Step-by-Step Fire Pump Calculation (With Example) | Fire Fighting Design Guide
Fire pump calculation is a critical part of any fire fighting system design. Whether you are designing for a residential G+5 building or a commercial project, selecting the correct pump ensures adequate pressure and flow during emergencies.Free fire fighting system design Excel Sheet + CAD Drawing Download. Step-by-step calculation with examples. Instant access, no login required.
This guide explains step-by-step fire pump head calculation with a practical example, based on IS 2189 and NBC 2016.
📐 What is Fire Pump Head?
Fire pump head is the total pressure required to deliver water from the source to the most critical point in the system.
It includes:
- Static Head
- Friction Loss
- Residual Pressure
🧮 Fire Pump Head Formula
H=Hs+Hf+Hr
Where:
- Hs = Static Head
- Hf = Friction Loss
- Hr = Residual Pressure
🏢 Step-by-Step Fire Pump Calculation (With Example)
🔹 Step 1: Calculate Static Head
👉 Static head = vertical distance from pump to highest outlet
Example:
- Building height = 18 m (G+5)
✔ Static Head = 18 m
🔹 Step 2: Calculate Friction Loss
Friction loss depends on:
- Pipe length
- Pipe diameter
- Flow rate
👉 For small residential buildings, assume:
✔ Friction Loss = 5–10 m
Example:
✔ Take = 7 m
🔹 Step 3: Add Residual Pressure
Residual pressure ensures proper water discharge at hydrant.
✔ As per standards:
- Minimum = 7 kg/cm² (~70 m) for hydrant (but small buildings may use lower practical values depending on design approach)
👉 For G+5 practical design:
✔ Residual Pressure = 15 m
🔹 Step 4: Total Pump Head
Now calculate:
- Static Head = 18 m
- Friction Loss = 7 m
- Residual Pressure = 15 m
👉 Total:
✔ Total Head = 40 m
Fire Pump Head Calculator
📊 Fire Pump Flow Requirement
For G+5 residential building:
- Hydrant System: 228 LPM
- Hose Reel: 36 LPM
👉 Total recommended pump capacity:
✔ ~250–300 LPM
🏭 Recommended Fire Pump Brands
India:
- Kirloskar Fire Pumps
- Crompton Greaves
International:
- Grundfos
- KSB Pumps
FAQ
Q1: What is minimum fire pump head for G+5 building?
👉 Typically 35–45 m depending on losses.
Q2: How to calculate fire pump capacity?
👉 Based on number of hydrants and flow requirement.
Q3: Is friction loss always required?
👉 Yes, it ensures accurate pump sizing.
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