Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: April 2025
When designing a sprinkler system one of the first decisions a designer has to make is what type of sprinkler system should be installed. Types of sprinkler systems permissible by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, are wet, dry, preaction, and deluge. Other types of extinguishing systems, such as clean agent or water mist, are addressed by other standards. When selecting the appropriate sprinkler system type it is important to first understand the differences between the systems and then to understand how these differences can be beneficial, or detrimental, under certain conditions. Selecting the wrong system type can be costly.
Wet Pipe Systems
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common. In this system the sprinkler piping is constantly filled with water. When the temperature at the ceiling gets hot enough the glass bulb or fusible link in a sprinkler will break. Since the system is already filled with water, water is free to flow out of that sprinkler head. Contrary to what Hollywood would have you think, not all sprinkler heads will operate at once in this type of system. The temperature around that specific sprinkler head needs to be high enough to break the glass bulb or fusible link that is holding water back. Once that happens, water will immediately start flowing from only that head.
Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most reliable and cost effective. Therefore, they should be the first type considered when selecting a sprinkler system. However, there are times when a wet pipe sprinkler system may not be appropriate. One of the major factors in determining if a wet pipe system can be used is the temperature of the space to be protected. Will all areas of the building where the sprinkler piping is
located be conditioned to at least 40OF (4OC) or greater? If the answer is yes, then there is no risk for the water in the piping to freeze and a wet system is the preferred method. However, if the answer is no, an additional study may need to be done to determine if an engineer can prove that although the temperature could drop below 40OF (4OC) it will never drop low enough for the water to freeze. If the temperature of the space cannot be guaranteed to eliminate the risk of freezing water, then a different system type should be chosen.
Source: NFPA
Dry Pipe Systems
Dry pipe systems are very similar to wet pipe systems with one major difference. The pipe is not constantly filled with water. Instead, the water is held behind a dry pipe valve usually some distance away from where the sprinklers are located. Like a wet pipe system, when the temperature at the ceiling becomes hot enough, the glass bulb or fusible link of the sprinkler breaks. However, in this case, water isn’t immediately available because the pipe is not water filled. Instead, air is released from the now open sprinkler head. This creates a drop in pressure causing the dry pipe valve to open and water to fill the system. Water will then flow from the open sprinkler head. Since there is a delay between sprinkler operation and water flow, the size of dry pipe systems is limited. The size limitation is intended to minimize the amount of time water delivery is delayed.
Source: NFPA
A dry pipe system is a great option for unconditioned spaces, or locations where the temperature of the space cannot be guaranteed to be high enough to prevent water in the system from freezing. It is important to note that a least the portion of the building where the water comes in and the dry pipe valve is located will need to have temperatures hot enough to prevent freezing.
Preaction Systems
Of all the sprinkler system types perhaps the most complicated is the preaction system. There are three different types of preaction systems, a non-interlock system, a single interlock system, and a double interlock system. The main difference between preaction systems and wet and dry pipe systems is that a specific event (or events) must happen before water is released into the system. This might sound similar to a dry pipe system, but the differences lie in what event triggers the release of the water:
· For a non-interlock system: the operation of detection devices OR automatic sprinklers
· For a single interlock system: the operation of detection devices
· For a double interlock system: the operation of detection devices AND automatic sprinklers
Source: NFPA
Deluge Systems
Deluge systems are similar to preaction systems in that they use another type of detection for operation. However, the biggest difference is that deluge systems use open sprinklers or nozzles. Instead of getting water flow from individual heads that have operated, once water fills the system, water will flow from every sprinkler head. Much like a preaction system, a deluge valve will keep water from filling the system until the operation of another type of detection system, such as smoke detection. Once that detection system is activated, water not only fills the system but flows from the open sprinklers or nozzles.
Source: NFPA
Each system type has its own unique benefits. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each system type when selecting which sprinkler system is appropriate for your specific environment.
FireWatch: World Updates, April 2025
A devastating fire swept through an overcrowded nightclub in North Macedonia early Sunday, claiming the lives of 59 people and injuring 155 others as panic erupted during a live concert. The incident has drawn national scrutiny toward corruption within the small Balkan nation, with authorities detaining 15 individuals in connection with the tragedy.
Health Minister Arben Taravari warned that the death toll could rise, noting that 20 of the injured remain in critical condition. In response, the government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning. The fire broke out before dawn in the eastern town of Kocani, where many of the victims—predominantly young people—suffered from severe burns, smoke inhalation, and injuries caused by a stampede toward the nightclub's only exit.
