QUESTIONNAIRE WHEN AN FIRE PUMP INSPECTION IS REQUESTED

When an inspection is requested for a fire pump, ask the contractor if the pump has an
electric or diesel driver. After the driver type is established ask the following questions.
Depending on the answer you may schedule or choose not to schedule.

Electric Fire Pump Pre-Inspection Q&A

1. Is the pump connected to an alternate power supply such as an engine-driven

generator, fuel cell or a independent utility feed? (Yes/No. If YES, the alternate
power supply and transfer switch shall be load tested and approved by AFD and PDRD
before a fire pump test is scheduled. This will be verified prior to starting the pump
test.)
2. Has water been flowed through the pump and test header? (Yes/No. If NO, verify
that the pump rotation is correct and is capable of delivering its rated flow and
pressure before requesting an inspection. This will be verified prior to starting the
pump test)
3. Will the pump manufacturer representative and an electrician be on-site during the
pump test? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be scheduled without these individuals
being on-site during the test).
4. Are the pressure gauges and tachometer used for testing calibrated to +/- 1%
accuracy per NFPA 20, Section 14.2.7 and calibration records available for review by
AFD prior to the test? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be scheduled unless calibrated
gauges and a tachometer are available at the scheduled test time).
5. A copy of the manufacturer’s certified pump performance curve will be provided to
the Fire Inspector.
6. Is a location available for discharging water during the flow test that will not affect
personnel or traffic safety or landscaping? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be
scheduled until a safe area for water discharge is established).

Diesel Fire Pump Pre-Inspection Q&A

1. After a 90 minute test will the fuel tank have at least 2/3 of its rated volume
available so the pump is available for service? (Yes/No. If NO, the pump may be flow
tested but will not be approved for the protection of a facility or building until the fuel
tank is filled to its rated capacity.)
2. Are dry charge batteries being used? (Yes/No. If YES, electrolyte shall be added at
least 24 hours prior to the time of the test and given a conditioning charge.)
3. Has water been flowed through the pump and test header? (Yes/No. If NO, verify
that the pump rotation is correct and is capable of delivering its rated flow and
pressure before requesting an inspection)
 4. Will the pump manufacturer representative and an engine manufacturer
representative be on-site during the pump test? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be
scheduled without these individuals being on-site during the test).
5. Are the pressure gauges and tachometer used for testing calibrated to +/- 1%
accuracy per NFPA 20, Section 14.2.7 and calibration records available for review by
AFD prior to the test? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be scheduled unless calibrated
gauges and a tachometer are available at the scheduled test time).
6. Is a location available for discharging water during the flow test that will not affect
personnel or traffic safety or landscaping? (Yes/No. If NO, the test cannot be
scheduled until a safe area for water discharge is established)

Prior to requesting AFD to witness the fire pump acceptance test, verify the following
items:
1. The generator and transfer switch shall be tested and approved by PDRD before
requesting a fire pump test.
2. Confirm that water has been flowed through pump and that its rotation is correct.
3. The pump manufacturer representative and an electrician shall be on-site for the
duration of the pump test.
4. The pressure gauges and tachometer used for testing are calibrated to +/- 1%
accuracy per NFPA 20, Section 14.2.7 and calibration records are available for
review by AFD prior to the test.
5. A printed copy of the manufacturer’s certified pump performance curve that
includes the pump serial number will be provided to the Fire Inspector.
6. A location is selected for discharging water during the flow test that will not affect
personnel or traffic safety or landscaping.

Prior to requesting AFD to witness the diesel fire pump acceptance test, verify the
following items:
1. After a 90 minute test will the fuel tank have at least 2/3 of its rated volume
available so the pump is available for service?
2. Are dry charge batteries being used? If so, verify that electrolyte is added at least 24
hours prior to the time of the test and batteries have received a conditioning charge.
3. Confirm that water has been flowed through pump and that its rotation is correct.
4. The pump manufacturer representative shall be on-site for the duration of the pump
test.
5. The pressure gauges and tachometer used for testing are calibrated to +/- 1%
accuracy per NFPA 20, Section 14.2.7 and calibration records are available for
review by AFD prior to the test.
6. A printed copy of the manufacturer’s certified pump performance curve that
includes the pump serial number will be provided to the Fire Inspector.
7. A location is selected for discharging water during the flow test that will not affect
personnel or traffic safety or landscaping.