Fire pumps, engines and couplings

The safety of modern buildings, particularly high-rises, is highly dependent on the proper functioning of their fire-safety equipment and systems. Among these, no equipment is more vital than the fire pumps, engines and couplings that ensure that building sprinkler systems have adequate water pressure to operate effectively.

For more than 60 years, UL has been a one-stop provider for research, testing, certification and standards development for fire pump equipment. Fire pumps and engines are separately evaluated and tested to determine their suitability and durability for use in fire sprinkler systems. Their construction is examined for compliance with the requirements. Pumps, engines and couplings for fire safety service are also subjected to performance tests to confirm their operation and compliance with the requirements and the ratings desired.

Test Standards

The UL fire safety division's suppression team supports manufacturers, regulatory authorities, building owners and insurance companies with certification and customized testing services for a variety of suppression equipment, including fire pumps, engines and related equipment. UL tests and certifies these products in accordance with the requirements in the current editions of the following Standards:

• ANSI/UL 448, Centrifugal Stationary Pumps for Fire-Protection Service
• Subject 448A, Flexible Couplings And Connecting Shafts for Fire Pumps
• Subject 448B, Residential Fire Pumps Intended for One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
• Subject 448C, Stationary, Rotary Type, Positive Displacement Pumps for Fire-Protection Service
• ANSI/UL 1247, Diesel Engines for Driving Stationary Fire Pumps
• Subject 1247A, Variable Speed Pressure Limiting Controls Installed with Diesel Engines for Driving Stationary Fire Pumps
• ANSI/UL 218, Fire Pump Controllers
• ANSI/UL 508, Industrial Control Equipment

Fire pumps, engines, couplings and controllers are to be installed in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.

The UL advantage

UL has been a trusted leader in the testing of products for more than 100 years. Our testing and certification services offer several advantages to both manufacturers and users of fire-suppression equipment, including a product listing in the appropriate UL product directory. UL directories contain a list of companies that have demonstrated compliance with UL requirements and applicable standards and are authorized to use a UL Mark. The directories are considered an invaluable resource by thousands of regulatory authorities, building owners and insurance companies.

Once a product is UL Listed, it will appear in a UL product directory. More than 2,500 authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and code officials reference these directories annually.

UL can also help reduce time-to-market by offering efficient and flexible services from an industry leader in fire-safety certification. Because UL offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art testing facilities and a highly experienced technical staff with extensive code knowledge, the UL Mark is immediately recognized and respected by professionals in fire safety around the world.