Fire Pumps vs Jockey Pumps: Key Differences

When it comes to fire protection systems, one of the most crucial elements is the use of water-based pumps. Two critical components often discussed in this context are fire pumps and jockey pumps.

 Although both are essential in maintaining a reliable water supply for fire suppression systems, there are key differences between them that influence their roles and functionality in a fire protection setup. 

In this blog, we will delve into the Fire Pumps vs Jockey Pumps: Key Differences, helping you understand their distinct purposes, features, and applications.

What Are Fire Pumps?

Fire pumps are the backbone of any fire protection system. They are large pumps designed to provide water to a sprinkler system or fire suppression equipment during a fire emergency. Fire pumps are typically powered by electricity, diesel, or steam, depending on the specific requirements of the building and local regulations.

The main role of a fire pump is to increase the water pressure from the water supply and push it through the pipes and sprinklers to extinguish the fire.

 These pumps are designed to deliver a high flow of water to combat large fires effectively. Once you’ve measured the water pressure, be sure to check out our blog on Pressure Gauge Calibration to ensure your gauges are performing at their best.

Key Features of Fire Pumps:

• High Flow Rate: Fire pumps are built to deliver large volumes of water quickly to suppress fires.
• Reliability: These pumps are designed to function in emergencies and are equipped with fail-safes to ensure reliability.
• Types of Power: Fire pumps can operate on electricity, diesel engines, or steam, depending on the application.

What Are Jockey Pumps?

Jockey pumps, on the other hand, serve a different function. They are smaller, high-pressure pumps designed to maintain system pressure in the fire protection system when there is no immediate demand for water. Their primary role is to compensate for any minor pressure losses in the system caused by leaks, minor valve operation, or small variations in pressure.

While fire pumps are used during emergencies, jockey pumps are continuously running in the background, ensuring that the system is always pressurized and ready for activation. These pumps are typically installed to prevent the fire pump from starting unnecessarily, thereby reducing wear and tear on the larger fire pump.

Key Features of Jockey Pumps:

• Pressure Maintenance: Jockey pumps ensure that the fire protection system remains pressurized at all times.
• Low Flow Rate: These pumps operate at a much lower flow rate than fire pumps.
• Energy Efficiency: Jockey pumps are energy-efficient, as they only run when needed to maintain system pressure.

Fire Pumps vs Jockey Pumps: Key Differences

Understanding the key differences between fire pumps and jockey pumps is essential for selecting the right system for your fire protection needs. Below, we compare the two based on their primary features, functions, and applications.

1. Purpose and Function

Feature	Fire Pump	Jockey Pump
Primary Purpose	To supply large volumes of water during a fire emergency.	To maintain pressure in the system when not in use.
Activation	Activated during a fire emergency.	Activated automatically when there’s pressure loss.
Flow Rate	High flow rate to supply water to sprinklers and suppression systems.	Low flow rate to maintain system pressure.

2. Size and Capacity

Fire pumps are significantly larger than jockey pumps. Their size is directly proportional to the flow of water they need to provide during a fire emergency. On the other hand, jockey pumps are much smaller and designed only to handle small pressure variations.

3. Operation Frequency

Fire pumps only operate when required, typically during an emergency. Jockey pumps, however, operate continuously in the background, making sure that the fire protection system remains primed and ready to function when needed.

4. Power Requirements

Fire pumps generally require a large amount of power, either from electricity, diesel, or steam. Jockey pumps, however, operate with much lower energy requirements, as their job is to maintain pressure, not to move large volumes of water.

5. Cost and Maintenance

Because fire pumps are larger and more complex, they tend to be more expensive to install and maintain. Jockey pumps are more affordable and require less maintenance, as they are less complex and designed for continuous, low-effort operation.

Why Do You Need Both Pumps?

A common question that arises is: why are both fire pumps and jockey pumps necessary in a fire protection system? The answer lies in the specific functions each pump serves.

