BRISTOL end suction pumps are centrifugal pumps where water enters horizontally at the end of the casing and leaves vertically at the top on the centreline. Designed to NFPA 20 for fire fighting, they cover 50 to 1000 GPM at 50 to 209 m head. They suit small and medium buildings where the required flow is limited and space is tight. See the fire pump room valves guide.
In short
- Capacity 50 to 1000 GPM; head 50 to 209 m.
- Eleven models in the IS and BEP series, sizes 2 × 1¼ to 5 × 4 in.
- Electric motor or engine driven.
- Dynamically balanced impellers.
- UL Listed (File EX16459) and FM Approved for the ratings shown in the selection chart.
When to choose end suction
The design is simple and compact: one casing, one impeller, and a bearing bracket on the driver side. So it takes less space and costs less than split case at small flows.
For flows above 1000 GPM, or where servicing without removing pipework is a priority, choose the BSP split case pump.
Technical data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 – 1000 GPM |
| Head | 50 – 209 m |
| Casing and bearing bracket | Ductile iron 65-45-12 |
| Impeller | Bronze or stainless steel |
| Wear rings | Bronze |
| Shaft | Stainless steel, sleeved |
| Bearings | Deep groove ball bearings |
| Gland cover | Bronze |
| Suction | Horizontal end suction, ANSI 150# or 300# flange drilling by material |
| Discharge | Vertical centreline |
| Approvals | UL File EX16459; FM per the selection chart |
The critical point: the listed rating for each model and speed
The catalogue selection chart gives, for each model, the rated capacity and the UL Listed and FM Approved pressure range at each speed. Some combinations are UL only, so check the combination where a particular approval is required.
The pump needs positive suction from the tank.
General design notes on selecting a fire pump
- Rating point: the pump is selected so its rated flow and pressure cover the system demand from the hydraulic calculation.
- Curve shape in NFPA 20: shut-off (no flow) pressure does not exceed 140% of rated pressure, and at 150% of rated flow the pressure is not less than 65% of rated.
- Horizontal pumps need positive suction (water source above the pump). Where the source is below the pump, a vertical turbine pump is used.
- A jockey pump makes up small leaks and holds system pressure, so the main pump starts only on real demand.
- Driver type (electric or diesel) and the number of standby pumps depend on the reliability of the power supply and the authority’s requirements.
- Shut-off pressure plus suction pressure must not exceed the pressure rating of system components; otherwise reselect or manage the pressure per the standard.
General engineering notes
These points are general principles from NFPA 20, NFPA 25 and common design practice, not from the BRISTOL catalogue. Final pump selection is made by the project’s approved designer from the hydraulic calculation and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
Installation steps
- Prepare a level concrete foundation for the set’s weight and grout the base frame to it.
- Connect suction and discharge without loading pipe weight onto the pump flanges, with the suction, discharge and check valves required by NFPA 20.
- Check pump-to-driver coupling alignment after grouting and piping.
- Connect the controller and pressure sensing line, and set the main and jockey pump start pressures.
- Run the field acceptance test with the parties concerned: curve points and automatic start.
Common mistakes
- Oversizing the pump far beyond demand, pushing shut-off pressure above what the system can take.
- An undersized suction pipe or an elbow close to the pump flange, disturbing the flow.
- Skipping coupling alignment after the piping is fixed.
- Leaving the controller in manual or off after testing.
Inspection and maintenance
Per NFPA 25, the fire pump is run periodically at no flow to confirm readiness, and an annual flow test measures the curve points (no flow, rated flow and 150% of rated) against the factory curve.
Inspection, testing and maintenance are the owner’s responsibility per NFPA 25, preferably by a qualified company. Notify the owner, the monitoring station and everyone affected before any test.
Files and ordering
The BRISTOL fire pumps catalogue (with the selection charts and dimensions) is in the files section of this page. For a quotation, state the required flow (GPM), required pressure (psi or bar), driver type (electric or diesel), and whether UL or FM is required.
How to order
Use the “Build your order” section on this page: add every model and quantity, then send the whole order by email or WhatsApp. It reaches us as a tidy PDF request sheet and we contact you with the quotation.
FAQ
IS vs BEP series?
Both are end suction and differ in sizes and pressure range. For example the BEP 3X2.5LP and 4X3LP are for lower pressures and the IS-320H models for higher. Select from the chart.
Is it suitable for a small building?
Yes, it starts at 50 GPM; the system demand is set by the designer.
References
- BRISTOL Fire Pumps Issue 6.0 — Datasheet (attached)
- NFPA 20 — Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
- UL 448 — Centrifugal Stationary Pumps for Fire-Protection Service
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This page is general information to help with selection and ordering, taken from the attached BRISTOL datasheet. Final design is set by the project’s approved designer; the project specification, the consultant’s drawings and the latest datasheet revision govern.
