Procedure:
Park apparatus to be tested in a safe location; close enough to the water source to provide adequate water supply. If a hydrant is used, an area should be secured to allow for hoses, etc. Connect the discharge hose(s) and nozzle(s) as needed for the given pump capacity listed in table A (Hose and Nozzle Layout). Gate valves can be used to create friction loss for the different test flows. The apparatus discharge valves can also be used. When two or more lines are needed they may be connected to a monitor. 100 feet of hose is usually adequate.
Table A - Hose and Nozzle LayoutDischarge GPM
Nozzle Size
Layout 2 1/2" attack line
250 - 350
1 1/8" or
1 1/4"
One 50 ft. line
One 50 ft. line
400 - 500
1 3/8" or
1 1/2"
One 50 ft. line
One 50 ft. line
600 - 750
1 1/2" or
1 3/4"
Two 100 ft. lines
Two 100 ft. lines
1000
2"
2 or 3 100 ft. lines
1250
2 1/4"
Four 100 ft. lines
1250
1 3/4" &
1 1/2"
Two 100 ft. lines &
One 50 ft. line
1500
2" &
1 3/8"
Three 100 ft. lines
One 50 ft. line
1750
2 - 2"
Two 100 ft. lines each
2000
2 - 2"
Two 100 ft. lines each
Reference: NFPA 1911, Service Tests of Pumps on Fire Department Apparatus, 1911
Connect draft / suction hose and strainer (or adequate hydrant supply hose) to the intake of the pump. Make sure that all valves are closed and the suction hose is tight enough to maintain a seal. Place the suction hose in the water. Strainer must be at least two feet below the water surface.
Start the pump and develop pressure. Once pressure is obtained (from draft) open the discharge valve(s) slowly to permit the flow of water. The main pump speed is gradually increased until the desired pressure at the pump is reached (150 psi). Check the flow at the nozzle with a pitot gauge or flow meter. If the flow is too great, partially close one (or more) gate valves. If the flow is too low, open the valve. Readjust engine speed to correct discharge pressure. Engine speed should not exceed 80% of its peak. When both the discharge pressure and the volume flowing are satisfactory, the test begins and runs for 20 minutes. Record the pump discharge pressure, nozzle pressure, engine tachometer when the test begins and at 5 minute intervals throughout the complete test. Automatic relief valves should be disengaged during the test.
Annual Fire Apparatus Pump Service Test
Meets NPFA standards and ISO requirements
Taken from NFPA 1911
This test is to be used annually to test fire apparatus that has a fire pump with 250 gpm or larger capacity or if the pump and/or engine on the apparatus have been repaired or modified. It meets the NFPA 1901 Class A Pump rating test and ISO requirements for annual pump or service test. This test is not the same as a "New Apparatus Acceptance or UL (Underwriter's Laboratory) Test" which is conducted by an independent agency for the manufacturer and is approximately 3 hours in length.
NPFA 1901 Class "A" Pump Rating
Rating Capacity
100% capacity at 150 psi
70% capacity at 200 psi
50% capacity at 250 psi
Annual Pump Test - Service Test
May be done by local fire department 1 hour
100% Capacity at 150 psi for 20 minutes
70% Capacity at 200 psi for 10 minutes
50% Capacity at 250 psi for 10 minutes
Warning! Pump service testing can be a dangerous operation and all safety precautions should be taken.
Equipment needed:
· Pump apparatus to be tested
· Firm, level surface near large (10,000 gallons or more) body of water with at least 4 feet of water depth, not more than 10 feet below the center of the pump intake which will allow the strainer to be submerged at least two feet below the surface of the water
· 20 feet of hard suction hose appropriate for the rated capacity of the pump
· 2 ½ inch discharge hoses of appropriate length for the pump (see table A "HOSE AND NOZZLE LAYOUT")
· Straight bore nozzles of appropriate discharge diameter (see table A "HOSE AND NOZZLE LAYOUT")
· Monitor (may not be required, see table A "HOSE AND NOZZLE LAYOUT")
· Pitot gauge
· PUMP TEST DATA form (one needed for each pump to be tested)
· Calculator
In testing the pump there are three variable factors, the change in one factor will cause change in at least one of the other factors. The three variables are pump speed, net pump pressure, and pump discharge rate. For example; any change to engine speed changes pump speed. Any change to hose layout or valve position changes pump pressure. Change in the nozzle tip changes discharge rate. Using these variables is the only way to reach the standard test condition desired.
