The circulation relief valve on a fire pump should be installed on which side of the pump?

The circulation relief valve on a fire pump is primarily installed on the discharge side of the pump to ensure proper operation and to protect the pump and system. When the pump is running, especially in a situation where there is little to no water demand, the discharge pressure can exceed safe limits. The circulation relief valve provides a safety mechanism by allowing a certain amount of water to recirculate back to the suction side, maintaining flow and preventing excessive pressure that could damage the pump or associated piping.

This placement is crucial because it allows the valve to effectively control the discharge pressure directly. When the excess pressure is relieved, the circulation of water helps to cool the pump and maintain proper operation without creating vapor pockets or overheating. This makes the fire pump system more reliable during critical operations. The other locations indicated—suction side, system side, and bypass side—do not ensure the same effective pressure control and cooling, making them less suitable for the circulation relief valve’s purpose.