What is the term for a small pump used to maintain pressure in a water-based fire protection system during minor fluctuations?

What is the term for a small pump used to maintain pressure in a water-based fire protection system during minor fluctuations?

• A. Booster pump
• B. Jockey pump
• C. Fire pump
• D. Engine pump

Answer: (B)

The small pump used to maintain pressure during minor fluctuations is the jockey pump. It sits in parallel with the sprinkler system and is sized much smaller than the main fire pump. When system pressure drops below its setpoint, it automatically starts and runs until pressure returns to the upper setpoint. Its purpose is to keep the system charged and prevent small leaks or valve operations from triggering the larger fire pump, reducing wear and unnecessary starts. A booster pump is intended to raise overall pressure for the system when the supply is insufficient, and the main fire pump (electric or engine-driven) provides the actual firefighting flow during a real demand. The jockey pump is the specific device for minor pressure maintenance.

The small pump used to maintain pressure during minor fluctuations is the jockey pump. It sits in parallel with the sprinkler system and is sized much smaller than the main fire pump. When system pressure drops below its setpoint, it automatically starts and runs until pressure returns to the upper setpoint. Its purpose is to keep the system charged and prevent small leaks or valve operations from triggering the larger fire pump, reducing wear and unnecessary starts. A booster pump is intended to raise overall pressure for the system when the supply is insufficient, and the main fire pump (electric or engine-driven) provides the actual firefighting flow during a real demand. The jockey pump is the specific device for minor pressure maintenance.