The fire pump is one of the most critical pieces of equipment for a building’s fire protection system. In a new white paper from Xylem’s A-C Fire, you can learn about the changing codes and regulations for fire pumps in commercial buildings.
Rapid urbanization around the globe continues to spur construction of high-rise residential and commercial structures. An expected 2.4 billion more people will live in urban areas by 2050, with over 90 percent of them in Africa and Asia. To protect lives and property, it will be vital to apply the strictest safety measures for fire protection in new and existing buildings.
Fire pumps, which A-C Fire has been manufacturing since the 1880s, are some of the most critical pieces of equipment inside a building. The pumps take water from an external water supply, such as a public utility or reservoir, and provide the required water flow and pressure for the fire protection system.
Striving for more uniform standards
It can be challenging, however, to understand the numerous codes and regulations relating to fire protection systems and fire pumps. These include standards on everything from portable fire extinguishers to the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection. The U.S.-based National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), for example, has more than 300 consensus codes that have been adopted in whole or in part in countries throughout the world.
According to Brian Buscher, Global Marketing Manager for Xylem’s A-C Fire, greater uniformity in fire codes and standards – especially in high-rise buildings – is crucial to ensure the highest level of fire protection worldwide.