Why are jockey pumps important in fire protection systems?

Jockey pumps play a crucial role in fire protection systems primarily because they help maintain system pressure. In any fire protection system, it is vital to ensure that the water pressure remains steady to effectively distribute water when needed. Minor leaks can occur in the system due to various reasons, such as wear and tear or environmental factors. If these leaks go unchecked, they can lead to a drop in pressure, which can compromise the effectiveness of the entire fire protection system during an emergency.

The jockey pump automatically starts to compensate for the pressure loss caused by these minor leaks, thus maintaining the operating pressure of the system. This ensures that when a fire occurs, the system is fully prepared and capable of delivering the necessary water flow to fight the fire effectively. The addition of a jockey pump also improves the overall reliability of the system, providing a proactive solution to pressure management.

In summary, the importance of jockey pumps lies in their ability to prevent pressure drops that could hinder the performance of fire suppression systems, making them an essential component in ensuring fire safety.