During service/performance testing of a fire pump, which test is performed first?

• A. Intake relief valve test
• B. Pump shift indicator test
• C. Pump engine control test
• D. No-load governed engine speed test

Answer: (D)

Ensuring the engine governor can hold the rated speed with no load is the first step. This baseline verifies the governor and related controls are functioning so the engine will reach and maintain the correct speed before any pumping load is applied. If the engine cannot maintain the no-load governed speed, later performance measurements will be inaccurate and could mask problems or create unsafe conditions. After this baseline is established, you proceed to tests that involve loading the pump and its systems, such as confirming the pump’s relief valve operation, validating the pump shift indicator, and checking engine controls under operating conditions. These follow-on tests rely on the engine speed being stable at no load.