What is one characteristic of fire pumps in a sprinkler system?

In a sprinkler system, fire pumps play a crucial role in boosting water pressure and ensuring adequate flow for effective firefighting. One of their defining characteristics is their versatility in operational modes. Fire pumps can be configured to operate either automatically or manually, depending on the specific requirements of the system and the environment in which they are installed.

Automatic fire pumps are designed to activate based on specific triggers, such as a drop in water pressure or an activation signal from fire detection systems. Conversely, manual fire pumps require human intervention to operate. This adaptability allows for greater flexibility in response to different fire protection needs and conditions.

In contrast, stating that fire pumps can only be manual or that they are always automatic overlooks this essential flexibility, while the notion that they do not require maintenance is incorrect because regular maintenance is critical to ensure their proper functioning and reliability.