While tests are being performed, attention should be given to engine temperature and oil pressure to ensure that they are in normal range. Any unusual vibrations or water leaks should be checked, noted and repaired after the test is complete. Any indication of engine or pump failure dictates that it is pointless to continue the test.
Procedure:
Park apparatus to be tested in a safe location; close enough to the water source to provide adequate water supply. If a hydrant is used, an area should be secured to allow for hoses, etc. Connect the discharge hose(s) and nozzle(s) as needed for the given pump capacity listed in table A (Hose and Nozzle Layout). Gate valves can be used to create friction loss for the different test flows. The apparatus discharge valves can also be used. When two or more lines are needed they may be connected to a monitor. 100 feet of hose is usually adequate.
Table A - Hose and Nozzle LayoutDischarge GPM
Nozzle Size
Layout 2 1/2" attack line
250 - 350
1 1/8" or
1 1/4"
One 50 ft. line
One 50 ft. line
400 - 500
1 3/8" or
1 1/2"
One 50 ft. line
One 50 ft. line
600 - 750
1 1/2" or
1 3/4"
Two 100 ft. lines
Two 100 ft. lines
1000
2"
2 or 3 100 ft. lines
1250
2 1/4"
Four 100 ft. lines
1250
1 3/4" &
1 1/2"
Two 100 ft. lines &
One 50 ft. line
1500
2" &
1 3/8"
Three 100 ft. lines
One 50 ft. line
1750
2 - 2"
Two 100 ft. lines each
2000
2 - 2"
Two 100 ft. lines each
Reference: NFPA 1911, Service Tests of Pumps on Fire Department Apparatus, 1911
Connect draft / suction hose and strainer (or adequate hydrant supply hose) to the intake of the pump. Make sure that all valves are closed and the suction hose is tight enough to maintain a seal. Place the suction hose in the water. Strainer must be at least two feet below the water surface.
Start the pump and develop pressure. Once pressure is obtained (from draft) open the discharge valve(s) slowly to permit the flow of water. The main pump speed is gradually increased until the desired pressure at the pump is reached (150 psi). Check the flow at the nozzle with a pitot gauge or flow meter. If the flow is too great, partially close one (or more) gate valves. If the flow is too low, open the valve. Readjust engine speed to correct discharge pressure. Engine speed should not exceed 80% of its peak. When both the discharge pressure and the volume flowing are satisfactory, the test begins and runs for 20 minutes. Record the pump discharge pressure, nozzle pressure, engine tachometer when the test begins and at 5 minute intervals throughout the complete test. Automatic relief valves should be disengaged during the test.
After the first portion of the test is completed, the pump pressure should be raised to 200 psi and the test run for 10 minutes to complete the third portion of the test. The pump pressure should be raised to 250 psi. See examples on the next page.
1000 gpm pump 6 inch suction 20 feet
Pump Pressure GPM Nozzle Tip Discharge Hose Pitot Reading
150 psi 1000 2" 3 x 100 ft 72 psi
200 psi 700 1 3/4" 2 x 100 ft 60 psi
250 psi 500 1 1/2" 1 x 100 ft 58 psi
750 gpm pump 5 inch suction 20 feet
Pump Pressure GPM Nozzle Tip Discharge Hose Pitot Reading
150 psi 750 1 3/4" 2 x 100 ft 68
200 psi 525 1 1/2" 1 x 100 ft 62 psi
250 psi 375 1 1/4" 1 x 100 ft 66 psi
500 gpm pump 4 1/2-inch suction 20 feet
Pump Pressure GPM Nozzle Tip Discharge Hose Pitot Reading
150 psi 500 1 1/2" 1 x 50 ft 58
200 psi 300 1 1/4" 1 x 50 ft 58 psi
250 psi 250 1" 1 x 50 ft 72 psi
The following formula can be used to convert nozzle pressure to gallons per minute.
