check all hoses, fuel lines, and cooling line connections for any leakage and to ensure they are in a
good condition.
 DIESEL FIRE PUMP WEEKLY TEST CHECKLIST

• Verify start and stop settings on the pressure maintenance pump (jockey pump) by dropping the
pressure in the jockey pump sensing line.

• After completing all inspection procedures, start the pump by slowly dropping the pressure in the
controller sensing line. The pump should be run a minimum of 30 minutes.

• Record the pressure at which the pump automatically started.

• Observe how long it takes the engine to crank and once started how long it takes to reach running
speed.

• Record the pump suction and discharge pressures.

• Check the pump packing glands to ensure proper tightness and adequate lubrication (should be a slow
drip – approximately 1 drip per second – adjust glands if necessary, with pump off).

• Check for any unusual noise or vibration.

• Check the pump shaft bearings, packing gland stuffing box, and casing for any signs of overheating
(bearings and stuffing box should be warm to the touch – casing should be cool to the touch).

• Verify proper operation of pressure relief valve.

• Check the discharge line for cooling water flow.

• Check engine speed and record rpm’s.

• Check oil pressure (should conform to manufacturer’s recommendation) and record.

• Record amp reading (should be +2 to +5 amps after 5 minutes of running time).

• Verify that engine will start off of both sets of batteries.

• Verify operation of all supervisory signals (i.e., pump running, pump off, etc.)

• Verify that pump is left in the automatic start mode upon completion of the test.

Note: If any abnormal operation or condition is noted during the weekly churn test, the pump should be
shut down and left in the OFF start position until repairs are made. Repairs should be completed as soon
as possible, and the pump retested.

Testing Start Procedures:

1.2 Check the test line gate valves are open during the time of diesel pump pressure line testing as
shown below
1.3 As shown in the pic above, turn off the breaker of Jockey pump during the start of the test.
1.4 As shown in above pic , this is a Diesel pump control panel and the status is shown in order to record
the readings while testing the line in active mode.

 Turn the Diesel knob to OFF position in the initial step and once the above all the steps are
confirmed change the Diesel knob position from OFF to Auto position.
 Once the diesel control panel switch is turned to AUTO position wait for 10 secs to start the
diesel engine.
 Once the pump is started observing all the parameters mentioned in the above testing
procedures and note the readings. Also check the flow rate at the testing line outlet which
should not exceed 150% of the pump rated pressure.
 Run the diesel pump for 10mins ( recommended 30mins as per NFPA ) and observe any
irregularities or vibrations, uneven sounds , battery voltage, battery ampere, pressure in the
testing line in GPM, leakage at the discharge or suction line.
 Repeat the above for all the 3 Diesel pumps and note down all the readings provided in a test
record reports attached with this report.
 Diesel pump checklist is also being attached for reference.
  Once the testing is completed, make sure the testing line is closed and the discharge gate valves
for the two sides of the plant area is open as shown in pic 1.1.
 Turn the Jockey pump breaker ON and wait for the pressure in the line is increased with the high
set points of the Jockey settings.
 Once the Jockey pump is stabilized with the line pressure make sure then we turn on the diesel
control panel switch is turned in AUTO position.
 Before closing the testing make sure all the lines, gate valves, discharge and suction lines are
returned to the status that were before the start of test.
 Make sure the testing reports are properly signed and documented with the concerned persons
signatures.

WARNING: DO NOT TEST THE LINE IN A CLOSED LOOP OR DO NOT TEST THE LINE IF YOU FOUND ANY
OF THE GATE VALVES MENTIONED IN PIC 1.1 TO BE CLOSED.THIS MAY INCREASE THE LINE PRESSURE
BEYOND THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDAION AND CAN BURST THE LINE CAUSING A HUGE LOSS
TO PROPERTY AND EVEN IN CERTAIN CASE INJURY TO A PERSON STANDING NEAR BY THE FIRE
FIGHTING LINES.ANY PERSON FOUND TESTING IN OTHER THAN MENTIONED PROCEDURES SHALL
TAKE THE RESPONSIBILY OF ANY LOSSES OCCURRED.