Every highrise building shall be equipped with two primary fire pumps, one electric and one diesel. Each pump shall be capable of supplying five hundred (500) gpm for the first standpipe and two hundred fifty (250) gpm for each additional required standpipe, not to exceed two thousand five hundred (2500) gpm at a minimum of one hundred (100) psi at the top most outlet, plus fire sprinkler demand.
Secondary fire pumps shall be required in two hundred seventy-five (275) foot high intervals. When secondary fire pumps are required they shall be so placed as to divide the upper portion of the building into equal sections. Under no condition shall any fire pump be required to pump more than two hundred seventy-five (275) feet vertically.
Piping systems shall not be subjected to pressures greater than those for which the system has been designed and tested. Piping tests shall be at pressure at least fifty (50) pounds more than the maximum pressure that will be required to deliver the required water throughout the building. (N.F.P.A. 13, 1-11.2.1) Where it is necessary to install a fire pump above the ground level, the fire pump shall be electrically driven and have its feeder conductors installed in rigid metal conduit that is located in a totally protected area, or shaft that has a minimum fire resistant rating of two hours. (Prior code §§ 9.28.1273, 15.17.1701)