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Free fire pump weekly test procedure

Free fire pump weekly test procedure (PDF-ready) for runs between AS 1851 routine services. Pump start, pressure and diesel engine checks. Download free.

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These templates are free general guides provided as-is. They do not constitute legal, safety or compliance advice. You are responsible for ensuring any form meets your specific workplace obligations, industry standards and applicable regulations.

Updated 26 Oct 2026

Fire Pump Weekly Test Procedure

Weekly fire pump test between AS 1851-2012 routine services - diesel and electric fire pumps

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0 of 18 checks

Pump Start Tests

1Start fire pump on automatic signal (simulate)
2Verify automatic start within 10 seconds (diesel)
3Start fire pump on manual (local panel)
4Run at rated speed for minimum 30 minutes

Pressure & Flow Readings

5Record suction pressure (kPa)
6Record discharge pressure (kPa)
7Observe packing gland or mechanical seal (acceptable drip rate)

Diesel Engine Checks (if diesel-driven)

8Check diesel engine oil pressure (within spec)
9Check diesel engine coolant temperature (within spec)
10Check diesel engine battery voltage (both banks if fitted)
11Check diesel fuel level and record

Jockey Pump & Controller

12Check jockey pump operation (starts on pressure drop, maintains system pressure)
13Verify fire pump controller alarms (phase reversal, power failure, engine fail to start)

General Checks

14Record pump room temperature
15Inspect suction tank/reservoir water level
16Visual check of pump and pipework for leaks
17Record hour meter reading
18Sign and file test record

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Jarrod Milford

Jarrod Milford

Co-Founder & Commercial Director

Updated 26 October 2026
Also see:Maintenance and work orders →Best CMMS software →MapTrack vs MaintainX →

Short answer

A fire pump weekly test procedure records an automatic and manual start, a run at rated speed, suction and discharge pressures, diesel engine readings, controller alarms and defects. Facility staff or fire contractors run it weekly as an extra check beyond the routine service AS 1851-2012 Section 3 sets for fire pumpsets, unless the manufacturer, building approval or insurer requires it. Clause 1.16 covers routine service records.

Checked against AS 1851-2012 (incl. Amd 1:2016) on by the MapTrack templates team. How we check templates

Key takeaways

  • The MapTrack fire pump weekly test procedure contains 18 checks across 5 sections. Sections covered: Pump Start Tests, Pressure & Flow Readings, Diesel Engine Checks (if diesel-driven), Jockey Pump & Controller, General Checks.
  • AS 1851 sets fire pumpset routine service from monthly upwards and has no weekly test, so a weekly run is an extra check between those services.
  • Time the automatic start and record how long a diesel pump takes to reach running speed, then run it for at least 30 minutes.
  • Record suction and discharge pressure at the start, at 15 minutes and at 30 minutes, and compare them with the nameplate and last week's readings to spot a trend.
  • On a diesel pump, record oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage on both banks and fuel level, since flat batteries and low fuel are what a weekly run finds early.
  • Check whether the pump manufacturer, or the fire safety schedule, approval or insurer for your building, calls for a weekly test.

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What is a fire pump weekly test procedure?

A weekly fire pump test is an operational check run between the routine services that AS 1851-2012 sets for fire pumpsets. 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. Section 3 of AS 1851-2012 (Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment) sets monthly, six-monthly, yearly and five-yearly service schedules for fire pumpsets. It has no weekly test, so a weekly run goes beyond its monthly schedule and finds problems such as flat batteries, low fuel or controller faults sooner. AS 2941-2013 (Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems) covers how the pumpset is designed, installed and tested at commissioning, while routine service is in AS 1851-2012. A standard can become mandatory when legislation calls it up: in NSW, for example, since 13 February 2026 class 1b and class 2 to 9 buildings must have their essential fire safety measures inspected and tested to AS 1851-2012 where the standard covers them, unless a performance solution applies. NSW councils enforce it, and non-compliance can bring fines of $33,000 for individuals and $66,000 for corporations, or Fire Safety Orders. Under the WHS Regulations, the person with management or control of plant at a workplace must also have it maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, in line with the manufacturer's recommendations where there are any (regulation 213). In the event of a fire-related injury, failing to maintain the pump can also lead to 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

  • Routine service evidence: AS 1851-2012 sets monthly, six-monthly, yearly and five-yearly service for fire pumpsets, and a signed weekly record shows the pump was run and checked between those services.
  • 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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  • Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
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  • Electronic signatures.
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  • Upload a paper form (PDF, Word, Excel or a photo) and MapTrack's AI builds a digital version for you to check.
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  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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?

AS 1851-2012 Section 3 sets the routine service of fire pumpsets on monthly, six-monthly, yearly and five-yearly schedules, and one item in the yearly schedule falls due every two years. It has no weekly test, so a weekly run is an extra check on top of that schedule, unless the pump manufacturer, or the fire safety schedule, approval or insurer for your building, calls for one. AS 2941-2013 covers the design, installation and commissioning tests of the pumpset; routine service is in AS 1851-2012. Run the weekly test on the same day each week so no week is missed, for a minimum of 30 minutes at rated speed.

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. The assigned person gets an email when it falls due within 7 days, and the digital checklist records each result. Recording each weekly result digitally builds an evidence trail for fire safety audits and insurance renewal.

