Aurora Fire Pump PA: A Complete Solution for Fire Protection

Shopping for water boosters or fire pumps is different than hopping online for commercial products. This is because people’s lives are at stake in case something goes wrong. So, make sure you align yourself with a trusted name in the market when you are looking for a NYC Fire Pump.

When it comes to Brooklyn Fire Pumps, there are two key features to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at them in this blog post!

Jockey Pump

The jockey pump is sized 1% of the fire pump’s flow and keeps the fire pump system pressurized all the time. So, when you have leaks, the jockey pump will automatically fill the system back up.

Sensing Line

The second feature of the CT Fire Pump system is the half-inch sensing line, which goes from the high-pressure side of the fire suppression line to the fire pump controller. It is supposed to be non-ferrous (brass or copper) in nature and always contains two check valves or orifices 3/32” large that stop any kind of water hammer when the fire pump shuts off.

Key Necessities of NYC Fire Pump Package Systems

All fire pumps have packing whether it’s the Hydromatic or Aurora Fire Pump NY, the horizontal split case or the vertical in-line pump. This packing is made up of different materials, such as non-asbestos fibers. Most fire pumps contain six rings of packing. If it’s horizontal, there will be six rings on both sides of the shaft, keeping the shaft lubricated. For the vertical in-line fire pump, the packing will be on one side where it drips out.

When dealing with fire pumps, you also need to remember that when a fire pump starts automatically, it is not going to stop until you press the red Stop Button on the front of the control panel. This is actually a new code, which states that fire pumps must start automatically and stop manually. Also, make sure you do not hold down the disconnected lever because, in an event of fire, you would be taking the fire protection away from the building.

Find the Best Fire Pumps at Callaghan Pump and Controls

Callaghan Pump is a leading supplier of Aurora fire pumps and systems used in a variety of applications throughout New York. Our products are known for high-quality manufacturing and performance that outlasts other fire pumps in the market. This is because our products use the latest technologies and deliver comprehensive solutions. Our fire pumps will fulfil your facility and project needs and are meant to deliver 100% customer satisfaction.

The fire pumps we supply are built with packing inside and protect the water from splashing around and reaching the control panels. You may see different configurations in older fire pumps, but the Aurora Fire Pump NY has been updated to meet new industry standards within the last 10 years. Plus, these fire pumps can be stopped manually and are reliable, user-friendly, and trusted in the pump industry.

In a Nutshell

Callaghan Pump and Controls is the best source for fire pumps. Our team members are armed with years of combined experience in the industry and offer a strong line-up of quality products, such as Aurora, Carver, Ebara, Gorman Rupp, Hydromatic, and Liberty fire pumps. Whether you are an engineer or a building contractor, you won’t find a better place for meeting your fire pump and water booster needs.

Get your NY Fire Pumps here.

Everything You Need to Know About CT Water Booster Pumps

If you are facing the issue of low water pressure in your home, then you really need to solve it before it becomes a real pain. Fortunately, there are some great solutions to sort out low water pressure problems. The most popular and effective one is installing CT water booster pumps that are a kind of small mechanical tool. These pumps are used to meet required pressure and flow levels. For plumbing fixtures and high-rise buildings, they are a must-have installation.

How Does a Water Booster Pump Work?

A water pressure pump is a motorized fan in essence, consisting of an inlet and an outlet, and sensing devices to maintain the correct amount of pressure. You can even install a pump pressure switch for better control around the cut-off pressure. The booster pump can be connected to your home’s plumbing system to recognize low water pressure and automatically boost the incoming water supply.

A water booster draws water into the pump through the main supply and then spins it at a high rate before exiting through the outlet. The blades (impeller) spin to increase the movement of water and result in enhanced water pressure.

How to Determine the Need for a Water Booster?

