Our expert responds #26

QUESTION
Can surface multistage vertical electric pumps be used as the main fire-fighting pumps?

ANSWER
With reference to point 10.1 of UNI EN 12845:2016, we can say that the only centrifugal machines that are mentioned are those of the END SUCTION, BACK PULL OUT type.
This is to allow, always citing the standard, the pump and motor to be removed independently and in such a way that the internal parts of the pump can be inspected or replaced without involving the suction or delivery pipes.

As a result, vertical multistage pumps and monobloc centrifugal electric pumps ARE NOT ALLOWED AS MAIN PUMPS.

In the absence of the requirements mentioned above.

In the case of assertion or periodic verification of a water supply where there is a pressurisation unit consisting of main pumps NOT provided for by the standard, the technician must decide, after verifying the ability of the pumps to provide the FLOW RATE and the PREVALENCE of the design, whether to maintain the existing configuration or replace the machines with others that meet the criteria imposed by the regulations.

The types indicated can be used only as pressurisation pumps