Which pump is used to maintain pressure on a fire protection system in order to prevent false starts at the fire pump?

Which pump is used to maintain pressure on a fire protection system in order to prevent false starts at the fire pump?

• A. Pressure Maintenance Pump
• B. Proportioning
• C. Hydrostatic Test
• D. Expellant Gas

Answer: (A)

A pressure maintenance (jockey) pump is used to keep the fire protection system pressurized so the main fire pump won’t start from small, everyday pressure fluctuations. By maintaining the set pressure in the piping after the system is charged, it prevents false starts of the larger pump when the system experiences minor leaks, valve operation, or temperature changes. The jockey pump is small and typically electric; it kicks in when pressure drops below the set point and stops when the system pressure is back up, ensuring the main pump is ready to respond to a real demand without unnecessary cycling. The other options refer to different functions: a foam proportioning pump adds foam concentrate, a hydrostatic test pump is used only for testing pipe integrity, and expellant gas systems release gas for suppression—none of these manage normal water-system pressure to prevent false starts.

A pressure maintenance (jockey) pump is used to keep the fire protection system pressurized so the main fire pump won’t start from small, everyday pressure fluctuations. By maintaining the set pressure in the piping after the system is charged, it prevents false starts of the larger pump when the system experiences minor leaks, valve operation, or temperature changes. The jockey pump is small and typically electric; it kicks in when pressure drops below the set point and stops when the system pressure is back up, ensuring the main pump is ready to respond to a real demand without unnecessary cycling. The other options refer to different functions: a foam proportioning pump adds foam concentrate, a hydrostatic test pump is used only for testing pipe integrity, and expellant gas systems release gas for suppression—none of these manage normal water-system pressure to prevent false starts.