Picture|Fire Pump VS Jockey Pump
A fire pump supplies the high flow and pressure required during a fire emergency, while a jockey pump maintains pressure in the fire protection system during normal conditions. The fire pump is larger and designed for high water demand, whereas the jockey pump is smaller and compensates for minor pressure losses.
Although both pumps are used in fire protection systems, they have different functions, capacities, controls, and operating conditions.
Fire Pump vs Jockey Pump: Quick Comparison
Picture|Fire Pump VS Jockey Pump
| Feature | Fire Pump | Jockey Pump |
| Main purpose | Supply water during a fire | Maintain system pressure |
| Operating condition | Fire emergency or system testing | Normal, non-emergency conditions |
| Flow rate | High | Low |
| Pressure | High | Used to maintain required pressure |
| Pump size | Larger | Smaller |
| Starting condition | Significant pressure drop | Minor pressure drop |
| Operation | Emergency operation | Intermittent pressure maintenance |
| Main function | Deliver water to sprinklers, hydrants and other firefighting equipment | Compensate for minor leaks and pressure losses |
The key difference is simple:
The fire pump supplies firefighting water; the jockey pump maintains system pressure.
What Is a Fire Pump?
A fire pump is a high-capacity pump designed to provide the water flow and pressure required by a fire protection system.
During a fire, multiple sprinklers, hydrants, hose stations, or other firefighting devices may require a large volume of water. When the available water supply cannot provide sufficient pressure and flow, the fire pump starts to meet the demand.
Depending on the system design, fire pumps may be driven by:
(1) Electric motors
(2) Diesel engines
(3) Other approved drive arrangements
Fire pumps are typically larger and more powerful than jockey pumps because they are designed to handle the high flow required during a fire event.
When Does a Fire Pump Start?
A fire pump normally starts when the pressure in the fire protection system falls below its designated start pressure.
A significant pressure drop can occur when:
(1) Fire sprinklers activate
(2) Fire hydrants are opened
(3) Hose stations are used
(4) A fire protection system is being tested
The fire pump then supplies the high flow required by the system.
What Is a Jockey Pump?
A jockey pump, also called a pressure maintenance pump, is a small pump used to maintain pressure in a fire protection system during normal conditions.
Fire protection systems can experience small pressure losses caused by minor leakage, temperature changes, or other normal conditions. Without a jockey pump, these small pressure drops could repeatedly trigger the much larger fire pump.
The jockey pump automatically starts to restore system pressure and stops once the required pressure is reached.
This helps keep the fire protection system pressurized and ready for immediate operation.
Why Is a Jockey Pump Needed?
The main purpose of a jockey pump is not to supply water for firefighting.
Instead, it helps:
1. Maintain normal system pressure
2. Compensate for minor pressure losses
3. Reduce unnecessary fire pump starts
4. Keep the fire protection system ready for use
5. Protect the main fire pump from unnecessary cycling
Fire Pump vs Jockey Pump: 5 Key Differences
1. Purpose
The biggest difference is their purpose.
A fire pump provides the high flow and pressure required during a fire emergency.
A jockey pump maintains the system’s normal pressure and compensates for small pressure losses.
In simple terms:
Fire pump = firefighting water supply
Jockey pump = pressure maintenance
2. Flow Capacity
Fire pumps have a much higher flow capacity because they must supply water to firefighting equipment during an emergency.
Jockey pumps have a relatively low flow rate because they only need to restore pressure lost through minor leakage or other small losses.
Therefore, a jockey pump should not be considered a smaller replacement for a fire pump.
The two pumps perform different functions within the same system.
3. Size
A fire pump is generally much larger than a jockey pump.
The larger size of a fire pump allows it to deliver the high flow required by sprinklers, hydrants, and other firefighting equipment.
A jockey pump is compact because its primary function is pressure maintenance rather than high-volume water delivery.
4. Starting and Stopping
The two pumps also operate differently.
A jockey pump starts when system pressure drops slightly below its pressure-maintenance setting. It restores pressure and then stops.
A fire pump starts at a lower pressure setting when the system requires substantially more water.
This staged pressure control helps prevent the fire pump from starting every time there is a small pressure fluctuation.
