NFPA 20 fire pump starting systems
The NFPA 20 standard is an American set of guidelines determined by the National Fire Protection Association that rules on the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection.
NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection) is one of the most widely referenced standards governing fire pump systems worldwide. If you operate in fire protection, especially in oil & gas, marine, power generation, industrial facilities, and other high‑risk environments, NFPA 20 strongly influences how fire pumps are specified, installed, and maintained.
For diesel-driven fire pumps in particular, NFPA 20’s intent is clear: the pump must start reliably, every time, under emergency conditions. That requirement makes the starting system a critical part of compliance.
What is nfpa 20?
- Fire pump types and drivers (electric motor and diesel engine)
- Installation requirements (layout, ventilation, fuel supply, exhaust, etc.)
- Acceptance testing and performance verification
- Ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance considerations
New to the standard? Our guide explains what NFPA 20 means for fire pump engine starting in plain English.
engine starting reliability and it’s relevance to nfpa 20
A fire pump is not a convenience system, it is a crucial line of defence. NFPA 20 is written around the reality that, during a fire event:
- Power may be unstable or unavailable
- Conditions may be harsh (heat, smoke, vibration)
- The system may sit idle for long periods, then be required instantly
The limits of battery starting
Most diesel fire pump engines start on batteries. Batteries are familiar and cost effective, but they have well known failure modes that matter a great deal on a system that has to work on the first attempt:
- Discharge over time, especially on installations that are rarely exercised.
- Reduced performance in the cold, exactly when cranking demand is highest.
- Corrosion and connection faults that can go unnoticed between inspections.
- Maintenance dependency, which is a real risk on remote or unmanned sites.
None of this rules batteries out, but it does explain why engineers working on critical pumps look for starting methods that do not depend on a charged battery being available at the moment of truth.
Diesel fire pumps: where non-electric starting fits
- Electrical infrastructure is limited
- Electrical reliability is a concern
- The risk profile demands independence from the electrical supply
- Degradation over time
- Charging system issues
- Temperature sensitivity
- Poor maintenance practices
- Corrosion, loose connections, or human error
Hydraulic starting
A hydraulic starting system uses stored hydraulic engine to crank the engine via a hydraulic starter motor.
Hydraulic starting is a popular option for NFPA 20 projects, because:
- They are very robust in harsh environments
- They have a high cranking torque
- They are well-suited where electrical systems are undesirable or unreliable
There are clear specifications around hydraulic starting in the NFPA 20 regulations, such as:
- 11.2.7.3.11 When used as the only or primary cranking system, the capacity of the hydraulic cranking system shall provide not fewer than twelve cranking cycles of not less than 15 seconds each (capacity for 180 seconds of total crank time).
- 11.2.7.3.11.1 The total capacity shall be provided from two separate, equally sized accumulator systems.
air starting
An air starting system uses compressed air to crank the engine via an air starter.
They’re a common option for NFPA 20 applications, because:
- They’re ideal in industrial environments with existing air systems
- It’s simple, proven technology with straightforward operation
- They’re extremely reliable and rugged
There are key specifications regarding air starting in the NFPA 20 guidelines, including:
- 11.2.7.4.4.2 Where used as the only or primary cranking system, the air supply container shall be sized for 180 seconds of continuous cranking without recharging.
- 11.2.7.4.4.3 Where used as the only or primary cranking system, the total capacity shall be provided from two separate, equally sized air supply containers A and B.
We can talk you through the full requirements and specify a system that complies.
Choosing a starter for an NFPA 20 fire pump engine
The right choice depends on the engine and the installation rather than the standard alone. The questions worth working through are:
- Engine size and cranking torque required to start reliably from cold.
- Available power source on site, whether that is stored air or hydraulic pressure.
- Environment, including temperature extremes and whether the location is hazardous or unmanned.
- Redundancy strategy, and whether the non-electric starter is the primary method or a backup to batteries.
Not sure which starter fits your engine? Tell us the engine make, model and application and our team will recommend the right non-electric starting solution. Request a quote.
Choosing Powerstart
When NFPA 20 compliance is on the line, “should start” isn’t good enough. Hydraulic and air starting systems give diesel fire pump packages a robust, non-electric route to dependable cranking power, helping reduce reliance on batteries, chargers, and vulnerable electrical connections.
Whether you need the high-torque resilience of hydraulic starting or the proven simplicity of air starting, Powerstart can help you specify a solution built for real-world conditions and long-term readiness, so your fire protection system is prepared when it matters most.