One of the biggest and most obvious reasons for installing water booster pumps like Aurora Fire Pumps in New York is to control the low water pressure problem. Since it can be very frustrating to have low water pressure, booster pumps can be installed when it comes to performing regular activities like showering, dishwashing, etc. There are a number of household problems a high-quality booster or NY Fire Pump can alleviate. Some of its chief applications may include:

1. Lifting water up from a rain harvesting tank.
2. Enhancing household water pressure if it’s too low.
3. Achieving high water pressure for irrigation systems.
4. Taking out water from an alternative water source, such as ponds or streams.
5. Feeding water to appliances or apparatuses that need high volumes of water.
6. Providing higher water pressure for an industrial purpose.
7. Boosting water pressure from city water.
8. Pushing up water from ground level to multiple, higher levels.

What to Check Before You Install a Water Pressure Pump?

Before you make up your mind and install a water booster pump, make sure there are no clogged water pipes that are common in older installations. In addition to that, undersized pipes can affect the performance of your water booster. It is recommended to seek professional help in order to verify there is no piping issue. Also, it is equally important to check in your region for local plumbing laws and regulations. Once everything is sorted, you can choose a high-performing water booster pump and have the professionals install it.

How to Install a Water Booster Pump?

Once you have the right CT Water Booster Pump, it’s time to get them installed. Installing a water booster is much quicker and simpler than most would think. It will take approximately one or two hours, but you can’t install a water booster pump yourself. It is necessary to contact an experienced plumber in your area.

Final Remarks

Installing a water booster pump is needed when the pressure and flow rate delivered at plumbing fixtures fail to meet your demand. However, our high-quality NY Fire Pumps and booster pumps offer maximum performance when properly installed. Additionally, if you want to determine the water flow and pressure for your usage, we can help you calculate exactly how many gallons per minute you will need.

Drop a line for more information.

Do You Need a Pennsylvania Variable Booster Pump?

Maintaining good water pressure is very crucial for any building, from schools to hospitals. Whether it’s your shower or washing machine, you need to ensure the water flows through it at an appropriate pressure and rate. Unfortunately, many households experience low water pressure and find it difficult to manage their daily needs. If that’s your scenario, worry not! We are Callaghan Pump and Controls, and we can help you increase your water pressure in no time.

How We Help People Maintain High Water Pressure?

At Callaghan Pump and Controls, we understand that meeting the water demand has become a key environmental and economic challenge for several areas and their buildings. For that reason, we focus on providing reliable and environmentally friendly pumping solutions for water and wastewater uses.

Callaghan Pump sells and distributes variable speed domestic water pump systems in New York City. Whether you need a water booster for domestic, municipal, or industrial applications, we will be happy to assist you. We build, program, and test Connecticut water booster pumps and variable speed tank fill systems. We also help engineers with design and pump selection/sizing, offering competitive prices to building contractors as well.

By using the exact same construction method for our variable speed domestic water pumps as for our variable speed tank-filled pumps, we make sure the final product meets quality standards. On top of that, we are a trusted and leading distributor of different pump brands, including Aurora, Carver, Ebara, Gorman Rupp, Hydromatic, Liberty, Sta-Rite, and Yaskawa.

Advantages of a Pennsylvania Variable Booster Pump

Pumps are an integral part of any water system. They help you bring usable water to households, offices, schools, and hospitals. Also, they remove wastewater and effluent. If you are suffering from inadequate water flow or pressure, you may need a PA Water Booster Pump. Here’s why:

It’s Energy-Efficient

Our water boosters only work when there is demand. No extra energy will be used during the process, making our water boosters incredibly efficient. Not only do they consume less energy, but also waste no energy. As a result, you would be able to minimize your energy costs up to 10% to 15%.

It’s Safe

Traditional water boosters are prone to leaking, heating, and bursting, leaving costly damage behind. In the event of an accident, you don’t have to worry about failure because PA water booster pumps won’t let you down. They are designed to withstand any technical or natural failure.

It’s Long-Lasting

Most Connecticut Variable Booster Pumps have a lifespan of 20 years or longer. They may be expensive initially, but they will last twice as long when compared to other systems. The extended lifespan of our water boosters also saves you from costly installation and plumbing expenses.

