Apparatus Fire Pump Testing
General
The apparatus fire pump test is conducted on pumps found in fire engines, trucks and water tenders. It can be performed using water drawn from a fire hydrant or from a draft source, such as a drafting pit, lake or river.
How often should I test a fire apparatus pump?
Annually. According to NFPA 1911, 18.2, 2007, “Service tests are conducted at least annually and whenever major repairs or modification to the pump or its components have been made.”
Where do I find more information on apparatus testing?
- NFPA 1911, Chapter 18 — Performance testing of apparatus fire pumps
- NFPA 1911, Annex B — Conducting pump tests
What equipment do I need?
If discharging to a drainage area such as a boat ramp, the equipment would generally be the same as that used in a stationary fire pump test. In a drafting pit setup, Pitotless Nozzle units would be attached to a permanent fixture. In both cases, the Pitotless Nozzle sizes required depend on the flow-rates to be measured during the test.
1. Little Hose Monster™ (HML) — Use one Little Hose Monster per flowing hose line.
2. Pitotless Nozzle™ (PN1GRV, PN1.125GRV, PN1.75GRV, PN2GRV) — Consider the minimum and maximum flow-rates that are required to measure. Use one Pitotless Nozzle per flowing hose line.
3. Test Hose (2 1/2" Hose) — Hoses for pump testing are commonly 21⁄2" x 25' or 50' long. Length is determined by job conditions, such as needing a safe place to flow water with sufficient drainage.
4. Suction Hose — For drawing water from a hydrant or other draft source.
5. Discharge Flow-rate Gauge (Gauges 4" dial) — Anticipate expected flow ranges using our flow charts so readings are in middle of dial.
6. Case (Cases) — For storing and protecting pressure gauges and Pitotless Nozzles units. Use one case of a specified size.
Note: A 21⁄2" Hose Monster ® with Built-in Pitot can be used in place of the Little Hose Monster for apparatus testing, but you will need FM Nozzle Inserts and Stackers instead of Pitotless Nozzles and Stabilizers.
Also consider:
7. Stream Shaper (SS1) — Use to prevent hose burn.
8. 45° or 30° Test Header Elbow (Elbows) — Re-angles the hose from the test header to minimize kinks and hose burn.
9. Gauge Calibration (Calibrations) — We offer gauge- calibration service, including a NIST certificate for new and used gauges. NFPA recommends test gauges be calibrated within 12 months prior to the test.