GPM = 29.83 c d2 Önp
C= coefficient of discharge nozzle
D = diameter of nozzle in inches
P = pressure of flow (pitot reading)
Example: Diameter of nozzle 2"
Nozzle pressure 72 psi
Coefficient of nozzle 0.99
GPM = 29.83 x 0.99 x 2" squared x square root of 72psi
GPM = 29.83 x 0.99 x 4 x 8.485 = 1002 gpm
GPM = 1002
If you do not want to use the formula above see Table B, which gives the nozzle pressure for smooth bore nozzles.
Discharge Table for Smooth Nozzles
(nozzle pressure measured by pitot gauge)
Nozzle
Pressure
(psi)
GPM
Nozzle diameter (inches)
1 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 3/8 1 1/2
Nozzle
Pressure
(psi)
GPM
Nozzle diameter (inches)
1 1 1/8 1 1/4 1 3/8 1 1/2
5
66
84
103
125
149
60
229
290
357
434
517
6
72
92
113
137
163
62
233
295
363
441
525
7
78
99
122
148
176
64
237
299
369
448
533
8
84
106
131
158
188
66
240
304
375
455
542
9
89
112
139
168
200
68
244
308
381
462
542
10
93
118
146
177
211
70
247
313
386
469
558
12
102
130
160
194
231
72
251
318
391
475
566
14
110
140
173
210
249
74
254
322
397
482
574
16
118
150
185
224
267
76
258
326
402
488
582
18
125
159
196
237
283
78
261
330
407
494
589
20
132
167
206
250
298
80
264
335
413
500
596
22
139
175
216
263
313
82
268
339
418
507
604
24
145
183
226
275
327
84
271
343
423
513
611
26
151
191
235
286
340
86
274
347
428
519
618
28
157
198
244
297
353
88
277
351
433
525
626
30
162
205
253
307
365
90
280
355
438
531
633
32
167
212
261
317
377
92
283
359
443
537
640
34
172
218
269
327
389
94
286
363
447
543
647
36
177
224
277
336
400
96
289
367
452
549
654
38
182
231
285
345
411
98
292
370
456
554
660
40
187
237
292
354
422
100
295
374
461
560
667
42
192
243
299
363
432
105
303
383
473
574
683
44
196
248
306
372
442
110
310
392
484
588
699
46
200
254
313
380
452
115
317
401
495
600
715
48
205
259
320
388
462
120
324
410
505
613
730
50
209
265
326
396
472
125
331
418
516
626
745
52
213
270
333
404
481
130
337
427
526
638
760
54
217
275
339
412
490
135
343
435
536
650
775
56
221
280
315
419
499
140
350
443
546
662
789
58
225
285
351
426
508
145
356
450
556
674
803
60
229
290
357
434
517
150
362
458
565
686
817
SAMPLE PUMP TEST DATA
This is for annual service testing only. This test is not a UL or acceptance test!