It’s Versatile

Whether it’s a commercial place or residential building, Callaghan Pump and Controls distributes quality water boosters and pumps that can be installed almost anywhere you desire. Our products aren’t just designed for New York City, but also for any other state or country in the world. We build water systems of 60 Hertz for the USA and 50 Hertz for other countries. They will fit your space nicely, no matter how small or big is it.

It’s Compact

We focus on building domestic water booster systems that are more compact than other systems in the market. By building compact packages, we take care of the space issue. Also, the diameter of the pump is established by flow, which means the larger the water flow, the bigger the diameter of the vertical multi-stage pump.

It’s Quieter

Water makes noise when it moves. So, how do we address this concern? Our Connecticut Variable Booster Pump and pump system is quieter than the majority of other competitors. In order to deal with the noise issue, we use Ebara pumps as they offer the least amount of noise complaints. By wrapping the pump end with the 1-1 ½” soft, black, foam rubber, we quiet the noise down. Also, the packaging of our products is as tight as possible.

Final thoughts

All you need to do is tell us exactly what your requirement is and how many rooms there are in the building that use water. From the number of kitchen sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, showers to slop sinks, tell us about anything that uses water. Once we determine the water flow, the next determination will be the desired water pressure for your domestic water system. For instance, if you want 100 gallons per minute, you will have to boost the pressure by 40 pounds and your pump might become 40” tall. Remember – the higher PSI needs more impellers to move the water, which will increase the horsepower requirements.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

New York City Fire Pump: An Integral Component of Fire Protection Systems

When it comes to enhancing the pressure of fire protection systems, there is nothing like Aurora fire pumps. They play an integral role in providing accurate pressure and supply against gravitational force. For example, if you want to achieve high water pressure for high-rise buildings, fire pumps are the best solution.

Whether you have standpipes, foam systems, or sprinklers, these fire pumps can boost the pressure of most fire protection systems. They are basically available in three common types: diesel-powered, electric-powered, and steam-turbine fire pumps.

How Does a New York City Fire Pump Work?

The fire pump checks the water pressure of the fire protection system, and when it gets low, the fire pump goes into action and boosts it. Suppose there is an activated sprinkler, which is supposed to discharge water. But there is a leak, and due to that, the pressure drops in the system. As a result, the sprinkler won’t be able to supply the desired water pressure and discharge. This is where the fire pump will drive more water by increasing its pressure.

Fire pumps are usually connected to the local water supply to provide higher water pressure per the need of the fire protection system. They rely on two key features to simplify tasks: a jockey pump and a sensing line.

Jockey Pump

The jockey pump is used to pressurize the fire pump system. For instance, it will fill the system back up when there are leaks. The jockey pump’s pressure should be 110% of the fire pumps pressure. In simpler words, when you have a 1000 gallon-a-minute fire pump at 100 PSI, the jockey pump is sized at 10 gallons-a-minute at 110 PSI.

Sensing Line

The second key feature of the Aurora Fire Pumps is the sensing line, which is going from the high-pressure side of the fire suppression line to the fire pump controller. It should be non-ferrous (brass or copper) and have two check valves or orifices 3/ 32” to stop any sort of water hammer when the fire pump shuts off. In simpler words, they prevent the water pressure from bouncing and slamming up against the transducer, which can cause rupture and failure.

How to Choose the Right New York Fire Pump?

Make sure all fire pumps have proper packing. If the fire pump is a horizontal split case, there will be six rings of packing on both sides of the shaft to keep it lubricated. Whereas, if it’s an Aurora vertical in-line fire pump, the packing will be present on the top side. In addition to the aforementioned things, make sure that when a fire pump starts automatically, it doesn’t stop until you press the red button. This is a new code that states that fire pumps should always start automatically and stop manually. Such necessities apply to all fire pumps.

Where to Find High-Quality Fire Pumps?

