When looking at a fire pump motor, if the suction side is on the left, what type of pump is it?

A fire pump motor's designation as right-handed or left-handed is determined by the orientation of the suction and discharge sides when looking at the pump from the drive end. If the suction side is on the left, it indicates that the pump is configured to draw water in from the left and discharge it in a way that is consistent with a left-handed design.

In this configuration, the pump’s impeller rotates in a direction that causes the fluid to flow in from the left side and exit on the right, which is characteristic of a left-handed pump. This designation is crucial for understanding flow direction and performance characteristics in fire protection systems, ensuring correct installation and operation.

Understanding the specific type of pump based on orientation is essential for both the installation process and troubleshooting in fire protection systems, where proper water flow and pressure are critical for effective fire suppression.