Footage captured pyrotechnics on stage igniting the ceiling, followed by chaotic scenes as the crowd struggled to flee. Musicians urged people to escape as the venue filled with smoke. Marija Taseva, 19, who had been attending a local pop concert at Club Pulse, recounted the terrifying moments: “We even tried to get out through the bathroom, only to find bars on the windows,” she told The Associated Press. “I somehow got out. I fell down the stairs and got trampled... I barely made it out alive and could hardly breathe.” Taseva sustained facial injuries in the chaos.
The blaze caused part of the roof of the single-story structure to collapse, exposing charred beams and debris. Police secured the area and launched a joint investigation with state prosecutors. Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said 15 people were being held for questioning, revealing that the club lacked the necessary operating license. He also stated that the venue was at least twice over its permitted capacity of 250 people. “We have reason to suspect bribery and corruption in this case,” Toshkovski added, though he did not provide further details.
Ruhrpumpen´s Spotlight: April 2025
Currently, the combined capacity of the existing vaporizers inside an LNG Energy Center in Northern US, is insufficient to meet the forecasted peak demand for upcoming winters. Therefore, 2 new vaporizers were built to keep providing gas services to customers in the community, when the weather is coldest, which avoids the need to shut down gas service leaving customers in the cold.
When emergencies occur, it is better to be prepared. In case that happens, you want to be able to rely on the efficiency of your firefighting equipment to ensure the adequate water supply at required pressure. Our industrial fire pumps are available in electric motor or diesel engine driven configurations. They can be skid mounted fire pumps or fully housed packaged systems ready for installation.
During the assembly process each pump goes through meticulous production controls, inspections, and tests. We use advanced testing techniques and measure with precise calibration instruments that enable us to accurately inspect every fire suppression equipment. We guarantee that the operation of each Fire Pump complies with the required standards, NFPA-20 and UL/FM.
The fire water pump package delivered this month consisted of two (2) vertical, three-stage pumps of model 28C-980. Each pump featured a 28-inch bowl with three stages and was engineered for high durability and performance in demanding fire protection applications.
Key Specifications:
· Pump Type: Vertical, 3-stage (Model 28C-980)
· Bowl Size & Configuration: 28" diameter, 3 stages
· Pump Construction Material: Super Duplex Stainless Steel
· Bowl Material: Super Duplex Stainless Steel
· Impeller Material: Super Duplex Stainless Steel
· Discharge Nozzle Assembly: 18" Carbon Steel nozzle head with all wetted parts constructed from Super Duplex Stainless Steel
This configuration ensures superior resistance to corrosion, especially in harsh environments, while maintaining high operational efficiency and reliability in critical fire protection systems.
Find more information about our vertical pumps clicking here
Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: March 2025
Electrical safety is a critical responsibility for everyone involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. NFPA offers knowledge and training resources on three essential codes and standards—known as the Electrical Cycle of Safety™ (ECoS™)—to help ensure a safe, reliable, and effective approach to achieving comprehensive electrical safety.
When used collectively, these codes complete the Electrical Cycle of Safety. Where just one is missing, it could result in preventable incidents that put people, property, and critical processes at risk.
Let's see them one by one:
Install with NFPA 70 (NEC).
NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®): The benchmark for electrical design and installation for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The NEC is updated every three years—staying in sync with industry practices, emerging trends, and the development and introduction of new technologies—and sets the foundation for safe electrical design and installation to help protect people and property from electrical hazards.
Maintain with NFPA 70B
NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance: Details preventive maintenance for electrical, electronic, and communications systems and equipment. NFPA 70B helps prevent electrical failures and contributes to electrical safety with guidance on establishing a condition of maintenance for electrical equipment and systems, which is required by NFPA 70E. When businesses apply the requirements in NFPA 70B—in conjunction with those in the NEC and NFPA 70E—they can help avoid preventable downtime of key electrical equipment, systems, and core processes, all while helping to ensure employees stay safe.
Protect with NFPA 70E
NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®: Provides safe work practices to help protect employees by reducing exposure to electrical risks. NFPA 70E is a key asset in helping to prevent injuries and assisting in safeguarding employees by working to mitigate hazards like shock, arc flash, and electrical fires. NFPA 70B and NFPA 70E are particularly interconnected through the "condition of maintenance" requirement in both, since electrical equipment that isn’t well maintained poses safety risks to employees and, in some cases, even the public.
Ensuring electrical safety is a fundamental responsibility that must be prioritized at every stage of an electrical system’s lifecycle, from initial design and installation to ongoing maintenance and operational procedures. The Electrical Cycle of Safety™ (ECoS™), which incorporates NFPA 70, NFPA 70B, and NFPA 70E, provides a comprehensive framework to safeguard both people and property from electrical hazards, as we mentioned above. These standards work together to establish a robust system of electrical safety, where each code plays a vital role in achieving a safe and reliable electrical environment.
