Bushfires can be devastating and occur at any time of the year in New Zealand. In New Zealand, the bushfire season usually begins towards the end of January and finishes around mid-April. The length of the bushfire season seems to be increasing gradually. Regardless of the time of year, fire management is a year-round process, so it is essential to have a plan in place to protect your property from a potential bushfire.
Ensuring your firefighting pump is ready is critical in any fire preparation plan. A reliable and efficient firefighting pump in a bushfire can mean the difference between losing your property and successfully protecting it from the flames.
What is a firefighting pump?
A firefighting pump is a specialised piece of equipment designed to help protect properties from the damaging effects of a bushfire. Firefighting pumps can be used to draw water from a nearby water source, such as a dam, mains water supply, or rainwater tank, and distribute it through hoses, pipes and nozzles to douse flames or create firebreaks.
Firefighting pumps come in various types, sizes, and power sources, and choosing the right pump for your specific needs is essential.
What are the most commonly used types of firefighting pumps?
The most popular kind of firefighting pump is the centrifugal pump. Centrifugal pumps are versatile and efficient, making them ideal for a wide range of firefighting applications.
Centrifugal pumps use a spinning impeller to create a water flow through the pump. As the impeller spins, it creates a centrifugal force that draws water into the pump and propels it through a discharge port.
Other firefighting pumps include positive displacement pumps, which traverse water between two gears or a piston and a cylinder, and jet pressure pumps, which use a high-pressure stream of water to create suction and draw water from a nearby source.
How are firefighting pumps powered?
Firefighting pumps can be powered by various sources, including electricity, petrol, diesel, and even solar power. However, petrol and diesel are the most commonly used power sources for firefighting pumps.
Petrol-powered pumps are popular because they are lightweight, easy to start, and relatively inexpensive. However, they are not as efficient as diesel-powered pumps, and they can be more expensive to operate over time due to the cost of petrol, although rising diesel prices are narrowing the gap.
On the other hand, diesel-powered pumps are more efficient and can run longer without refuelling. They are also more durable than petrol pumps and can handle heavy-duty firefighting applications.
What are the popular features of a firefighting pump?
When selecting a firefighting pump, there are several features to consider, including
Remote start capability: This feature allows you to start the pump from a distance, which can be helpful if you need to move quickly in an emergency situation.
Self-priming: A self-priming pump can draw water from a nearby source without the need for manual priming, which can save valuable time in an emergency situation.
High-pressure output: A pump with a high-pressure output can be more effective at putting out flames and creating firebreaks.
Automatic shut-off: This feature can help prevent damage to the pump by automatically shutting it off if the water supply runs low.
What brands of firefighting pumps are the most popular?
As previously mentioned, many reputable brands of firefighting pumps are available on the market. However, three of the most popular brands are Davey, Grundfos, and Pentair.
Davey firefighting pumps are known for their reliability and durability. Davey has been manufacturing pumps for over 80 years, and their pumps are designed to meet the specific needs of bushfire conditions. Davey pumps are available in a variety of sizes and power sources, including petrol and diesel.
Grundfos is another popular brand of firefighting pump. Grundfos pumps are known for their efficiency and low energy consumption, making them an environmentally friendly option. They are available in a range of sizes and power sources, including petrol and diesel.
Do I need to service my firefighting pump?
Yes, it is essential to service your firefighting pump regularly to ensure it is in good working order when needed. Regular servicing can also help extend the life of your pump and prevent costly breakdowns.
The frequency of servicing will depend on various factors, including the type of pump, the power source, and how often the pump is used. In general, having your pump serviced at least once a year is recommended.
During a service, a qualified technician will inspect your pump for any signs of wear or damage and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance. They may also test the pump to ensure it operates at peak efficiency.
Where should I locate my firefighting pump?
When choosing a location for your firefighting pump, there are a few key factors to consider. Ideally, the pump should be located near a reliable water source, such as mains water, a dam, or a rainwater tank. In addition, if you are using a water cartage truck as your water source, the pump should be located on the truck.
It is also essential to consider the accessibility of the pump. In an emergency, you must be able to access the pump quickly and easily. Therefore, the pump should be located in an area that is easy to reach and free from obstructions.
Finally, ensuring that the pump is located in a safe location is essential. The pump should be located away from potential ignition sources, such as flammable materials or power lines. Positioning the pump in an area with good ventilation is also a good idea to prevent the build-up of potentially hazardous fumes.
Think Water in New Zealand supplies firefighting pumps from Davey, Grundfos and Pentair.
Think Water is a reputable supplier of firefighting pumps and related equipment in New Zealand. In addition to pumps, Think Water also offers a range of related equipment, including water hose, fittings and nozzles. We can also provide advice and support to help you choose the right pump for your specific needs.
To recap, a reliable and efficient firefighting pump is essential to any fire preparation plan. There are many reputable brands of firefighting pumps available, including Davey, Grundfos, and Pentair. Regular servicing is critical to ensure your pump is in good working order. The pump should be located near a reliable water source in a safe and accessible area. Think Water is a reputable supplier of firefighting pumps inAustralia and can provide expert advice and support to help you choose the right pump for your needs.
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