What is the difference between a jockey pump and a main fire pump?

The main fire pump delivers the flow rate and pressure required for firefighting (hundreds of m³/h). The jockey pump is much smaller (1% of the main pump flow) and serves only to maintain static pressure when there is no fire. The jockey operates frequently in short cycles; the main pump operates only during an actual emergency.

Why can the jockey pump not be eliminated from the design?

Without the jockey pump, any microscopic leak in the network (normal in systems with hundreds of joints) would cause pressure drop and repetitive activation of the main fire pump, wearing it out prematurely. When a real fire occurs, the main pump may have compromised service life.

Can the jockey pump be a centrifugal pump?

Yes. The jockey pump is typically a vertical multistage centrifugal pump in stainless steel (304 or 316), sized for low flow rate and high pressure. FB Bombas supplies jockey pumps as an integrated part of their fire protection skids, with control panel, valves, and instrumentation already configured.

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FB Bombas industrial facility in Cabreúva-SP, Brazil

TECHNICAL GUIDE

Fire System PressurizationJockey Pump

Everything about jockey pumps: role in fire protection systems, sizing (1% of main pump flow per NFPA 20), setpoints and applicable standards.

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Quick answer

What is a jockey pump?
A jockey pump (or pressurizing pump) is the fire-fighting system component that maintains the network's static pressure between two narrow setpoints, compensating for small leaks in joints, valves and sprinklers. It operates automatically and prevents the main pump from being triggered by pressure drops. Reference standards: NFPA 20 and ABNT NBR 16704.
How to size a jockey pump?
NFPA 20 (section A.4.26) recommends sizing the jockey pump at approximately 1% of the main pump flow. Example: a 500 GPM (113 m³/h) main pump requires a ~5 GPM (1.1 m³/h) jockey. The jockey pressure should be 5 to 10 psi above the main pump shutoff pressure.
Difference between jockey and main fire pump?
The main pump provides flow and pressure for fire-fighting (hundreds of m³/h). The jockey is much smaller (1% of main flow) and maintains static pressure when there is no fire. The jockey operates frequently in short cycles of a few minutes. The main pump only operates in real emergencies, when there is significant water demand.
Why can't the jockey pump be eliminated?
Without a jockey, any microscopic leak in the network (normal in systems with hundreds of joints) would cause pressure drops and repetitive main pump activation. This premature wear compromises the main pump's lifespan — when a real fire occurs, it may fail. That is why NFPA 20 and NBR 16704 require a jockey in every fixed fire-fighting system.

How to Size

Technical criteria for correct specification

Flow Rate

Approximately 1% of main pump flow (NFPA 20 A.4.26). Example: 500 GPM main pump = ~5 GPM jockey. Must be sufficient to compensate normal network leaks.

Pressure

Jockey shutoff pressure must be 5-10 psi (0.35-0.7 bar) above main pump shutoff pressure. This ensures the jockey maintains network pressure without interfering with main pump start logic.

Construction

Vertical multi-stage centrifugal in stainless steel AISI 304 or 316. Vertical configuration saves space on the skid. Multiple stages provide high pressure at low flow — exactly the jockey profile.

Motor

Electric, typically 1-5 hp. Direct start for motors up to 7.5 hp or soft-starter for higher powers. Three-phase 220/380/440V per installation. Thermal protection mandatory.

What Is a Jockey Pump?

Function, sizing and importance in fire systems

Fire protection system with jockey pump — FB Bombas

The jockey pump (or pressure maintenance pump) is a fire protection system component whose function is to maintain the static pressure of the network between two narrow setpoints, compensating for small leaks in joints, valves and sprinklers. It operates automatically and prevents the main pump from unnecessary starts.

Sized at approximately 1% of the main pump flow (NFPA 20 A.4.26), the jockey is typically a vertical multi-stage centrifugal pump in stainless steel 304 or 316. FB Bombas supplies jockey pumps as an integrated part of fire fighting skids, with control panel, valves and instrumentation pre-configured.