• Fire pumps are essential for providing the large volumes of water required to extinguish a fire. Without a fire pump, the sprinkler system would not be able to provide sufficient water pressure to combat large fires.
• Jockey pumps ensure that the system remains pressurized and ready to function at any moment. By maintaining the correct pressure in the pipes, jockey pumps prevent the fire pump from kicking in prematurely due to minor fluctuations in system pressure.

Having both types of pumps ensures that the fire protection system is both efficient and reliable. The jockey pump ensures that the fire pump remains in good condition by preventing unnecessary wear, while the fire pump ensures that there is always sufficient water pressure during an emergency.

Applications of Fire Pumps and Jockey Pumps

Fire Pumps Applications:

• Large Buildings: Fire pumps are essential in large commercial, industrial, and residential buildings with fire sprinkler systems.
• High-Rise Buildings: Tall buildings require fire pumps to supply water at high pressures to reach upper floors.
• Hospitals and Schools: These facilities require robust fire protection systems, including fire pumps to ensure rapid suppression in emergencies.
• Warehouses and Storage Facilities: Fire pumps are vital in preventing damage to valuable goods stored in large areas.

Jockey Pumps Applications:

• Fire Protection Systems: Jockey pumps are essential in systems that need constant pressure maintenance, such as in industrial buildings and large commercial facilities.
• Industrial Applications: In factories or plants where there are minor pressure fluctuations due to valve operations or leaks, jockey pumps ensure the system remains at optimal pressure.
• Residential Systems: Jockey pumps are used in smaller systems like those found in large residential buildings or townhouses.

Here’s a table comparing the applications of Fire Pumps and Jockey Pumps:

Aspect	Fire Pumps	Jockey Pumps
Primary Function	Provide high-pressure water for firefighting systems	Maintain system pressure in the fire protection system
Applications	Used in fire suppression systems in buildings, industrial plants, and high-rise structures	Used in standby mode to compensate for minor pressure drops in the system
Pressure Capacity	High-pressure, able to provide large water volumes	Low-pressure, typically designed to handle minor variations
Activation	Activated when system pressure drops below a set point during a fire event	Activated when the system pressure drops slightly or needs to be maintained
Size and Power	Large, high-powered units	Smaller, less powerful than fire pumps
Usage Frequency	Used only during a fire emergency	Constantly running to maintain pressure, not used in active fire events
Examples of Use	Fire suppression in commercial buildings, factories, warehouses	Used in systems where constant pressure is necessary, such as sprinkler systems

 

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Both fire pumps and jockey pumps require regular maintenance to ensure they are always operational in case of an emergency. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

• Fire Pumps: Regular testing to check for efficiency and adequate water flow is critical. Maintenance should include checking the pump’s pressure, lubricating the components, and ensuring that backup power sources (e.g., diesel engines) are functional.
• Jockey Pumps: While jockey pumps don’t need to operate as frequently, they should be tested regularly to ensure they can maintain pressure and respond to minor fluctuations. Check for any leaks or malfunctions that may cause pressure loss in the system.

Conclusion

In the debate of Fire Pumps vs Jockey Pumps: Key Differences, it is clear that both pumps serve vital yet distinct roles in a fire protection system. Fire pumps are the heavy-duty, high-flow components responsible for supplying large volumes of water during a fire emergency, while jockey pumps maintain pressure and prevent unnecessary activation of fire pumps. 

Together, these pumps ensure that fire protection systems are both reliable and efficient, providing peace of mind to building owners and occupants.

By understanding the key differences and applications of each pump, you can ensure that your fire protection system is properly equipped and ready to handle any emergency. 

At New England Manufacturing, we specialize in providing top-quality solutions that meet your industrial needs. With our advanced technology and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to deliver reliable, durable, and efficient products tailored to your specific requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about how New England Manufacturing can help you achieve your goals. We’re here to provide expert support every step of the way!