______Somewhere________ FIRE DEPARTMENT
F.D. or Unit No. __E-2 Make _Pirsch___ Year Built _1995__ Witnessed by _Chief Chavez____
Test Location __City Pump Station Elevation _3800'_ Draft_X_ Hydrant ___ residual psi_____
(Draft is preferred, but a hydrant test is acceptable)
Specifications: _250_ gpm @ 150 (120) psi _100% _175_ gpm @ 200 psi _70_%
__125 gpm @ 250 psi _50_ %
(Obtain this information from the metal or plastic tag usually located on the pump panel)
First Test - Capacity - Layout - 20 minutes 2nd test - 200 psi - Lay out - 10 minutes
2 ½" Hose length _50'Tip #1 = 1 1/8 inch 2 ½" Hose Length _50'_ Tip #1 = 1 1/8 inch
2 ½" Hose length ____Tip #2 = _____ inch 2 ½" Hose length ______ Tip #2 = _____ inch
Time
Pump Pressure psi
Pitot Reading psi
Time
Pump Pressure psi
Pitot Readings
psi
Inlet
Discharge
No. 1
No. 2
Inlet
Discharge
No. 1
No. 2
0900
170
45
0925
216
22
0905
171
45
0930
216
22
0910
172
46
0935
216
22
0915
172
46
0920
172
46
Average216
22
3rd test - 250 psi - layout - 10 mins.
2 ½" Hose Length __50'_ Tip #1 = _1 1/8 inch
2 ½" Hose length ______ Tip #2 = _____ inch
0945
255
11
0950
255
11
0955
255
11
Average172
46
Average255
11
SummaryTime
Mins.
No. 1 Nozzle
No. 2 Nozzle
Total
Pump
Lift
Net
Press.
Psi
Corr.
Psi
Disch.
GPM
Press.
Psi
Corr.
Psi
Disch. GPM
Disch.
GPM
Press.
Psi
Corr. Psi
Psi
Press.
psi
1st test
20
46
46
254
254
172
170
150
2nd
test
10
22
22
175
175
216
215
200
3rd
test
10
11
11
123
123
255
255
250
No way to answer without any information about this specific pump. There are a number of companies which manufactured such pumps... some are still in business, and some are not. The size and displacement of the pump will factor in, as well. Big difference between a 4gpm pump and a 20gpm pump.
fuel tank capacity depends only on what make and size the truck is. the trucks only have fire and emergency equipment added to a truck that is bought from the manufacturer
weight of a fire truck depends on the size and cinfiguration of the truck brushpumpers(flat bed 4x4) will obviously not weigh same as a tanker we have a tanker/ engine that can pump 400 gallons a minute, and carries 3000 gallons of water this truck loaded weighs about 56000 pounds we have an engine that carries 1200 gallons of water and rescue equipment this truck only weighs about 28000 pounds a brushpumper with 300 gallons would weigh about 8000 pounds a rescue squad depends on size of truck and equipment carried on it a ladder truck is a different weight again hope this helps a little there are all types and sizes of fire trucks
Varies by type of truck, e.g., pumper, tender, tanker, hood-and-ladder, brush truck, etc.
My baby brothers baby bottle has a nozzle the size of an elephant!
That depends on the size and materials of the fire truck. Some firetrucks hold as much as 3000 gallons of water and can weigh 50,000 pounds or more.
Convergent nozzle indicates nozzles will converge with an end closing together at the end divergent nozzles increase size at the end. If air flows in this direction: ---> Convergent nozzle > Divergent nozzle <
A fireplace bellows is a great fireplace accessory that helps pump oxygen to your fire to fuel the flames. Air moves through the bellows as you open and close it and flows through a nozzle. If you point the bellows at the base of your fire, it can help increase the heat of the fire and the size of the flame. It's a common fireplace tool found around the hearth. Check out some examples of fireplace accessories below.
It varies. I have seen a range of between 50 psi to 225 psi. It is affected by distance, size of water lines and their configuration and elevation change from source to the hydrant, as well as the type of pressurization, gravity or pump. On average though 80 to 100 psi. Of course a larger nozzle would decrease the residual pressure while a smaller nozzle would tend to increase residual pressure. 125 psi is about the maximum pressure for a "hand line" in order to be manageable.
There is no definitive answer. A typical engine can be any where from 10-30+ tons depending on things such as the size of the truck, the amount of water, etc.
Depends on the size and type. Some don't carry any at all, and must be fed from a hydrant or water tanker truck.
No, the fire extinguisher in our truck was mound sideways. The one in my kitchen lays down to and it is a full size industrial extinguisher.