A simplified sequence is:
Minor pressure loss → Jockey pump starts → System pressure restored → Jockey pump stops
Major pressure drop / firefighting demand → Fire pump starts → High-flow water supply
5. Control
Both pumps are connected to pressure-based control systems, but their operating roles are different.
The jockey pump is primarily controlled to maintain the normal pressure range of the fire protection system.
The fire pump controller is responsible for starting the main fire pump when the system pressure falls to its designated start point.
The pressure settings are coordinated so that the jockey pump handles small pressure losses while the fire pump responds to genuine water demand.
How Do Fire Pumps and Jockey Pumps Work Together?
Picture|Fire & Jockey Pump Work Sequence
A fire protection system may use both a jockey pump and a main fire pump because they solve two different problems.
Under normal conditions, the jockey pump maintains system pressure.
If there is a significant demand for water, the pressure drops beyond the jockey pump’s ability to maintain the system, and the main fire pump starts.
The basic operating sequence is:
Normal pressure → Minor pressure loss → Jockey pump → Pressure restored
Fire demand → Major pressure drop → Fire pump → High-flow water supply
This arrangement allows the system to remain pressurized without unnecessarily operating the main fire pump.
Can a Jockey Pump Replace a Fire Pump?
No. A jockey pump cannot replace a fire pump.
A jockey pump is designed for low-flow pressure maintenance, while a fire pump is designed to provide the high flow required during a fire emergency.
Using a jockey pump as the main firefighting pump would not provide the water flow required by the fire protection system.
The two pumps should therefore be selected according to their specific functions and the requirements of the overall fire protection system.
How Is a Jockey Pump Sized?
Jockey pump sizing should be based on the requirements of the specific fire protection system rather than simply choosing the smallest available pump.
The jockey pump should generally be capable of maintaining system pressure and compensating for normal pressure losses without becoming the primary source of firefighting water.
When selecting a jockey pump, consider:
(1) Required system pressure
(2) Expected minor leakage
(3) Fire pump start pressure
(4) System volume
(5) Pipe size and layout
(6) Sprinkler and hydrant system requirements
(7) Local codes and project specifications
The final selection should always be verified against the applicable fire protection system requirements.
Purity Jockey Pump for Fire Protection Systems
Purity offers vertical multistage jockey pumps designed for pressure maintenance applications in fire protection systems.
The Purity PV series uses a vertical segmented stainless-steel construction, with the suction and discharge connections positioned on the same horizontal line. This design can simplify installation and reduce space requirements.
Key features include:
(1) Vertical multistage design
(2) Stainless-steel construction
(3) Compact footprint
(4) High-pressure performance
(5) Energy-efficient motor
(6) Mechanical seal for reliable operation
(7) Multiple connection options
For projects requiring a compact pressure-maintenance solution, a vertical multistage jockey pump can provide the pressure performance required while reducing installation space.
Fire Pump and Jockey Pump: Which One Do You Need?
In most fire protection systems, the question is not whether to choose a fire pump or a jockey pump.
They serve different functions.
Choose a fire pump when the system needs high-flow water supply for firefighting.
Choose a jockey pump when the system needs automatic pressure maintenance during normal conditions.
For a complete fire protection system, the two pumps can work together to maintain system pressure and provide the required water supply during an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a jockey pump the same as a fire pump?
No. A jockey pump maintains system pressure during normal conditions, while a fire pump supplies high-flow water during a fire emergency.
Does the jockey pump run continuously?
No. A jockey pump normally starts and stops automatically according to system pressure. It operates intermittently to compensate for pressure losses.
Does the jockey pump supply water during a fire?
The jockey pump is not designed to provide the primary firefighting flow. When there is significant water demand, the main fire pump supplies the required flow.
Why does a fire protection system need a jockey pump?
A jockey pump helps compensate for minor pressure losses and prevents unnecessary starting of the main fire pump.
Which pump is larger, a fire pump or jockey pump?
A fire pump is generally much larger because it is designed to deliver a substantially higher flow rate during a fire emergency.
Conclusion
The difference between a fire pump and a jockey pump comes down to their primary functions.
A fire pump provides high-flow water for firefighting, while a jockey pump maintains system pressure during normal conditions.
The fire pump handles major water demand, while the jockey pump compensates for minor pressure losses. Working together, they help keep a fire protection system pressurized, reliable, and ready for emergency operation.
Post time: Sep-21-2024
