What is the notable characteristic of a left-handed fire pump?

A left-handed fire pump is distinguished by having the suction side located on the left side of the pump when facing the pump from the drive end. This means that the pump's design and configuration facilitate the intake of water from the left-hand side, which is critical for ensuring proper system flow and operation. In applications where space and orientation are crucial, the designation as "left-handed" helps plumbers and engineers quickly identify how the pump will integrate with existing piping and fitting configurations. Understanding this characteristic is essential for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of fire protection systems.