Presenter: Gayle Pennel, Aon Fire Protection Engineering 

Fire pumps are relatively complex electro-mechanical devices that perform a vital emergency function on an infrequent basis. To assure reliability they are tested periodically. However, the type and frequency of these tests is the subject of ongoing debate that extends to the earliest days of the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Pumps, which was established in 1899. Presently the testing of fire pumps generates field data that are independently available to users, installers, insurers, servicing organizations, and others. These data are not, however, being collected in a standardized manner and are not subject to statistical analysis to substantiate any particular testing protocol. The objective of this FPRF project is to provide credible and statistically valid fire pump performance data that substantiates testing frequencies and protocols.