Flow: ~1% of main pump (NFPA 20 A.4.26)

Pressure: 5-10 psi above main pump shutoff

Construction: vertical multi-stage, SS 304/316

Operation: automatic via pressure setpoints

How Does a Jockey Pump Work?

Automatic pressure maintenance cycle

Leak Detection

Small leaks in joints, valves and sprinklers cause gradual pressure drop in the network. The pressure switch continuously monitors and detects when pressure reaches the lower setpoint (jockey start point).

Auto-Start

Upon reaching the lower setpoint, the control panel starts the jockey pump automatically. It restores network pressure with small flow (~1% of main), compensating the leak without activating the fire pump.

Auto-Stop

When pressure reaches the upper setpoint (typically 5-10 psi above main pump shutoff), the jockey stops. If pressure keeps dropping after jockey starts, it indicates real demand — the panel activates the main pump.

Jockey vs. Main Pump

Fundamental differences between the two devices

Criteria	Jockey	Main Pump
Function	Maintain static pressure	Fire fighting
Flow rate	~1% of main (1-5 GPM)	100% (500-2500 GPM)
Pressure	5-10 psi above main	System rated pressure
Operating frequency	Short daily cycles	Emergency only
Motor	1-5 hp electric	25-500 hp electric or diesel
Cost	5-10% of total system	Main component

Standards & Regulations

NFPA 20, NBR 16704 and installation requirements

NFPA 20

Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. Defines requirements for jockey, main and standby pumps. Section A.4.26 specifies jockey sizing at ~1% of main pump flow.

NBR 16704

Brazilian standard for stationary fire protection pump installation. Aligned with NFPA 20, requires automatic pressure maintenance pump with setpoint logic and independent control panel.

Setpoint Logic

Lower setpoint (jockey start) > main pump start setpoint > standby start setpoint. Upper setpoint (jockey stop) must be 5-10 psi above main pump shutoff. Prevents conflict between pumps.

Control Panel

Dedicated or integrated panel. Must have run/fault indication, manual/auto mode and motor thermal protection. Independent power supply from normal grid (generator or dedicated circuit).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a jockey pump?

How to size a jockey pump?

NFPA 20 (section A.4.26) recommends sizing the jockey pump at approximately 1% of the main pump flow. Example: if the main pump is 500 GPM (113 m3/h), the jockey should be ~5 GPM (1.1 m3/h). Jockey pressure must be sufficient to reach the system upper setpoint — typically 5-10 psi above main pump shutoff pressure.

What is the difference between jockey pump and main fire pump?

The main pump provides the flow and pressure needed for fire fighting (hundreds of m3/h). The jockey pump is much smaller (1% of main flow) and only maintains static pressure when there is no fire. The jockey operates frequently in short cycles; the main pump operates only in real emergencies.

What standards regulate jockey pumps?

The main standards are NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection) and NBR 16704 (Stationary pump installation for fire protection). Both require automatic pressure maintenance pump with setpoint logic and independent control panel.

Why can't the jockey pump be eliminated from the project?

Without the jockey, any microscopic leak in the network (normal in systems with hundreds of joints) would cause pressure drops and repetitive main pump starts, wearing it prematurely. When a real fire occurs, the main pump may have compromised service life.

Can a jockey pump be centrifugal?

Yes. The jockey pump is typically a vertical multi-stage centrifugal pump in stainless steel (304 or 316), sized for low flow and high pressure. FB Bombas supplies jockey pumps as an integrated part of fire fighting skids, with control panel, valves and instrumentation pre-configured.

What does continuous jockey pump operation mean?

If the jockey pump operates continuously without stopping, it signals a significant system leak — larger than the jockey's replenishment capacity. Investigate immediately: check open sprinklers, leaking valves, damaged joints. Normal jockey operates in short cycles of a few minutes.

How much does a fire jockey pump cost?

Jockey pump cost varies by flow, pressure, material and panel configuration. FB Bombas supplies the complete system (jockey + main + diesel + panel) as an integrated skid. Request a quote with your project data for specific pricing.