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A fire-fighting engine-driven pump is not chosen like a dewatering pump: it must deliver pressure as well as flow, connect to your hoses and have a sufficient water supply. This guide gives the general method; the requirements applicable to your site are a matter for your insurer, the fire and rescue service (SDIS) and the manufacturer’s manual.
Flow rate and pressure: two different notions
The flow rate (in m³/h; 1 m³/h is about 16.7 l/min) is the volume of water delivered per minute or per hour. The pressure (in bar; 1 bar is about 10 mWC) is what lets the water reach the nozzle and form a jet. Both are linked on the pump curve: the more pressure you ask for, the lower the available flow rate.
A dewatering pump, designed to empty water, generally delivers a lot of flow but little pressure: it is not suitable for feeding a nozzle. For fire fighting, look at a fire-fighting engine-driven pump, a portable fire-fighting engine-driven pump or a fire prevention engine-driven pump, and read on the product page the flow rate at working pressure, not the maximum flow rate.
Couplings and hoses: one system along the whole line
Several coupling systems coexist: DSP, Storz, Guillemin, Keyser… They are not compatible with each other without an adapter. Before buying, identify the system and the diameter of your hoses, of your hydrants or water outlets, and of the equipment the emergency services would use on your site. The guide Guillemin, Storz and DSP couplings helps you recognise them.
- Fire hoses (including lay-flat fire hoses) are chosen according to diameter, length and working pressure.
- Fire hose couplings and Storz couplings must match those of the pump, the hose and the fire lance.
- Every metre of hose uses up pressure (friction losses): the longer or narrower the line, the less pressure is left at the nozzle.
Water supply and suction: autonomy first
An engine-driven pump is only useful if it has water. The source (pond, tank, cistern, natural water point) must be accessible and its volume known. Like any surface pump, it draws in practice 6 to 8 m at most, and less efficiently the lower the water: plan a clear suction area, a reinforced suction hose, a strainer and a valve.
Worked example
A 60 m³ supply and a pump used at 30 m³/h give about 2 hours of autonomy (60 ÷ 30). If the supply is not refilled, this time shrinks quickly at a higher flow rate. The mistake to avoid: buying a powerful pump without checking that the couplings are compatible and that the water supply is sufficient.
Private individual or professional: which solution for your situation?
The equipment depends on the site, the risk and the planned organisation. This table gives general guidelines; what is required for your activity must be confirmed with your insurer and the SDIS.
| Solution | Typical use | To check |
|---|---|---|
| Portable engine-driven pump | Farm, property, building site, quick response | Weight, flow rate at working pressure, access to water |
| Engine-driven pump on a fire-fighting trailer | Large site, moving between several water points | Towing, covered storage, hoses on board |
| Booster or fire-fighting system | Fixed installation, continuous supply | Water source, electrical or engine power |
| RIA fire hose reel | Buildings, use by staff | Connection to the mains, regular maintenance |
Whichever you choose, test the equipment regularly, unroll and inspect the hoses, run the engine and check the fuel, the oil and the battery. These operations are carried out according to the manufacturer’s manual.
In short, here is the selection method in 5 steps:
- Ask for the requirements from your insurer and the SDIS: flow rate, duration, type of couplings, location.
- Identify the water supply: volume, access, suction height.
- Set the flow rate and pressure needed at the nozzle, then add the friction losses of the line.
- Choose the type of equipment: portable, on a trailer or fixed installation.
- Equip the line: hoses, compatible couplings, nozzle, suction, and plan periodic tests.
Frequently asked questions
Will a fire-fighting engine-driven pump satisfy my insurer?
Only your insurer can tell you what it requires for your site, and the SDIS for what concerns the emergency services. Ask for these requirements in writing before buying, then compare them with the specifications on the product page and the manual.
Can a dewatering pump be used to fight a fire?
Generally not: this type of pump is designed for flow, not for the pressure needed at a nozzle. Check the pressure delivered on the product page and prefer a model designed for fire fighting.
How much hose can I unroll?
It depends on the diameter, the working pressure and the height difference: every metre of hose costs pressure at the nozzle. Calculate the friction losses or ask our team for advice before putting your line together.
Going further
Fire-fighting engine-driven pumpsModels designed to deliver pressure and flow to a nozzle.Fire-fighting equipmentHoses, couplings, lances, trailers and accessories.Fire hose couplingsTo assemble the line without leaks or incompatibility.Guillemin, Storz and DSP couplingsRecognise and match coupling systems.Choosing an engine-driven pumpPetrol or diesel, flow rate, head and priming.