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Frequently asked questions

AS 2941 is not the standard that sets routine testing. AS 2941-2013 (Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems) covers how a fire pumpset is designed, installed and tested at commissioning. Routine service of fire pumpsets is in Section 3 of AS 1851-2012, and its most frequent schedule is monthly: there is no weekly test in it. A weekly run goes beyond that. Fire pumps may sit idle for weeks or months between activations, and a weekly run 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. Check whether the pump manufacturer, or the fire safety schedule, approval or insurer for your building, calls for a weekly 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.

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.

AS 1851-2012 does not set a weekly test, so a missed weekly run is a gap in your own records rather than a missed routine service, unless the pump manufacturer, or the fire safety schedule, approval or insurer for your building, calls for one. 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.

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. In MapTrack, the assigned person gets an email when the weekly test falls due within 7 days, and each result is recorded against the fire pump.

AS 1851-2012 requires routine service to be recorded: clause 1.16 covers logbooks, tags and labels, summary records and how long records are kept. In NSW, the Building Commission says the standard requires a hard copy logbook left on site, which an electronic register cannot yet replace, and that building owners must keep the records for at least 7 years and make them available for inspection. AS 1851-2012 has no weekly test. If the pump manufacturer, or the fire safety schedule, approval or insurer for your building, calls for one, record the date, time, who ran 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, as this form does.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The template alone does not establish compliance.

  • Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment

    Edition: AS 1851-2012 (incl. Amd 1:2016)

    Routine service of fire pumpsets, service frequencies, defect rectification and records. The weekly run sits on top of it.

    • Section 3: Routine service of fire pumpsets.
    • 1.11: Frequency of routine service intervals, allowed tolerances and changes to scheduled dates.
    • 1.15: Testing the system or component for correct function after defect rectification.
    • 1.16: Routine service records: logbooks, tags and labels, summary records and record retention.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Fixed fire protection installations - Pumpset systems

    Edition: AS 2941-2013

    Pumpset design, installation and commissioning tests. Routine service is in AS 1851-2012.

    Standards AustraliaSold by the publisher

  • Model Work Health and Safety Regulations

    Edition: Model WHS Regulations as at 5 December 2025 (cited within as the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011)

    Plant maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person to the manufacturer's recommendations.

    • reg 213: Plant must be maintained, inspected and, if necessary, tested by a competent person, following manufacturer or competent person recommendations; annual inspection applies only if neither is practicable.

    Safe Work Australia (drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel's Committee)

  • Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 (NSW)

    Edition: Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 (NSW), text as at 12 August 2023

    NSW: owners keep essential fire safety measures maintained and lodge annual fire safety statements.

    • s 81: Requires the building owner to keep each essential fire safety measure maintained to its standard of performance.
    • Part 12: Fire safety statements, including annual and supplementary fire safety statements for buildings.

    NSW Parliamentary Counsel's Office (NSW Legislation)

  • Building Regulations 2018 (Vic)

    Edition: Building Regulations 2018 (Vic), version 031 (in force from 1 September 2026)

    Victoria: owners maintain essential safety measures and prepare an annual essential safety measures report.

    • Part 15: Maintenance of buildings and places of public entertainment, including essential safety measures.
    • reg 223: Requires the owner to prepare an annual essential safety measures report.

    Victorian Government (Victorian Legislation)

  • Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

    Edition: NFPA 25, 2026 edition

    US: inspection, testing and maintenance of fire pumps, as adopted by the local authority.

    • Chapter 8: Inspection, testing and maintenance of fire pumps.

    National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)Sold by the publisher

Each source was read at its publisher and the page checked on 26 October 2026. The publisher's current text is the authority.

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<div style="max-width:480px;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,'Segoe UI',Roboto,sans-serif;border:1px solid #E5E7EB;border-radius:12px;padding:20px;background:#ffffff;">
  <p style="font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.05em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#071D49;margin:0;">Free template</p>
  <p style="font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#071D49;margin:6px 0 0;">Fire pump weekly test procedure</p>
  <ul style="margin:12px 0 0;padding-left:18px;color:#374151;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;">
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Pump start tests: start on automatic signal, verify start within 10 seconds (diesel), start on manual, run at rated speed for minimum 30 minutes.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Pressure and flow readings: record suction pressure, record discharge pressure, observe packing gland or mechanical seal drip rate.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Diesel engine checks: oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage (both banks), fuel level.</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">Jockey pump and controller: check jockey pump operation and pressure maintenance, verify controller alarms (phase reversal, power failure, engine fail to start).</li>
    <li style="margin:4px 0;">General checks: pump room temperature, suction tank water level, visual leak check, hour meter reading, sign and file test record.</li>
  </ul>
  <p style="font-size:13px;color:#6B7280;margin:14px 0 0;padding-top:12px;border-top:1px solid #E5E7EB;">Free <a href="https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fire-pump-weekly-test" style="color:#071D49;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;">Fire pump weekly test procedure</a> by MapTrack</p>
</div>

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The MapTrack fire pump weekly test procedure contains 18 checks across 5 sections.

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MapTrack Fire pump weekly test procedure, https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fire-pump-weekly-test
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MapTrack. (2026). Fire pump weekly test procedure [Checklist template]. Retrieved from https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fire-pump-weekly-test

Free to reuse with credit under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. If you’d rather link straight to it, the page is https://www.maptrack.com/templates/fire-pump-weekly-test.

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