Electric Vertical Fire Pump: Turbine, In-Line, Jockey

Product Overview

Three types of electric-driven vertical fire pumps. A: Turbine, B: In-Line, C: Jockey.

An electric vertical fire pump is a vertically oriented centrifugal pump powered by an electric motor, designed to boost water pressure for fire protection systems such as sprinklers, standpipes, or hydrants. Its key components include a vertical motor, shaft, pump bowl assembly, column pipe, and discharge head. When activated, the motor drives the impeller, drawing water from a source—such as a tank, reservoir, or well—through the pump and delivering it at high, steady pressure to the fire system. The vertical configuration saves space, allows operation from deep water sources, reduces maintenance compared with diesel-driven pumps, and avoids fuel or exhaust issues. These pumps are widely used in high-rise buildings, industrial plants, water treatment facilities, municipal fire systems, and other locations requiring reliable, compact firefighting water supply. Designed for compact installations yet engineered for demanding conditions, the three types below cover a wide span of water-supply scenarios and space constraints.

Vertical Turbine Fire Pump

Vertical turbine type fire pumps driven by an electric motor.

The Vertical Turbine Fire Pump stands out from other electric vertical fire pump types for its exceptional ability to lift water from deep or below-grade sources such as wells, reservoirs, or underground tanks—conditions where in-line or jockey pumps cannot operate effectively. Its multi-stage impeller and guide-vane design enables high-head performance and superior energy efficiency, while the long vertical shaft transmits power from an above-ground motor to submerged pumping elements. Built from durable, corrosion-resistant materials and compliant with standards like NFPA 20, this pump offers reliable operation even in demanding environments. Compared with the compact in-line pump designed for limited-space installations and the jockey pump meant for pressure maintenance, the vertical turbine model is purpose-built for deep-water, high-lift fire-protection applications, combining strength, efficiency, and space-saving vertical construction.

Vertical In-Line Fire Pump

Vertical in-line type fire pumps, electric motor driven, made of ductile iron.

The Vertical In-Line Fire Pump is distinguished by its compact, space-saving design that allows it to be installed directly within a building’s piping system, making it ideal for sites with limited installation space. Unlike the vertical turbine fire pump, which is built for deep-water or below-grade sources, and the jockey pump, which serves mainly to maintain system pressure, the in-line model is a main firefighting pump engineered for moderate flow and head where the water supply is readily available at ground level. With its axially aligned inlet and outlet, it minimizes piping complexity, reduces footprint, and simplifies maintenance. Its efficient centrifugal impeller, durable materials, and compliance with NFPA 20 and UL/FM standards ensure reliable, energy-efficient performance in commercial, residential, and industrial fire-protection systems.

Electric Jockey Fire Pump

Stainless steel vertical jockey fire pumps for firefighting systems, electric-motor driven, NFPA 20 compliant.

The Vertical Jockey Fire Pump is a small, auxiliary pressure-maintenance pump designed to keep the fire-protection system at a constant standby pressure and prevent unnecessary starts of the main fire pump. Unlike the vertical turbine and in-line fire pumps, which deliver large water flows during firefighting, the jockey pump operates at low flow and high pressure, automatically starting and stopping based on system pressure fluctuations. Its compact vertical design saves space, while its integrated control system—including pressure switches, gauges, and automatic controllers—ensures precise, energy-efficient operation. By maintaining system readiness, reducing wear on the main pump, and extending the overall lifespan of the fire system, the vertical jockey fire pump provides a stable, efficient, and intelligent pressure-maintenance solution for modern fire-protection installations.