Callaghan Pump and Controls Inc. is the authorized supplier of Aurora Fire Pump in NY. We have worked with many brands of fire pumps and therefore, have unparalleled knowledge of the industry. Whether it’s a small 7.5 hp inline or a 5000 GPM split-case electric and diesel fire pump, we are responsible for providing solutions that will help you handle fire protection for any building.

Our expert team is specialized in high-pressure pumps – competent enough to meet the demand of super high-rise buildings. For more than 14 years, we have been passionately serving the greater New York Metropolitan area. We have supplied pumps to some quality projects, including:

- The world’s largest package fire pump system located at JFK.
- The pumps that kept the Lincoln Tunnel dry and open during Super Storm Sandy.
- The pumps for the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Ion Collider.

Why Choose Us?

Because we sell more fire pumps than any distributor in New York, and help engineers and contractors with specifications, all of our PA Variable Booster Pumps pass the required 50%, 100%, and 150% test value at the Aurora pump factory, IL. We even provide their test results with every booster and pump.

Callaghan Pump and Controls Inc. is New York’s most trusted source for pumps, distributing products for Aurora, Carver, Ebara, Gorman Rupp, Hydromatic, Liberty, Sta-Rite, and Yaskawa. Our pumping solutions mainly include:

- - Low water pressure solutions.
  - Advice for sizing of pumps with written specifications.
  - The selling of quality pumps.
  - Upgrades to VFD Controls.

Concluding Thoughts

The fire pumps we supply are suitable for high-rise buildings that have inadequate water pressure, making them an integral component of fire protection systems. So, if you want to control the water pressure of any fire protection system, you can count on us. We are always here to assist you.

For more insights, get in touch with us today!

Solve Water Pressure Problems with Callaghan Pumps and Controls, Inc.

Having low water pressure is frustrating sometimes, isn’t it? It makes it impossible to run the dishwasher and washing machine at the same time. Faucets may take hours to fill the sink and the showerhead may not provide a good flow of water. In short, low water pressure can drastically affect the quality of any task. Since we all rely on water to accomplish all sorts of tasks, it is important to have adequate water pressure. And to fix the low water pressure issue, you really need to have the best solution in place.

In this post, you will discover how to keep your water pressure high without breaking a sweat. Stick with us till the end!

Are you wondering how to increase your water pressure?

Callaghan Pumps and Controls, Inc. can help you sort out your water pressure problems. We offer a variety of products that will definitely improve your home water system and eliminate pressure fluctuations. Our pumps will keep all your water systems running perfectly and smoothly for hours.

Take Connecticut water booster pumps for instance that are especially designed to overcome low water pressure and ease your life. You can install our water booster pumps near the main water pipeline so that the water pressure can be easily enhanced in every faucet and appliance. Our booster pumps act as a centrifugal pump and draw the water in and out with increased force, resulting in high water pressure. These pumps are suitable for any type of well water tank, apartment building, or industry.

As a master distributor of pumps, we supply water pumps in the five boroughs of New York City. We are responsible for selling and distributing high-quality pumps from leading manufacturers, such as Carver, Liberty, Yaskawa, Ebara, Gorman Rupp, and Aurora fire pump, NY.

Whether you are an engineer or contractor, we can easily cater to your pump needs. From Connecticut water booster pumps to fire pumps, there are a variety of options to choose from. On top of that, we ensure that our sizing calculator works properly and satisfies your project needs. Also, if you don’t feel happy with our products, you can replace them without paying any additional charge (excluding freight). Isn’t that amazing?

Top 10 benefits of our water pumps and systems:

1. Increased life of the variable frequency drive (VFD).
2. Hassle-free water pressure 24/7.
3. Responsive to the higher-pressure demand.
4. Pumps won’t run dry.
5. Enhanced home value.
6. Smooth and quiet operation.
7. A variety of pressure settings.
8. Built-in protection.
9. Stainless steel construction
10. Products made for years of operation.

