The on-site fire pump commissioning service is a critical step in the pre-handover phase of any construction or industrial project. It ensures that the fire protection system operates with full efficiency and reliability under real operating conditions.
After installation is completed, the system cannot be officially approved without a real field test that proves the pump’s readiness to deliver water at the required design pressure and flow during emergencies.
Through this test, the team verifies the pump’s performance, pressure compliance with NFPA standards, and the integrity of suction and discharge lines, in addition to testing the automatic response when pressure drops. This stage also provides an opportunity to detect any issues related to installation, programming, or electrical connections before the system goes into official operation.
At Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC), we place great importance on this service within our projects, carrying out comprehensive on-site operational tests according to international and local standards, ensuring that every pump delivered to the client operates at peak performance and provides full reliability at the moment of danger.
What Is the On-Site Fire Pump Commissioning Service?
The on-site fire pump commissioning service is a technical procedure performed after the installation of the fire protection system is completed. Its purpose is to test the pump’s performance in a real operating environment to ensure it works efficiently under actual conditions.
During this test, the pump is operated directly to verify its ability to deliver the required pressure and flow according to the system design and the globally recognized NFPA 20 standard.
The service includes inspecting all system components connected to the pump, such as:
- Suction and discharge lines to ensure there are no leaks or blockages.
- Isolation and check valves to verify proper control of water flow.
- Control panel to review automatic start/stop commands and alarm response.
- Jockey pump to regulate pressure before and during the commissioning test.
The goal of this service is to ensure the full readiness of the system before handing it over to the client, and to document the results in an official technical report confirming compliance with both local and international requirements.
At Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC), the on-site commissioning test is carried out by a specialized engineering team equipped with all necessary tools and instruments to perform accurate measurements, ensuring every pump operates with high efficiency and full reliability when needed.
The Importance of On-Site Fire Pump Commissioning
Before handing over any project, it is essential to ensure that the fire protection systems operate exactly as designed. This is where the on-site fire pump commissioning service becomes a crucial step to test the actual performance of the system and confirm its full readiness during emergencies.
Testing the pump on-site is not just a formal procedure; it is a real assessment of the system’s efficiency and its ability to respond when needed. Through this test, it is verified that all components of the system are interconnected and operating in perfect harmony according to international standards.
1. Verifying the Actual Performance of the System
The on-site commissioning process is essential to ensure that the fire pump operates exactly as designed in terms of pressure, flow, and response.
During the test, the pump’s performance is measured under real operating conditions, ensuring its ability to deliver the required water flow across the entire fire suppression network.
This procedure helps identify any shortcomings in the motor capability, suction/discharge lines, or valves before handing the project over to the client.
2. Ensuring the Safety and Integrity of the Entire System
The commissioning test also aims to verify the overall integrity of the system by reviewing the operation of all components connected to the pump, such as the jockey pump, valves, gauges, and control panels.
It ensures that all mechanical and electrical connections are properly installed and that the pump operates steadily without vibrations or leaks.
This comprehensive inspection gives the technical team confidence that the fire suppression system is fully ready for emergency operation without unexpected issues.
3. Ensuring Compliance with Local and International Standards
One of the most important goals of the commissioning test is to confirm that the system complies with NFPA 20 standards and the Saudi standards (SASO) for fire protection systems.
All results are matched with the design values recorded in the project drawings to ensure that the pump’s actual performance meets the requirements of the Civil Defense and global codes.
At the end of the test, a detailed technical report is prepared documenting all readings, serving as official proof of the system’s safety and quality of execution.
At Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC), this service is performed with high professionalism by certified engineers and technicians, ensuring that every fire protection system delivered to the client operates with full efficiency and reliability from day one.
On-Site Fire Pump Commissioning Process
Before approving the fire protection system and handing it over to the client, the on-site fire pump commissioning stage serves as the final step to ensure the system’s readiness and its ability to operate under real conditions.
This process requires precise coordination between the technical team, the consultant, and Civil Defense representatives when necessary, to ensure performance compliance with standards.
1. Preparation for the Test
Preparation begins by reviewing all installation works and connections, ensuring the suction and discharge lines are filled with water and free of air.
