What is another name for pressure maintenance pumps in sprinkler systems?

Pressure maintenance pumps, commonly referred to as jockey pumps, play a crucial role in sprinkler systems by maintaining adequate pressure within the system. These pumps are responsible for responding to minor pressure fluctuations and ensuring that the system remains at the required operating pressure without the need for the primary fire pump to activate unnecessarily.

Jockey pumps are typically smaller and are designed to kick in when the system pressure drops slightly, such as during the opening of a sprinkler head or the operation of a fire protection system component. By maintaining consistent pressure, jockey pumps help prevent wear and tear on the main fire pump and ensure a more efficient response during an actual fire event.

This function is vital for the reliability of the fire protection system, as it helps maintain readiness and effectiveness without needing to engage larger, more power-demanding pumps consistently.