Features and Uses of Fire Fighting Pumps

Posted by mygenerator on May 9th, 2016

Fire fighting pumps are mechanical devices which produce a high-pressure water discharge which helps extinguish fires. These pumps help in protecting farms, fields and property by knocking out a fire in its tracks. Even if it is a spot fire during the bushfire season, high powered fire fighting pumps deliver powerful flow rates to diffuse the fire quickly.

The best fire fighting pumps are fitted with powerful motors. Some of the best are made by the best names in the industry such as Subaru, Yamaha, and Honda. Their performance is extraordinary. Being built with quality components also makes them easy to service. Fire pumps are available as both petrol and diesel powered models. It is important to note that mains-powered electric pumps are not recommended for firefighting unless one has a dependable backup power supply like a diesel generator. When a fire breaks out, mains power supply is often not available. Sometimes the cause of the fire may be a fault in the electrical wiring.

Good fire fighting pumps are self-priming (after initial prime) i.e. they use an air-water mixture to reach a fully-primed pumping condition and can lift water from a level below the suction pump without filling the suction piping with liquid. They are able to do this by creating a partial vacuum at the suction pump, thereby removing air from the suction line.

A fire fighting pump is a must-have item in a domestic or commercial fire safety setup. Firefighting authorities use them, as do farmers and rural home owners who often have to knock away small fires in their fields. The powerful high-pressure discharge of these fire pumps also makes them popular for spray irrigation and equipment wash-down tasks. Reliable and lightweight, the pumps can also be used to transfer water quickly around the property and farm.

A complete hose kit enables the fire fighting pump to draw water from different sources – tank, pool, dam or water supply. Different delivery hoses can discharge water in different ways – in a strong, steady stream or a spray through a nozzle. The hose kit contains other fittings such as a strainer, delivery and suction hose. One can choose the size as per requirements.

A trolley frame with a removable handle and front bumper helps transport the fire pump easily. This is especially beneficial for larger pumps that are difficult to carry.

Important performance features to look for in the fire fighting pump are pressure, flow rate and maximum head and inlet/outlet size. As a thumb rule, the pressure for fire fighting, irrigation and equipment wash down should be at least 100 psi or more. Another feature, called ‘maximum head’ refers to the maximum height the machine can pump water to. Fire fighting pumps, in general, have an inlet/outlet size ranging from 1- 4 inches and sometimes even more.

Fire fighting pumps have the following applications:
•    Firefighting, protection and emergency services
•    Agricultural and farming – water irrigation and sprinkling
•    Sheep jetting
•    Boom spraying
•    Equipment wash down
•    Water tanks
•    Water transfer – tanker-to-tanker water transfer and high head general water transfer

A fire fighting pump is a handy piece of equipment to extinguish fires, especially during the bushfire season in Australia. It can also serve many other needs, making it a versatile and useful machine.

About the author:

Steve Reynolds is Power Product Expert in My Generator with particular expertise in Generators, Water Pumps, Pressure Washers and other Outdoor Power Equipment products. Outside of work; an avid caravan enthusiast who enjoys time on the road and has gained years of familiarity with Caravan & Camping products also. A passion for power products used for work, home and leisure!