What is the role of a fire pump in boosting water supply for high-rise buildings or large facilities?

• A. To increase water pressure and flow to meet the hydraulic demand specified by the sprinkler design.
• B. To generate electricity for pumps in the building.
• C. To filter debris from water supply.
• D. To monitor smoke detectors.

Answer: (A)

The fire pump’s job is to boost water supply by increasing pressure and flow to meet the hydraulic demand specified by the sprinkler design. In tall buildings or large facilities, municipal water pressure can fall short at upper floors or farthest zones, and friction losses in long piping reduce flow. The fire pump provides the extra head (pressure) and volume needed so sprinklers everywhere receive the required water flow to control or suppress a fire. It’s not for generating electricity, filtering debris, or monitoring smoke detectors—those functions belong to other systems.