A jockey pump is a small pump connected to a fire sprinkler system to maintain pressure in the sprinkler pipes. This is to ensure that if a fire sprinkler is activated, there will be a pressure drop, which will be sensed by the fire pump’s automatic controller, which will cause the fire pump to start.
A jockey pump is sized for a flow less than the flow to one sprinkler to ensure a system pressure drop. The function of jockey pumps is an important part of the fire pump control system.
Jockey pumps are typically small, multi-stage centrifugal pumps that do not need to be listed or certified for fire system use. However, the control equipment for jockey pumps may be subject to approval.