Clarke - Fire Protection Products

Clarke began selling fire pump UL-FM diesel fire pump engines in 1964 as a regional distributor for Detroit Diesel engines. The first customers were Allis-Chalmers Pump in Cincinnati, Ohio and Peerless Pump in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1980 Detroit Diesel transferred the UL-FM certification and global marketing activities for the fire pump industry to Clarke (www.clarkefire.com). Clarke then started manufacturing UL-FM engines utilising naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines from Detroit Diesel. The Detroit Diesel worldwide service network provided warranty and start up services for all of the Clarke engines.

Today Clarke manufactures 58 different models of UL-FM engines for more than 78 customers around the world. More than 40,000 diesel engines have been sold under the Clarke name since 1980.

In the effort to support our customers around the world, Clarke has appointed and trained more than 300 full service dealer locations to start-up, maintain, service and repair the Clarke engines.

Continuous training of the service dealer network and providing an assured supply of service parts is a key element in our mission of protecting people and property in fire safety.

In 2004 Clarke introduced the pressure limiting device (PLD) diesel engine. This engine limits fire pump discharge water pressure when there is varying water supply pressure and when the discharge volume from the pump is below the rated flow of the fire pump.

The PLD will help pump companies sell their product by reducing the sprinkler contractors component costs (piping and/or discharge control valves), and eliminates the excessive discharge of water from emergency pressure relief valves.

In 2006 Clarke introduced models that comply with the US EPA NSPS emission standards. In 2007 Clarke introduced UL-listed couplings for electric motor driven pump sets and in 2008 introduced UL listed driveshafts for diesel driven fire pump sets. In 2009 Clarke introduced Tier 3 USEPA and CARB emission certified engines at 175hp and above.

Who is Clarke?

• The world leader in providing UL-FM fire pump diesel engines
• An organisation with the largest and best trained service dealer network for diesel fire pump engines covering the world
• Engine specialists providing a comprehensive operating speed range from 1,470rpm to 3,000rpm, with the various engine models offered
• Closely associated with world-class engine manufacturers to assure consistent product availability. The base engines are manufactured by John Deere (USA, Mexico and France).
• A customer-conscious manufacturer operating two complete business centres to serve fire pump manufacturers and their customers worldwide. One operation is in Cincinnati, Ohio and the other in Coatbridge, Scotland.

What does a Clarke-driven pump do?

A fire protection system, powered by either a diesel engine or an electric motor, provides for the protection of people and property. Water delivered by a fire pump is channelled to the sprinkler system of a building.

When a fire occurs, heat from the fire melts a fuse link on one or more sprinkler heads thereby discharging water under pressure from the sprinkler system to contain the fire while people move to safety and the fire department arrives to take control of the situation.

What is Clarke's function in this market?

Clarke FPP, hereafter referred to as "Clarke", provides diesel engines and related components used in stationary fire protection systems. Clarke designs, assembles, tests and sells diesel engines direct to fire pump manufacturers for their assembly of a complete fire pump system.

These systems are sold to installing sprinkler contractors through the Pump OEM's dealer/agent organisation. When a new system is complete and ready to be activated, representatives for the pump, engine and controller components gather together with the installing contractor, insurance representatives, fire department officials and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to review the installation and certify the system operation.

What are the industry standards?

All fire protection systems in North America and in many locations throughout the world are designed and constructed to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard #20. The standard requires certification of the main operating components by independent certifying organisations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Canadian Underwriters Laboratories (CUL) and Factory Mutual (FM).

In an NFPA standby fire protection system, there are three main components requiring certification. First: the pump. Second: the pump driver (either a diesel engine or electric motor). Third: the controller that monitors the pressure in a sprinkler system and provides operating instructions to the pump driver when needed. There are additional ancillary systems and components in a diesel driven system including:

• Jockey pump to maintain sprinkler system water pressure
• Flow measuring systems, usually a hose header and/or flow meter
• Fuel source, independent of any other systems, in the room with the pump
• Raw water supply from the fire pump to the engine heat exchanger and visible drain system
• Exhaust system to properly carry away engine exhaust and sound attenuation
• Starting batteries conveniently located near the engine
• Drive system to connect the engine directly to the pump
• A complete piping system with components (OS&Y valves, Tee's, Check valves, etc) to channel utility water through the pump into the sprinkler system

Product support

Clarke's fire pump drivers are supported throughout the world by a Clarke service and start-up support network. The network consists of related but independent engine distributors trained in the operation and servicing of Clarke diesel drivers.

A complete list of supporting service dealers is available on the Clarke website, www.clarkefire.com, or from the customer support department at these convenient Clarke locations:

US

Tel: +1 513 771 2200
Fax: +1 513 771 5375
E-mail: dscholten@clarkefire.com

UK

Tel: +44 12 3642 9946
Fax: +44 12 3642 7274
E-mail: dmurray@clarkefire.com