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.

What happens if weekly fire pump testing is missed?

Missed weekly tests create gaps in compliance documentation that may be identified during fire safety audits or insurance reviews. More importantly, a fire pump that has not been tested may fail to start or produce adequate pressure during an actual fire event. Extended idle periods can cause battery discharge, fuel degradation, seal drying and component seizure. If a weekly test is missed, perform the test as soon as possible and record the reason for the delay in the log book.

Is this fire pump weekly test checklist free to use?

Yes. This checklist is completely free to download and use. You can print it as a PDF or fill it in digitally on site. No account or payment is required. Facilities teams that want to automate weekly scheduling, capture digital signatures and maintain a compliance dashboard with automatic overdue alerts can connect the checklist to MapTrack, but the standalone template costs nothing.

What records must be kept for fire pump testing in Australia?

AS 1851:2012 requires that all routine service activities, including weekly fire pump tests, are recorded in a logbook or electronic record system. Each entry must include the date, time, name of the person conducting the test, start type (automatic or manual), run duration, suction and discharge pressures, diesel engine readings (if applicable), any defects observed and corrective actions taken. These records must be available for inspection by the fire authority, building certifier and insurer. Retaining at least five years of records is recommended as best practice.

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

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 2 May 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.

Fire pump reliability is governed by a layered regulatory framework in Australia. AS 1851:2012 (Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment), specifically Table 16.3, sets out the weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual testing schedule for fire pumpsets. The WHS Regulations 2011 require the PCBU to maintain emergency equipment in a serviceable condition, and building regulations in every state and territory mandate documented fire pump testing as a condition of the annual fire safety statement. Failure to conduct and record weekly tests can result in non-compliance notices from the fire authority, voided insurance cover and, in the event of a fire-related injury, potential prosecution under WHS legislation. The weekly test is the first line of defence in ensuring the fire suppression system will perform when lives depend on it.

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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.

Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack

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

Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
Ability to share forms digitally.
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).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
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.: Capture the pump serial number, driver type (diesel or electric), rated flow (L/s), rated pressure (kPa) and the fire system type it serves (sprinkler, hydrant or combined). Include the test date and the name of the person conducting the test.
Simulate an automatic start signal. Verify the diesel pump starts within 10 seconds. Then start the pump on manual from the local panel.: Drop the system pressure using the jockey pump bypass or the controller test function to simulate an automatic start. Time the start from signal to rated speed. Diesel pumps must start within 10 seconds. Then stop and restart the pump manually from the local panel to verify manual start capability.
Run the pump at rated speed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Record suction and discharge pressures.: Allow the pump to run at rated speed for the full 30-minute period without interruption. Record suction and discharge pressures at the start, 15-minute and 30-minute marks. Compare to the nameplate values and to previous weekly readings to identify any trends.
Observe the packing gland or mechanical seal for acceptable drip rate. Excessive dripping indicates the seal needs attention.: A packing gland should drip at approximately 1 drop per second to maintain lubrication. Excessive flow or spray indicates the packing needs adjustment or replacement. Mechanical seals should show no visible leakage. Record the seal condition on the test form.
For diesel pumps: check engine oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks if fitted) and fuel level. Record readings.: Oil pressure should stabilise within the manufacturer normal range within 30 seconds of starting. Coolant temperature should remain below 95 degrees Celsius during the 30-minute run. Battery voltage on each bank should read 12.4V or above at rest. Fuel level must be at least 75% capacity.
Check jockey pump operation (starts on pressure drop, maintains system pressure). Verify all fire pump controller alarms are functioning.: Open a test drain slightly to drop system pressure and verify the jockey pump starts automatically and restores pressure to the set point. Test controller alarms for phase reversal, power failure and engine fail-to-start by using the alarm test function on the controller panel.
Record pump room temperature, inspect suction tank water level, visually check the pump and pipework for leaks, and record the hour meter reading.: Pump room temperature should remain above 5 degrees Celsius to prevent freeze damage. Verify the suction tank water level is above the minimum mark. Walk around the pump, pipework and valves checking for any new leaks or corrosion. Record the current hour meter reading.
Record any defects or abnormal observations. Sign and file the test record.: Document any abnormal pressures, engine readings, alarms or visual defects. Classify as critical (immediate action required) or monitor (report at next annual service). Sign and date the test record and file in the fire pump log book. Notify the building manager of any critical defects.

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How often should you complete this service procedure?

Weekly fire pump run tests are required under AS 2941 and AS 1851:2012 (Table 16.3). The test should be conducted on the same day each week to maintain a consistent schedule and ensure no week is missed. Each weekly run test must last a minimum of 30 minutes at rated speed. Monthly inspections add a visual check of the pump room, pipework condition and controller battery health. Quarterly testing includes a flow test at the rated duty point to confirm the pump meets its design performance curve.

An annual comprehensive service covers full flow testing at multiple duty points, performance curve measurement against the original acceptance test data, diesel engine servicing (oil, filters, coolant), controller calibration and suction tank inspection. In MapTrack, set up a weekly recurring schedule for fire pump testing with automatic reminders and a compliance dashboard that flags missed tests. Recording each weekly result digitally builds the evidence trail required for the annual fire safety statement and insurance renewal.

Frequently asked questions

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

AS 2941:2008 (Fixed Fire Protection Installations - Pumpset Systems)
AS 1851:2012, Table 16.3 (Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems - Fire Pumpsets)
WHS Regulations 2011, Chapter 3 (General Workplace Management - Emergency Plans)
NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems)

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