Maintaining stable water pressure is crucial to ensure optimal hydrant and sprinkler systems function optimally when needed in a fire protection system. This is where the jockey pump plays a vital role. How does a jockey pump works is an important part of the automatic mechanism that supports the preparedness of the fire extinguishing system.
This article will discuss in detail how the jockey pump works, why its role cannot be ignored, and how this system is integrated with other components such as pressure switches and control panels.
What Is and How Does a Jockey Pump Works and Why Is It Important?
Jockey pump is a small pump specifically designed to maintain pressure in fire extinguishing systems, especially in hydrant and sprinkler lines.
Its function is not to extinguish the fire directly, but rather to maintain the stability of the water pressure in the system when a small leak or slight drop in pressure occurs.
Without a jockey pump, the fire extinguishing system can experience undetected pressure drops and cause the main pump (such as a diesel fire pump or electric fire pump) to turn on more often than necessary.
This can lead to wasted energy, premature wear on the main pump, and higher operating costs. Therefore, the presence of a jockey pump is critical not only to system performance but also to its long-term efficiency.
How does a Jockey Pump Works in a Protection System
Automatic Activation Based on Pressure
The jockey pump operates on the principle of automatic pressure control. This system activates when it detects a drop in pressure in the fire protection piping, for example due to a small leak or evaporation.
When the pressure drops below a predetermined minimum limit (usually between 6 and 10 bar), the jockey pump will automatically turn on to return the pressure to normal levels.
This pump doesn’t run continuously, but only when needed. Once pressure returns to normal, the pump automatically shuts off. This ensures the system remains in standby mode without overloading the main pump.
Integration with Pressure Switch and Control Panel
The jockey pump doesn’t operate alone; it’s integrated with a pressure switch and control panel. The pressure switch acts as a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the water level in the system. When the pressure drops, a signal is sent to the control panel to activate the jockey pump.
The control panel manages the pump’s life cycle based on data from the pressure switch. This system automates and precisely adjusts the pressure replenishment process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This integration also allows system owners to set pressure thresholds according to their needs and building safety standards.
Operating Cycles that Maintain System Efficiency
One of the advantages of a jockey pump is its efficient operating cycle. The pump only turns on when needed and turns off when a stable pressure is reached. This means the main pump is only active when a certain condition occurs emergency real, such as a fire that triggers massive sprinkler or hydrant activity.
Another advantage of this system is the extended operational life of the main pump. The main pump doesn’t need to be turned on as frequently, as the jockey pump already maintains system stability. This efficiency also directly impacts maintenance costs and energy consumption.
How does a jockey pump works
The jockey pump may seem small compared to the main pump in a fire protection system, but its role is very large.
With the automatic operation of the jockey pump, integrated with a pressure switch and control panel, the fire suppression system is always ready for optimal operation. The jockey pump maintains stable water pressure, prevents unnecessary activation of the main pump, and ensures overall operational efficiency.
For those of you who are planning or want to improve your building’s fire protection system, it is important to choose an experienced and trusted contractor.
Adiwarna, as a specialist fire protection contractor, is ready to help design, install, and maintain jockey pump systems and other related components professionally and in accordance with safety standards.
