Giovanni Vaccari, Sales Export Manager at Idroelettrica, sets out how collaboration with Millars Pumps combines Italian manufacturing expertise with local UK technical support across the project lifecycle
Sourcing reliable fire pump systems has become an increasingly challenging task for the UK fire industry, across both new build and retrofit projects.
Fire pumps are highly specialised components within a building’s fire protection system, which must perform seamlessly in critical situations.
As a result, they are subject to strict regulations, and must comply with a range of UK and international standards.
In addition, bespoke designs are often required to suit the specific needs of each building according to its use, size, layout and fire safety procedures.
This combination of technical complexity, regulatory compliance and customisation can make procurement time-consuming and complicated, with fire protection contractors and engineers facing long lead times while trying to source the right equipment for each project.
Millars Pumps, the new exclusive distributor of Idroelettrica fire pumps and pump room solutions in the UK, has been created to help alleviate these issues.
By combining decades of Italian manufacturing expertise with local UK technical support, the aim is to simplify procurement, improve reliability and competitiveness and provide greater support throughout the entire process, from specification to installation to long-term maintenance.
Expert specification
One of the biggest challenges facing UK fire pump projects is getting the specification right at an early stage.
This is essential to avoid late design changes, delays, or even costly remedial work.
Specification starts with understanding and assessing the characteristics of the building, such as the type, use, occupancy levels, number of floors, the planned sprinkler or water mist system design, available space for the pump room, and access to a water supply.
These factors will determine the ‘fire demand’ or amount of flow and pressure the pump system must support, and whether additional equipment such as a water storage tank is required.
Building-specific calculations are made to determine the most suitable pump system, which must then be designed to comply with relevant standards.
At Idroelettrica, our strength lies in our engineering-led approach to fire pump design.
We have extensive experience in manufacturing fire pump systems for global markets, which means we can work closely with Millars Pumps to support UK contractors, consultants and developers during the crucial specification phase.
We ask the right questions and draw from our expertise to ensure pump sets, controllers and enclosures are correctly sized and configured for each application, reducing risk later in the project.
Compliant and future proof
Navigating the standards and regulations for UK fire pump systems is particularly complex.
For example, depending on the application, fire pumps may need to comply with BS EN12845 which covers automatic sprinkler systems in buildings in the UK and Europe, BS 9251:2021 for fire sprinkler systems in UK residential buildings, NFPA-20 which is an international standard for the installation of stationary fire pumps, or FM 3-7 which covers requirements from the independent testing agency, FM Approvals, for fire pump sets.
For many buildings, a combination of these will be needed.
Each of these standards brings its own requirements around testing, control systems and documentation which are not only highly technical but are also regularly updated, making compliance increasingly challenging.
Updates are driven by changes in building use, insurer demands or lessons learned from fire incidents.
So it’s important that design specifications are not only compliant at the time of design, but also robust enough to adapt to possible requirement changes in years to come.
This is where modular pump rooms solutions can provide a more forward-thinking and future-proof approach.
While traditional fire pump rooms are constructed on site, with different parties responsible for building work, mechanical installation and electrical installation, modular pump rooms are pre-engineered in their entirety in the factory.
Working to detailed specifications, the components can be assembled and tested prior to delivery to ensure the complete system conforms to industry standards, offering greater control and reassurance.
Our Idroelettrica factory in Modena in Italy, for example, features a state-of-the-art, in-house testing facility, where all our pump systems are assembled and tested under controlled conditions, providing documented assurance.
Pre-engineered for convenience and access
At Idroelettrica, our most popular modular system is the Firebox.
It’s a pre-engineered ‘plug and play’ pump room that arrives on site fully fitted, tested and ready for installation.
Firebox combines pump sets, controllers, pipework and the enclosure into a single, integrated solution, manufactured in advance to suit each building’s space, fire protection plan and technical requirements.
For developers and contractors working to tight programmes, where schedule certainty matters, the convenience is a major advantage.
Firebox reduces installation time on site, cuts labour costs and reduces project risk compared to traditional onsite builds.
The innovative design of Firebox means that all sides are also doors that fully open, providing 360° access.
This provides clear working space around pumps, valves and controllers and supports regular inspection, testing and servicing.
Local customer support and maintenance
While manufacturing quality is fundamental, we understand that the long-term performance of a fire pump system depends on effective local support.
Fire pumps require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue to be operational.
As our exclusive UK distributor, Millars Pumps provides a direct link between manufacturer and customer, helping to streamline procurement.
This simplified route to market improves communication, shortens lead times and provides greater certainty around delivery.
The team at Millars Pumps are also on hand to support customers throughout installation, commissioning and with ongoing servicing and maintenance.
In this way, our customers benefit from both the expertise of a global leader and the practical, long-term customer relationships available from a UK-based firm.
From factory to site
As fire safety expectations continue to rise, it’s clear that fire pump room procurement is no longer simply a matter of selecting equipment.
It requires careful consideration of compliance, build quality, programme certainty and long-term serviceability.
Traditional site-built approaches can struggle to keep pace with these demands, particularly on complex or time-sensitive projects.
Pre-engineered, modular pump rooms, like Firebox, can provide a more controlled and reliable alternative, offering bespoke design with factory-built quality and certified performance.
When combined with the local technical expertise and long-term support provided by Millars Pumps, this approach offers a more resilient model for improving consistency, reducing risk and future-proofing critical fire protection infrastructure.
Solutions like this that can simplify procurement while enhancing reliability, compliance and long-term value are likely to play an increasingly important role across the UK fire industry in the years ahead.
For more information visit: www.millarspumps.co.uk