Why is weekly fire pump testing required under AS 2941?

AS 2941 (Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems) requires weekly testing of fire pumps to ensure they are ready to operate when needed. Fire pumps may sit idle for weeks or months between activations. Weekly testing confirms the pump starts correctly on automatic signal, runs at rated speed, produces adequate pressure, and that the diesel engine (if fitted) is in serviceable condition. Without regular testing, issues such as dead batteries, seized components, low fuel or controller faults may go undetected until an emergency.

What pressures should I expect during a weekly fire pump test?

During a weekly test, the suction pressure should be stable and positive (typically 20-100 kPa depending on suction arrangement). The discharge pressure at no-flow (churn) should be close to the pump nameplate shutoff pressure. When running at rated speed with the test header open, discharge pressure should meet or exceed the rated pressure on the pump nameplate. Record both suction and discharge pressures each week and compare to the original acceptance test data. A sustained drop in discharge pressure may indicate impeller wear, blockage or valve issues.

What is the difference between testing a diesel and electric fire pump?

Diesel fire pumps require additional checks: automatic start within 10 seconds, engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks if fitted), and fuel level. Diesel pumps are designed to operate independently of mains power, so battery and fuel readiness are critical. Electric fire pumps are simpler to test but require verification of the transfer switch (to confirm the pump starts on backup power if mains fails) and phase reversal protection. Both types require a minimum 30-minute run at rated speed.

Free fire pump weekly test procedure

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Free fire pump weekly test procedure per AS 2941 (PDF-ready). Covers pump start test, suction/discharge pressure, diesel engine checks, jockey pump and controller alarms. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-03-26

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 26 March 2026

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What is a fire pump weekly test procedure?

A weekly fire pump test is a routine operational check required under AS 2941 (Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems). The test confirms that the fire pump starts correctly on both automatic and manual signal, runs at rated speed for a minimum of 30 minutes, produces adequate suction and discharge pressure, and that all supporting systems (diesel engine, jockey pump, controller alarms, suction tank) are functioning. The weekly test is an observation and recording procedure, not a maintenance event. Fluid changes, component replacement and performance curve testing are reserved for the annual service. The test takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and should be performed by a competent person familiar with the fire pump installation.

Benefits of using this fire pump weekly test procedure

Regulatory compliance: AS 2941 and state building regulations require weekly fire pump testing. Documented test records demonstrate compliance during fire safety audits.
Operational readiness: fire pumps may sit idle between activations. Weekly testing confirms the pump will start and run when needed in an emergency.
Early fault detection: recording pressures, engine data and controller alarms each week reveals trends and catches issues (dead batteries, low fuel, pressure drop) before they become critical failures.
Insurance requirements: many property insurance policies require documented evidence of weekly fire pump testing as a condition of cover.
Diesel engine health: running the diesel engine for 30 minutes each week prevents fuel degradation, battery discharge and component seizure from extended idle periods.
Accountability: a signed test record creates a clear audit trail of who tested the pump, when, and what was observed.

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When you digitise fire pump service procedures in MapTrack, you get:

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Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
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Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
Electronic signatures.
Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
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Trigger work orders automatically when a fault is logged during an inspection.
Track service intervals by hours, kilometres or calendar date in one place.
Attach supplier invoices and parts receipts to each maintenance record.

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What to include in a fire pump weekly test procedure

This fire pump weekly test procedure covers 5 key areas:

Pump start tests: start on automatic signal, verify start within 10 seconds (diesel), start on manual, run at rated speed for minimum 30 minutes.
Pressure and flow readings: record suction pressure, record discharge pressure, observe packing gland or mechanical seal drip rate.
Diesel engine checks: oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks), fuel level.
Jockey pump and controller: check jockey pump operation and pressure maintenance, verify controller alarms (phase reversal, power failure, engine fail to start).
General checks: pump room temperature, suction tank water level, visual leak check, hour meter reading, sign and file test record.

How to use this fire pump weekly test procedure

Record the equipment details, rated flow, rated pressure and driver type at the top of the test form.
Simulate an automatic start signal. Verify the diesel pump starts within 10 seconds. Then start the pump on manual from the local panel.
Run the pump at rated speed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Record suction and discharge pressures.
Observe the packing gland or mechanical seal for acceptable drip rate. Excessive dripping indicates the seal needs attention.
For diesel pumps: check engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks if fitted) and fuel level. Record readings.
Check jockey pump operation (starts on pressure drop, maintains system pressure). Verify all fire pump controller alarms are functioning.
Record pump room temperature, inspect suction tank water level, visually check the pump and pipework for leaks, and record the hour meter reading.
Record any defects or abnormal observations. Sign and file the test record.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is weekly fire pump testing required under AS 2941?: AS 2941 (Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems) requires weekly testing of fire pumps to ensure they are ready to operate when needed. Fire pumps may sit idle for weeks or months between activations. Weekly testing confirms the pump starts correctly on automatic signal, runs at rated speed, produces adequate pressure, and that the diesel engine (if fitted) is in serviceable condition. Without regular testing, issues such as dead batteries, seized components, low fuel or controller faults may go undetected until an emergency.
What pressures should I expect during a weekly fire pump test?: During a weekly test, the suction pressure should be stable and positive (typically 20-100 kPa depending on suction arrangement). The discharge pressure at no-flow (churn) should be close to the pump nameplate shutoff pressure. When running at rated speed with the test header open, discharge pressure should meet or exceed the rated pressure on the pump nameplate. Record both suction and discharge pressures each week and compare to the original acceptance test data. A sustained drop in discharge pressure may indicate impeller wear, blockage or valve issues.
What is the difference between testing a diesel and electric fire pump?: Diesel fire pumps require additional checks: automatic start within 10 seconds, engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks if fitted), and fuel level. Diesel pumps are designed to operate independently of mains power, so battery and fuel readiness are critical. Electric fire pumps are simpler to test but require verification of the transfer switch (to confirm the pump starts on backup power if mains fails) and phase reversal protection. Both types require a minimum 30-minute run at rated speed.

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