BRANDCO FIELD RESOURCES
How to Conduct a Fire Pump Flow Test
A fire pump flow test evaluates how the installed pump performs while delivering water. Useful results connect flow rate with suction pressure, discharge pressure, and pump speed at the same operating condition. Brandco wireless equipment brings those readings to a Remote Display, helping the person controlling the test see what is happening at the pump.
This guide describes the measurement workflow for qualified fire-protection personnel. The approved test plan, pump and controller instructions, and adopted requirements determine the actual operating sequence and acceptance criteria.
Start with the purpose of the test
Acceptance testing and periodic performance testing serve different purposes. NFPA 20 addresses installation and acceptance of stationary fire pumps; NFPA 25 addresses inspection, testing, and maintenance of installed water-based systems. Identify which applies, the adopted edition, the pump arrangement, and any authority having jurisdiction requirements before setting up.
A no-flow or churn check is not a substitute for a flow test. A complete plan identifies the required operating points, the water-supply limitations, and the conditions that require stopping. Constant-speed and variable-speed arrangements can need different test sequences.
Prepare the site and measurement equipment
Review the nameplate, certified pump curve, previous results, and system demand information. Confirm that the selected discharge arrangement can reach the planned flow while containing the water safely. Assign responsibility for pump observation, flow adjustment, communications, and the discharge area; a remote display does not remove those duties.
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Use suitable calibrated pressure instruments and a reliable RPM measurement method.
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Select a flowmeter, pitot arrangement, or flow devices appropriate to the installation.
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Verify hose, connection, valve, and discharge-device ratings and condition.
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Check drainage, pedestrian access, traffic, erosion, and any water-disposal requirements.
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Arrange notifications and impairment procedures required for the property.
Connect Brandco at the measurement points
The Fire Pump Suction & Discharge Pressure set combines a Pump Sender, pressure sensors, laser tachometer, and Remote Display. Connect the designated suction and discharge sensors to compatible test points using the equipment instructions and a properly isolated, depressurized connection procedure. Position the tachometer before operation, clear of moving parts.
For compatible diffuser or pitotless-nozzle testing, the Fire Pump Pressure & Flow Test Set adds Stream Sender measurements. Check each sensor channel against its physical stream, and enter the correct flow-device information. A wireless pressure reading becomes calculated GPM only through the correct measurement method and device settings.
Stabilize, then record each operating point
Run the pump and adjust discharge according to the approved procedure. At each required condition, allow readings to stabilize, then record flow, suction pressure, discharge pressure, and RPM together. Keep the observer responsible for pump and driver condition in place. Do not continue simply to reach a target number if the water supply or equipment is outside permitted operating limits.
For multiple streams, total the measured stream flows. Confirm that every intended stream is included and that inactive channels are handled correctly. Compare unusual readings with the physical setup before treating them as evidence of pump deterioration.
Turn measurements into a useful test record
Preserve the raw readings as well as any calculated results. Net pump pressure begins with discharge pressure minus suction pressure; applicable elevation and velocity-head corrections require consideration. Compare the properly evaluated results with the relevant reference curve and acceptance criteria. The Peerless pump manual identifies operating speed, flow, and suction/discharge pressure among the measurements used to evaluate pump performance.
Brandco’s recording guide explains the display’s numbered record slots. Transfer results into the project report with equipment identification, calibration details, test conditions, observed abnormalities, and corrective follow-up. The display is a measurement aid, not an automatic compliance determination or completed pump-curve report.
Restore and confirm readiness
Finish the test using the approved shutdown and restoration procedure. Account for test connections, valves, controllers, alarms, and notifications. Document any unresolved deficiency and follow the property’s response process rather than simply filing the readings.
Frequently asked questions
Can wireless equipment run the test automatically?
No. Brandco provides remote measurements. Operators still manage the pump, discharge, site conditions, and required observations.
Do I need the Pressure & Flow set if I already use a flowmeter?
The pressure set can provide pump pressure and RPM while an appropriate separate method measures flow. Choose the equipment around your actual test arrangement.
Related resources
Suction and discharge pressure · Measuring pump RPM · Planning the number of test hoses
References
NFPA 20 · NFPA 25 · Peerless pump operation manual · Brandco recording guide