In Addition

We build, program, and test tank fill systems using the same method of variable speed domestic water pumps. But why is a variable speed control used when filling a tank system? According to a new code in New York City, any roof tank that has water in it for domestic or fire protection should be monitored at some points during the year. As concerns may arise when the heating source breaks down for some reason, it is crucial to monitor the temperature of the water.

Callaghan Pump and Controls, Inc. is a trusted supplier of Connecticut water booster pumps and Aurora Fire Pumps, NY. We are currently producing our own systems with the help of Yaskawa drives. Our pumps are suitable for any mechanical room and have stainless steel bases, copper headers, interlocked handles, two circuit breakers (one per drive), two transducers, and much more to ease your job.

Need help? Feel free to talk to us directly.

Low Water Pressure: What Are Its Causes and Solutions?

Have you ever struggled to rinse the shampoo off from your hair? Ever felt like it takes your washing machine ages to wash clothes? Then you have dealt with the nuisance called low water pressure, which can make any simple task annoying.

To overcome the problem, you need to understand the main causes behind low water pressure.

Today, you are going to learn what usually causes low water pressure. In addition, you will also discover how to resolve this issue effectively and efficiently with the help of a New Jersey variable booster pump. Let’s get started!

Reasons why you experience low water pressure

Although there can be numerous reasons for low water pressure, we will look at some of the most common causes. Have a look:

Using too Many Appliances at Once

When you run the washing machine along with the dishwasher, you may experience low water pressure. If you’re doing so, then you need to understand that the more appliances you use at once, the less water pressure you get for all of them. This is one of the most common causes of low water pressure for most people.

Debris Build-up

Over time, calcium, magnesium, and other soluble minerals start accumulating in your water pipes. These minerals can accumulate at a faster rate sometimes, resulting in low water pressure. This process takes place mostly due to the presence of hard water that might result in scale formation over time. Also, if you left the plumbing system sitting there for a longer time without any use, debris build-up will naturally take place.

Corroded Water Pipes

Corrosion is a natural process that can easily restrict water flow in the pipe, causing low water pressure. The process takes place gradually, which means the older the pipe, the higher the chances of corrosion. When you notice the tinted brown or red water with a metallic taste, this is a sign of corrosion. Make sure you consult a plumber in such a case for better understanding.

Shared Water Pipelines

Shared pipelines are used to run water into more than one building. When your neighbor takes a shower or turns the washing machine on, your water pressure automatically reduces because your water supply is divided. As long as your neighbor isn’t using their water supply, you may experience high pressure or vice-versa. That’s what makes water pressure run low in many homes.

Gravity

Sometimes it’s just gravity that lowers the water pressure. The higher the elevation gets, the lower the water pressure becomes. The logic is simple behind this fact: water has its own weight, which is over 8 pounds for one gallon. When water is traveling up several floors, gravity will act in the opposite direction and pull it down. That’s the reason why skyscrapers or apartment buildings with multiple stories need water boosters to pump the water up. So, if your house is in a high-rise building at a very high floor, the low water pressure is sometimes inevitable in that case.

These are the most prominent causes of low water pressure. Now that we know about them, what is the solution here? How do you take care of the above-mentioned problems? Honestly speaking, these problems need different treatments, which can be daunting sometimes. But there is one simple yet effective solution when it comes to increasing the water pressure.

New York City Water Booster Pumps – One-Stop Solution for Low Water Pressure

Whether your water supply is forced to travel uphill or over a big distance from the main water source, installing a high-quality water pressure booster pump is the right thing to do. It is a centrifugal pump that has a rotating impeller to draw the water in and out with increased thrust. Consequently, this process raises the water pressure and eases your life.

A water booster pump is usually installed near the main water pipeline so the water pressure can be improved in every tap and appliance. It can effortlessly boost water pressure throughout your entire house and can also be used by well water users to increase the flow. It is the easiest way to pull water from the well water tank and then pressurize it in the house.