By applying these standards collectively, organizations can create a safe work environment, ensuring that electrical systems are not only functioning properly but are also well-maintained and free from hazards that could harm employees, disrupt operations, or cause significant property damage. It highlights the importance of ongoing attention to electrical systems to prevent safety incidents. Ultimately, the commitment to following these codes leads to a more resilient, efficient, and secure workplace, safeguarding employees, critical processes, and infrastructure from preventable electrical risks.
Did you know Ruhrpumpen is a proud NFPA member?
As per NFPA-20, each pump is tested at our manufacturing facilities to provide detailed performance data and to demonstrate its compliance with the required specifications.
Download the Fire Systems Brochure to find more details of our pumps and systems.
FireWatch: World Updates, March 2025
Recently, Monterrey, Mexico, has been grappling with a series of devastating fires. Over 200 fires were reported across the metropolitan area, primarily due to strong winds and a cold front. The fires have affected various municipalities, including Monterrey, García, and Santa Catarina.
The fires began in vacant lots and quickly spread to nearby areas, causing significant damage. In Monterrey, a forest fire on Cerro del Topo Chico mountain affected three hectares and was 50% contained. In Santa Catarina, flames damaged 23 hectares along the García highway, starting in a vacant lot and spreading to a car lot and an auto parts store. García saw 20 hectares consumed by fire, which also originated in a vacant lot and spread to several companies’ buildings.
Authorities, including the National Guard, the Phoenix Brigade, and the Civil Protection, have been working tirelessly to extinguish the fires. Despite the extensive damage, there have been no reports of injuries. However, the fires have worsened air quality, prompting the Environment Ministry to expand the state’s environmental contingency alert.
The situation remains critical, with firefighters continuing their efforts to control the remaining active fires. Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor activities until conditions improve. So far, 10 people have been arrested as suspects in some incidents. While authorities have not elaborated on what role these suspects might have played in the fires, the state of Nuevo León does have a law requiring vacant lots to be cleared by certain legal deadlines.
Noncompliant landowners can find their lots cleared by the city and face a fine. As a result, it´s a commonly known practice across México for landowners to cheaply comply with such laws by setting their lots on fire. One of the three yearly deadlines for the state of Nuevo León to clear vacant lots is in March.
Monterrey is the capital city of Nuevo León, one of México´s wealthiest and most industrialized states. It is a central business hub, home to some of the largest companies in México and has a high concentration of manufacturing and industrial activities with a significant contributions to the nation´s economy. Its strategic location near the US border facilitates international trade, while its strong infrastructure supports various manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the presence of world-class universities and a skilled workforce contribute to its innovative and competitive edge.
Ruhrpumpen´s Spotlight: March 2025
Power plants under construction around the world follow strict health and safety controls and regulations. The NFPA and the Industrial Fire Protection Association focuses on helping to improve safety in refineries, mills, mines, utilities, and other manufacturing environments.
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Ruhrpumpen Fire Systems and its fire protection pump packages are the most reliable pumps for fighter fighting applications delivering outstanding fire suppression pumping systems. When emergencies occur, it’s better to be prepared. In case that happens, you want to be able to rely on the efficiency of your firefighting equipment to ensure the adequate water supply at required pressure.
Ruhrpumpen is a world leading specialist in the design and manufacture of fire protection pump packages. Our durable fire water pumps offer a reliable solution to thousands of commercial, residential and industrial facilities worldwide.
We are getting ready to ship another Pre-Engineered packaged system with enclosure that includes two ZW Horizontal Split Case Pumps, one electric motor driven and one driven by a UL/FM diesel engine. Our ZW pump is a horizontal, between bearings, single stage, axially split centrifugal pump. Its innovative design allows a more compact installation and ensure perfect alignment. Built according to the Hydraulic Institute (HI) standard (BB1 type).
The electric fire water pump includes a UL electric motor drive, induction type, with 150hp / 3550 rpm. Additionally, includes an across the line, 60Hz, Tornatech control panel, UL Listed / FM Approved with a NEMA 4X enclosure. All mounted on a steel baseplate certified with its performance test and a hydrostatic pressure test.
The diesel fire water pump has a UL & FM diesel engine rated at 175hp @2350 rpm. A double-wall diesel tank, UL-142 listed, and all accessories and valves as per NFPA-20 included too.
Visit our Fire Pump House page to see more details about this product, click here.