The water tank, valves, pumps (main and jockey), and control panels are inspected, ensuring all equipment is properly aligned and securely installed. Measurement instruments such as flow meters and pressure gauges are also reviewed to confirm their accuracy before starting the test.
2. Actual Testing Steps
- Operate the jockey pump first to monitor and maintain normal system pressure.
- Then, pressure is manually reduced or simulated by opening a fire sprinkler to activate the main pump automatically.
- Measure suction and discharge pressure, response speed, and operating duration.
- For diesel fire pumps, inspect automatic starting, the cooling system, and fuel level during operation.
- All readings are recorded using calibrated instruments to match the engineering design values.
3. Documentation
After completing the test, a detailed technical report is prepared, including pressure readings, flow rate, operation time, and performance notes, along with any technical recommendations if needed.
The report is signed by the consultant and the technical specialist and is approved as an official document confirming the system’s safety and operational readiness.
At Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC), we conduct on-site commissioning tests according to NFPA 20 and SASO standards using precision measurement equipment and a certified engineering team, ensuring that every pump delivered to the client operates with full efficiency and stability under all conditions.
The Tangible Benefits of On-Site Fire Pump Commissioning
Before the fire protection system is officially approved, performing an on-site fire pump commissioning test is a critical step that ensures every component of the system operates properly under real conditions. Its importance goes beyond the technical aspect—it directly impacts project quality, delivery speed, and long-term cost efficiency.
1. Ensuring Quality and Reliability
On-site pump testing allows verification of the actual performance of all system components—from the main pump to pipelines, valves, and control devices.
During the test, actual pressure and flow rates are measured and compared with the engineering design, ensuring the system meets the requirements of NFPA and SASO.
This step provides high confidence for both the client and the consultant that the system is fully ready to operate during emergencies without any surprises.
2. Faster Project Handover
Thanks to early testing, any malfunction or performance deficiency is detected and resolved before handover, reducing review and approval time with authorities such as the Civil Defense.
This helps accelerate the project delivery to the client with full confidence, supported by an approved performance test certificate included in the technical handover package.
3. Long-Term Cost Savings
Through on-site commissioning, costly breakdowns or post-handover repairs are avoided, as issues are identified early and corrected immediately.
This reduces future maintenance expenses and ensures sustained pump performance without sudden failures or component damage.
It also ensures optimal energy and fuel consumption in both electric and diesel pumps, enhancing operational cost-efficiency.
At Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC), we consider the on-site fire pump commissioning test a fundamental requirement before handover. We perform it using high-precision measurement tools and a specialized engineering team to ensure system quality and approval from the very first test.
The Role of Arif Al Nahdi ANC in Providing On-Site Fire Pump Commissioning Services
Arif Al Nahdi Company (ANC) is one of the leading companies in the supply, installation, and commissioning of fire pumps and fire protection systems in Saudi Arabia. The company gives special importance to the on-site fire pump commissioning stage as part of its integrated engineering services.
This step represents the final phase to confirm system readiness and obtain official approval from authorities such as the Saudi Civil Defense.
1. Performing Field Commissioning Tests
The engineering and technical teams at ANC conduct real-world commissioning tests in accordance with NFPA 20 and SASO standards. All pump types — electric, diesel, and jockey — are tested to ensure that pressure and flow match the design values specified in the project drawings.
The team also inspects control systems, valves, and water lines on-site to ensure full integration and seamless operation of all system components.
2. Using Certified Measurement Tools and Precision Techniques
ANC relies on internationally certified pressure and flow measuring instruments to ensure accurate readings during the test, with all values documented in an official technical report. This report is handed over to the client as certified proof of the pump’s actual performance and its compliance with regulatory requirements.
3. Training the Operation Team and System Handover
After successful commissioning, the Arif Al Nahdi ANC team trains the site personnel on how to operate and shut down the system safely, in addition to explaining routine maintenance procedures. A comprehensive operation and maintenance manual is provided upon handover to ensure long-term operational reliability.
4. Commitment to Quality and Safety
At Arif Al Nahdi ANC, on-site commissioning is viewed not just as a technical requirement, but as a critical safety measure to protect lives and property. With extensive experience across major projects in the Kingdom, the company has demonstrated its ability to deliver fully integrated fire protection systems that achieve the highest standards of safety and quality before final project handover.
