Flexible couplings for fire pumps: If you need to connect fire pumps to piping, the question “Which couplings are permitted?” is key to ensuring compliance with the rules referenced in the text.*
In this response, we’ll provide a practical overview: which joints are permitted, which are prohibited, and what guidelines should be followed to make the right choice
Table of Contents
What is the question (and why does it come up so often)?
The question is very specific: What types of flexible couplings can be used to connect fire pumps?
When it comes to connecting fire pumps to piping, the key is not just “finding a component,” but choosing a solution that meets the requirements specified in the references cited in the text.
The regulatory reference cited in the text (how to interpret it)
The text indicates a direct link between two references:
- UNI/TR 11438:2016, Section 6.1.2
- UNI EN 12845, Section 17.1.4
In practice, the guideline is: The flexible couplings that may be used to connect fire pumps to piping are those that meet the requirements of UNI EN 12845 17.1.4, as specified in section 6.1.2 of UNI/TR 11438:2016.
This is the key piece of information that guides the selection process.
Flexible couplings for fire pumps: what is permitted
According to the text, only the following are permitted:
- steel couplings
- capable of withstanding pressures of ≥ 40 bar
Therefore, if the goal is to select flexible couplings for fire pumps, the specified “minimum criteria” are twofold: material (steel) and pressure resistance (≥ 40 bar).
What is NOT allowed: rubber joints
The text is also explicit regarding the prohibition:
- Rubber couplings are prohibited
No interpretation is needed here: according to the “Permitted by the Rules / NOT Permitted by the Rules” logic, rubber joints fall under the “NOT permitted” category.
If you are considering alternatives or “equivalent” components, this point will help you avoid, right from the start, a choice that is not in line with what is described here.
Pressure requirement: ≥ 40 bar (what this means in practice)
The text specifies that approved couplings must withstand pressures of ≥ 40 bar.
In practical terms, this means there is a clear requirement when selecting a component: the flexible coupling must be certified/qualified for that pressure threshold, in addition to being made of steel.
In the context of this article, this requirement is an integral part of the answer to the initial question: it is not enough for it to “be flexible”; it must also comply with the specified requirements (material + pressure).
How to Use This Guidance in Practice (Quick Check)
If you need to quickly check whether the criterion stated in the text is met, you can use this mini-checklist:
- Is the component you are considering a flexible coupling designed to connect fire pumps to piping?
- Is the joint made of steel?
- Can the joint withstand pressures of ≥ 40 bar?
- Is the joint made of rubber? (If yes: not allowed according to the text)
This sequence does not replace a thorough review of the project documentation, but it accurately summarizes the points stated.
Conclusion
For connecting fire pumps to piping, the flexible fire pump couplings specified as acceptable are those that comply with the requirements listed below: Rubber couplings are prohibited; only steel couplings with a pressure resistance of ≥ 40 bar are permitted, in accordance with UNI/TR 11438:2016 (6.1.2) and UNI EN 12845 (17.1.4).
