Which component is responsible for starting and stopping the fire pump and monitoring status and alarms?

• A. Jockey pump
• B. Discharge check valve
• C. Standby power supply
• D. Fire pump controller

Answer: (D)

Starting and stopping the fire pump and watching for faults and alarms is the job of the fire pump controller. This device is the brain of the pump system: it takes in signals from pressure sensors and alarms, accepts manual start commands, and then energizes or de-energizes the motor starter to run or stop the pump. It also provides status indicators and alarm outputs so operators know what’s happening, and it coordinates interlocks and supervision to ensure proper operation during an outage or when conditions change.

Think of the other components as parts of the system with different roles: a jockey pump is just a small auxiliary pump that helps maintain pressure during normal operation, a discharge check valve prevents backflow, and a standby power supply ensures power is available but does not perform the control logic or monitoring. The controller is what ties signals together, makes the decision to start or stop, and keeps you informed of the pump’s condition.