What type of pump is used to maintain pressure for minor fluctuations?

A jockey pump is specifically designed to maintain pressure within a fire protection system, particularly in response to minor fluctuations in water demand. Its primary function is to compensate for small changes in system pressure, ensuring that the fire protection system remains adequately pressurized without the need to activate the larger main fire pump. This is especially important for maintaining the readiness of the system, as it helps prevent the main pump from cycling on and off frequently, which can lead to wear and inefficiency.

In scenarios where slight variations in demand occur, such as when a sprinkler head is activated or there is a small leak in the system, the jockey pump automatically responds. It operates quietly and efficiently, providing additional water flow to maintain the system's pressure without needing significant resources or energy that larger pumps would require.

Other types of pumps mentioned serve different purposes within a fire protection or water supply context. For instance, the main pump is utilized for delivering large volumes of water during an emergency, while a transfer pump is generally intended for moving water from one location to another, such as from a tank to a system. High-capacity pumps are designed for scenarios requiring a high flow rate, often in larger systems or for significant fire events.