Callaghan Pump and Controls, Inc. is a leading distributor/supplier of water booster pumps in the five boroughs of New York City, and also supplies PA fire pumps in the region. We sell domestic water booster systems that are high in quality and competitive in prices. Although we don’t install these systems, we do sell them to licensed plumbers, engineers, builders, and sprinkler fitters.

Get in touch with us today to know about our PA water booster pumps and water systems.

The Ignoring of Technological Advancements by Engineering in the Pump Business

Why Engineers ignore new technology is beyond my comprehension by John Callaghan

I have the utmost respect for engineers and their profession. But when it comes to their reluctance and avoidance of utilizing new technologies in the pumping business, I just don’t get it. Why is new technology ignored?

Why — is that old school way of doing business is easy. They have taken the information and specifications that have been given to them by someone my age who took the information from someone their age and essentially this goes back to 1970 when these guys were regarded as the greatest engineers of all time. And they probably were for their time.

Consider the technological advancements that have happened since then? Our phones are no longer rotary dial, our phones are no longer landlines, we no longer watch black and white television, we no longer need to watch shows live because we don’t have the means to record – in effect technology has allowed us freedom of time and movement. Why are New York City engineers still specifying pump systems that were invented in 1960?

I have no idea.

If I mention variable speed drive to an engineer, they start breaking out in hives if they were born before 1995. They don’t know them, they don’t understand them. I have engineers, especially HVAC engineers, who will not specify a variable speed drive without a bypass.

The fact is the failure rate is less than 1% and of that 1% all have been due to user error.

The reality is that most engineers don’t know pump systems.

These systems are not something that they learned in their degree programs at college. I am happy to teach about pumps. Call me at 93-632-8036, if you would like to learn. I can teach you in your office, I can teach you at my company building in Hackensack, NJ. I can teach you the simplicity of these variable speed drives.

I don’t care if you are filling a tank or keeping constant pressure on a building or pumping out a tank that holds rainwater. The same drive will work. The transducers will change. Hudson Yards Tower A needs 600 pounds of pressure in the basement to reach the top with 40 pounds on the roof. That was during the construction which is a critical time period for any building and if water goes down during construction, you are only stopping let’s say 900 people from working everyday. I had a contract for Number 1 World Trade Center, commonly known as the Freedom Tower. My contract was to supply constant pressure during the construction for 4 years. How did I do this — through variable speed drives and transducers. If done correctly, these systems are extremely reliable.

Callaghan Pump and Controls, Inc. produces its own variable speed drive pump systems using Yaskawa Drives. These reliable systems will serve your pumping needs utilizing the technological advancements that have been ignored. If you have a system that is kept dry, which we aim for by placing our drives in control panel enclosures and placing the cooling fins which are heat syncs and the fans outside of the control panel and building a cover with vents over top of that. If you have a drive failure within the first two years of operation, I will replace the drive. Call me at 973-632-8036.

Domestic Water Booster Pump Systems in New York

Callaghan Pump and Controls, Inc. is a master distributor of pumps in the five boroughs of New York City. We sell Aurora fire pumps, and we sell Callaghan brand domestic water booster systems and tank filled systems. We do not install these systems but we sell them to licensed plumbers, licensed sprinkler fitters. We help in the selection and sizing of domestic water pumps and we guarantee that our sizing calculator works. If you put in one of our domestic water variable speed pump systems and it does not satisfy your demands we will replace it free of charge (not including freight). Our systems are characterized by some key features.

We only use Yaskawa variable drives. The model is iQpump1000. When we receive the drives from the factory, we cut a hole in the back of the control panel to make sure that the heat sink and the fan to cool the heat sink are outside of the control panel thus increasing the life of the variable frequency drive significantly.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are essentially mini-computers that handle communication within the system. They read a signal from a transducer which is installed in the discharge pipe and it sends a signal to the drive saying, “hey, water pressure is too low, speed up” or “hey, water pressure is too high, slow down,” and if no one is using water, “stop.”

