There is no uniform standard for the continuous operating time of fire pumps. It mainly depends on the pump type, specific application scenario, and applicable fire protection codes.
Having understood the background, let's look at how specific types and scenarios affect the operating time.
1. Classification by Fire Pump Type
Diesel engine fire pumps, due to the characteristics of their power source, are required to have reliable continuous operation over long periods. During acceptance testing, their test operation time should not be less than 24 hours to ensure continuous and stable operation in emergency situations.
2. Classification by Application Scenario and Codes
Different fire extinguishing systems have specific requirements for the continuous operating time of the pumps. The continuous spraying time of automatic sprinkler systems is usually set to 1 hour. For local application systems, if fast-response sprinkler heads are used, their spray intensity and duration must be set according to codes, but the minimum duration should not be less than 0.5 hours. The continuous spraying time of protective cooling water curtains and protective cooling systems must be completely equivalent to the fire resistance rating requirements of the parts protected by the system. During project acceptance, to check the basic performance of the pump, the operating time of the fire pump should generally not exceed 2 minutes.
