If a fire pump doesn’t start during a fire, it can lead to severe consequences, as the pump is critical to ensuring that water is supplied with enough pressure to the fire protection systems (sprinklers, hydrants, etc.). Here are the key risks and effects:

1. **Inadequate Water Pressure**: Without the fire pump, the water supply may not have sufficient pressure to effectively combat the fire, especially in high-rise buildings or areas far from the main water supply.

2. **Delayed Fire Suppression**: Fire sprinklers and hoses may deliver less water, leading to delays in extinguishing the fire. This allows the fire to grow, causing more damage and putting lives at risk.

3. **System Failure**: Fire pumps are often part of a building’s entire fire protection system. If the pump doesn’t start, the entire system could be compromised, leading to a complete failure in fire suppression.

4. **Increased Risk to Life**: The failure of a fire pump increases the likelihood of fire spreading, endangering occupants, firefighters, and property.

5. **Code Violations and Legal Consequences**: Fire pumps are mandated by building and fire codes. If a pump fails to operate, it could lead to violations, fines, or even legal action.

To avoid these issues, regular maintenance, inspections, and testing are crucial for ensuring fire pump reliability in emergencies.

A fire pump can run as long as needed during an emergency, as long as its power source is available and it’s properly maintained. Here’s a breakdown based on the type of fire pump:

Fire pumps are specifically designed to provide high-pressure water flow for fire protection systems, such as sprinklers and hydrants. While they are engineered to handle emergency situations, using a fire pump for other building water needs (like regular domestic or irrigation water supply) is not recommended for several reasons:

Fire pump requirements for large residential complexes and high-rise buildings are typically guided by local building codes and international fire safety standards, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC). The primary purpose of fire pumps in these buildings is to ensure sufficient water pressure to suppress fires, particularly when the municipal water supply cannot provide adequate pressure for fire suppression systems like sprinklers.

Fire pumps play a critical role in enhancing fire safety in airports and aviation facilities by ensuring reliable and consistent water supply to fire suppression systems. Here's how they contribute to fire safety:

Fire pumps play a crucial role in fire safety within energy production facilities, such as power plants and wind farms, by providing a reliable and high-pressure water supply to suppress fires. Here's how they contribute to fire protection in these environments: