Fire Jockey Pumps Explained: How They Work and When to Use Them
When it comes to fire protection systems, every component plays a vital role — and the fire fighting jockey pump is no exception. Often overlooked, the jockey pump ensures your fire protection system is always ready to respond at a moment’s notice. In this article, we’ll explain what a fire jockey pump is, how it works, and when it should be used to keep your building and occupants safe.
What Is a Fire Jockey Pump?
A fire jockey pump, also known as a pressure maintenance pump, is a small pump used in fire protection systems to maintain water pressure in the piping. It works alongside the main fire pump but operates under normal conditions to keep the system pressurized.
Its purpose is not to fight fires directly but to compensate for small pressure drops in the system that may occur due to minor leaks or temperature fluctuations. This way, the main fire pump doesn’t start unnecessarily — which helps preserve its lifespan and maintain system efficiency.
How Does a Fire Jockey Pump Work?
The jockey pump is connected to the fire protection piping network. It is controlled by a pressure switch that automatically turns it on or off based on the system’s water pressure.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how it works:
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Normal Pressure Maintenance: When everything is running smoothly, the jockey pump monitors and maintains a set pressure in the fire protection pipes.
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Pressure Drop Response: If there is a slight drop in pressure (due to a small leak or air release valve action), the jockey pump turns on automatically and restores the set pressure.
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System Alarm Prevention: Without the jockey pump, even a minor pressure loss could trigger the main fire pump to start. The jockey pump prevents this by handling small pressure adjustments.
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Main Pump Activation: If a sprinkler head opens due to an actual fire, a significant pressure drop occurs. In this case, the jockey pump cannot maintain the pressure, and the main fire pump activates.
Ideal Fire Jockey Pump Pressure Settings
The fire jockey pump pressure is usually set slightly higher than the cut-in pressure of the main fire pump. For instance, if the fire pump is set to start at 110 psi, the jockey pump may be set to maintain 120 psi and shut off at 130 psi. This ensures the jockey pump handles minor fluctuations while the main pump activates only when truly needed.
When Should You Use a Fire Fighting Jockey Pump?
Fire fighting jockey pumps are essential in any pressurized fire protection system, especially in:
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High-rise buildings
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Industrial facilities
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Warehouses
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Shopping malls
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Hospitals and airports
They are not required in systems where the fire pump is activated manually or where pressure maintenance is not critical. However, in most automatic sprinkler or hydrant systems, a jockey pump is a vital component for readiness and system longevity.
Benefits of Using a Fire Jockey Pump
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Prevents unnecessary activation of the main fire pump
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Maintains system pressure efficiently
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Reduces wear and tear on the fire pump
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Improves system reliability and response time
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Lowers energy consumption by handling minor tasks
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Conclusion
A fire jockey pump may seem like a small part of your fire protection system, but it performs a big job in maintaining system readiness and preventing false activations. By understanding how it works and when to use it, you can ensure your fire fighting jockey pump system operates smoothly, efficiently, and reliably.
Whether you’re installing a new system or upgrading an existing one, make sure your fire protection solution includes a high-quality jockey pump — and don’t forget to s