These drives are called smart drives. They have the ability to talk to each other, up to 6 drives. The micro-drives can have up to 4 talking to each other. So if one drive has pump 1 going at full speed and it is not satisfying the demands of the building, a second pump will start. The pumps will work together at the same speed to satisfy demand. If both pumps are going full speed and they are still not meeting pressure (typically 80 psi), a third pump will start.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to use smart drives. There is a lot of technical jargon that goes along with that but what is most important to know when buying drives — a smart drive can interpret the signal from the transducer all by itself and has the ability to call a second, third or fourth pump by itself. Cheap and inexpensive drives require a third party box (a small piece of equipment called a PLC, programmable logic controller) that is a huge red flag. If someone is selling you a domestic water booster system or tank fill that has a PLC in it you are buying 1980s technology. The problem with these systems is that every PLC is programmed differently by different people. If something goes wrong, you are at the mercy of that individual programmer. If he/she is not around, on vacation, or no longer employed by the company, you are out of luck. When you use Yaskawa iQpump1000, there are 15-18 degreed engineers on the technical hotline at Yaskawa that can help walk you through any problem. Simply give them the serial number on the VFD and they can walk through making changes, resetting the drive, etc. They are there to help whatever the situation calls for or needs.

Another advantage of smart drives is your ability to adjust them. If you would like to raise or lower the pressure, you can do that from the keypad or with the additional BART system you can make these changes remotely from your cell phone, laptop, or any similar device with an internet connection.

I have a 50-gallon drum that has already been emptied once and I am now filling it a second time with cheap drives and cheap PLCs from other companies who installed them and in 5-7 years they have failed. I take them out and throw them in the drum to remind myself of the garbage that other people sell. Callaghan Pump will never supply a VFD with a PLC in it. We used to do so until we discovered the invention of smart drives. We switched even though the drives were more expensive. Typically, cheap drives cost between $100 – $200. An intelligent drive, which are produced by a few companies, for a 5hp can run between $800 -$1200, but you don’t need a PLC or the additional wiring. In my opinion, if you keep it simple, the less parts the better, the fewer things to fail. The initial outlay saves future costs of repairs and replacements, as my 50 gallon drum illustrates.

Call us to find out how we can help you with your domestic water booster system needs in New York.

The Reliability of Variable Speed Booster Pump Systems

Callaghan Pump and Controls, Inc. professes the reliability and desirability of variable speed drives for your pumping needs. These systems deliver pressure and water to clients. We currently produce our own systems using Yaskawa drives. These pumps are designed to operate in a mechanical room not in a submersible well. The decision to produce our own systems was the result of a failure of one of our purchased systems at Number 1 World Trade Center, commonly known as the Freedom Tower.

At the time, we were contracted to provide constant pressure during the construction for 4 years. We were a distributor for a company called Quantum Flo. During the time, I am sad to say we had two explosions. Both explosions were due to the manufacturer putting submersible pumps in a pipe and bringing the power outside. To deal with leakage, they put a rubber cork through which they had drilled holes so that they could contain water pressure. When they could not contain it, they decided to place a stainless steel plate behind the rubber cork so that the cork could be compressed more. It was a great idea until it didn’t work.

The next decision was to compress the rubber more by tightening down on the bolt (jam nut). When the jam nut was tightened down, the stainless steel washer was spun. This washer had 4 holes drilled into it for the conductors and when it was spun –BAM! 60 amps, 480 volts, blew up in my face!

I have the wire and jam nut to prove what I am saying. I keep it at my shop. I will show anyone. That is the reason that I started producing Callaghan Pump and Controls variable speed systems. These systems are reliable and safe. We have not had an explosion since we started producing our own systems.

Directions for Installing Sensing Lines in Jockey and Fire Pump Systems

Both fire pump system and jockey pump control panels get their run signal the exact same way through a half inch non-ferrous pipe commonly referred to as a sensing line.

Sensing lines should be piped the exact same way on both the fire and jockey pumps.

Installation of Sensing Lines in Fire Pump Systems

The concept is for the fire and jockey pump control system to sense the pressure through the use of 2 orifices(commonly drilled into ½ “check valves) on each sensing line at a distance of a minimum of 5 feet separation which will reduce water hammer which can damage the electronic transducer and the controller. Each orifice should be drilled into the two check valves on each sensing line for a total of 4. The orifices should be 3/32 inch holes drilled into check valves. These valves should be installed in these pipes without damaging the device used to change water pressure into an electronic signal. The arrow on the check valve must face away from the control panel.

The old method was to connect the sensing lines to mercoid switch, but as you can tell by the name this contained mercury, which is no longer allowed. The manufacturer came out with a mechanical non-mercury switch, but while they were inventing this switch, technology surpassed them and transducers are now the approved method of converting water pressure to an electronic signal. The majority of fire pump control panel manufacturers use electronic transducers to sense pressure. Jockey pump control panels are a little more liberal because jockey pumps are not directly required by code. But the code also states that you cannot use the fire pump to maintain system pressure– therefore, unless you plan to use gravity to maintain pressure, you need the jockey pump even though the code does not require it since system pressure needs to be maintained.

Sizing the jockey pump is a simple procedure. It is strictly 1% of the fire pump’s flow and 110% of the fire pump’s pressure.

Transducers use a small rubber diaphragm, a spring, and an extremely small circuit board which converts the position of the spring to an electronic signal. If the spring is compressed, the pressure is high and if it is relaxed the pressure is low. But because transducers do more than turn the pump on and off, we can also scale the amount of spring compression to give us an effective pressure read out. While these transducers represent a change in fire protection, the method of how we send the system’s pressure to them has not changed. The method of piping to the transducer is the same as it was for the old mercoid style.

The first part is understanding that the jockey pump and the fire pump need to be located on the high-pressure side of the fire pump piping. Generally, the layout will be the pump suction or inlet, the pump discharge or outlet, and then you must pipe onto the fire pump discharge piping a ¾ “casing relief valve. This valve needs to be piped into the discharge side of the fire pump, but it must be installed before the fire pump check valve. If you pipe it after the fire pump check valve it will continue to pump water until the discharge pipe equals the same pressure as the valve was adjusted to. The new casing relief valves that Aurora Pumps uses, Cal-Val Model 55L, are absolutely spectacular. L stands for UL which designates a valve used specifically for fire pump use and is insured for the same purpose. Please note that there is an arrow on this valve which indicates the direction of flow. The arrow points to the drain, not to the pipe.

Do not install any isolation valves on this relief valve. If the valve drips, clean it. You can service it by closing the main isolation valves. If it does not seal completely anywhere in its adjustment range, you must repair it (kits are available) or replace it. It is very important that the discharge of this valve be piped down 3-6 inches into a funnel if an air gap is required or below the pump room drain. Make sure the drain cover or screen has a hole in it so this drain from the valve doesn’t spray all over the place. People get upset when their basements flood. I have seen flooded basements more than once, most recently to the tune of $30,000 in damages. The valve is doing its job when it is dumping water and if it is not piped correctly it can cause flooding and possibly significant resulting damage.

Checklist for Installation of Sensing Lines in Jockey and Fire Pump Systems

Both fire pump and jockey pump sensing lines are piped exactly the same with separate connections.
Non-ferrous material is used for the sensing line (bronze, stainless, or copper).
Both lines have 2 orifices drilled into check valves at least 5 feet apart
Size of the orifice in check valves is 3/32 inch
Arrows on check valves point away from the control panel
Size of sensing lines are ½”
Jockey pump is installed on the high pressure side of the fire pump piping.
Fire pump is installed on the high pressure side of the fire pump piping.
A ¾” casing relief valve has been installed on the discharge side of the fire pump before the fire pump check valve.
The direction of the arrow on the casing relief valve is pointing towards the drain.

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