FM undertook a reliability study about 10 years ago, based on results of
pump tests during inspections and loss information. The results were
interesting in that the electric pumps were more reliable when tested,
but were much more likely to fail during a fire due to power loss
resulting from the fire or "pulling the plug" on the main supply for
safety sake. The net result was that diesel pumps are more reliable
overall, but only so long as they are properly tested and maintained.
As regards diesel/generator sets, it turns out that the weak link is the
transfer switch. The transfer switch can not only fail to operate when
power is lost, but also can fail when there is no power loss, preventing
the pump from running. The net result is that the electric pump with
diesel backup is probably less reliable than either an electric pump or
a diesel pump alone. It certainly isn't worth the large extra expense in
terms of reliability.
Joe
Charles Thurston wrote:
Hello sprinklerforum,
I am looking for opinions on installing a Diesel fire pump Vs installing
an Electric fire pump and Gen Set. I have a location that is being
cut loose from the "Site Wide" fire pump loop now owned by others.
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