FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical answers from FB engineering
What is a fire pump skid?+
It is the complete fire network pressurization package — main pump, jockey pump, control panels, pressure switches, valves and internal piping — assembled, aligned and tested at the factory on a single structural metal base. Instead of assembling component by component on site, the client receives a unit ready to connect to suction, network and power supply.
What does a "certified" fire pump skid mean?+
There is no single "certified skid" seal in Brazil — what the Fire Department inspection and the insurer verify is the package compliance with NFPA 20 and NBR 16704, proven by documentation: factory-certified pump curve, package FAT report, project ART and technical dossier. FB Bombas delivers this complete documentation package with each skid.
Which components are included in the skid?+
FBCN centrifugal main pump (electric, diesel or both), jockey pump, dedicated control panels, two-level calibrated pressure switches, pressure tank, valves (gate, check, relief), filters, gauges and internal piping in carbon or stainless steel on a structural base with lifting lugs. On diesel versions: fuel tank, 2 × 12V batteries, directed exhaust and metal cover.
Electric, diesel or combined skid — which to choose?+
It depends on the occupancy risk classification and power reliability. Electric: lowest operating cost, requires redundant supply. Diesel: independent from the grid, with automatic weekly test per NFPA 20. Electric + diesel: total redundancy with two independent panels — required in high-criticality projects. The hydraulic design and the applicable Technical Instruction define the configuration.
What is the difference between the skid and a conventional pump house?+
A conventional pump house is built and assembled in the field: masonry, piping, pumps and panels installed by different crews over weeks. The skid concentrates the whole hydraulic-electrical package pre-assembled at the factory and reduces civil works to the shelter and interconnections. Commissioning drops from 4-6 weeks to 3-5 business days, with a single technical owner for the package.
How long does the fire pump skid take to be ready?+
Skid with standard FBCN pump: shortest lead time, including design, manufacturing, bench FAT and complete documentation. Custom configurations with special materials take longer. Lead time is confirmed at quotation and includes the acceptance dossier (certified curve, FAT report, manual, parts list and AS-BUILT).
Does the skid meet my state Fire Department Technical Instruction?+
State Technical Instructions reference the ABNT standards (NBR 16704, NBR 13714, NBR 10897) and NFPA 20 as design basis — the FB Bombas skid is sized by these standards and delivered with the documentation the inspection requests. FB engineering reviews the hydraulic design and the Technical Instruction applicable to the occupancy during the technical briefing, before manufacturing.
How to request a fire pump skid quote?+
Send the hydraulic design data: design flow and pressure (m³/h or lpm × mca), network type (hydrants, sprinklers or mixed), required driver configuration (electric, diesel or combined) and the applicable Technical Instruction. FB Bombas engineering sizes the package, issues the technical proposal and follows through to inspection approval — direct factory quote.