---
title: "Answering \"How Many Types of Fire Fighting Pumps Are There?”"
date: 2025-10-10T02:08:23Z
modified: 2025-10-17T02:21:31Z
permalink: "https://www.defucc.com/blog/fire-fighting-pump/fire-fighting-pump-types/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 1601
categories:
  - fire fighting pump
featured_image: "https://www.defucc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/D-Series-Multistage-Pump.jpg"
featured_image_alt: D Series Multistage Pump
timestamp: 2025-10-17T02:21:31Z
tags:
  - fire fighting pump
---

The question of how many types of fire fighting pumps are there often come up when you’re trying to decide which pump suits your needs. This is true particularly if you’re a safety officer, buyer, or a newcomer entering the fire protection industry.

In this guide, we’ll look at the different types of fire fighting pumps, explain the subcategories, and the typical uses of each.

## 3 Main Types of Fire Fighting Pumps

Based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, [fire fighting pumps](https://www.defucc.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/fire-fighting-pump.md) can be grouped into:



| **Pump Family** | **Subtypes** | **Typical Usage** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Centrifugal Pumps | Horizontal Split Case, End Suction, Vertical Turbine, In-Line, Multistage Multiport | Building systems, industrial setups, and hydrants |
| Positive Displacement Pumps | Piston, gear, rotary vane | Foam-water systems, water mist, or high-pressure specialty systems |
| Portable Fire Pumps | Gasoline or diesel-powered | Wildland fires, remote areas, and mobile use |

## [Centrifugal Pumps](https://www.defucc.com/product/da-end-suction-centrifugal-pump/)

Most types of pump in fire fighting fall under centrifugal pumps. These use a spinning impeller that moves water outward, which creates the pressure needed to push it out of hoses or pipes.

These dominate the industry because they can reliably handle large amounts of water, though not in fixed amounts.

Below are several configurations:

- **Horizontal Split Case Pumps** – Renowned for their ease of maintenance and durability. They are commonly used in large building systems.
- **End Suction Pumps** – More compact and straightforward in build. They’re good to use in smaller installations.
- **Vertical Turbine Pumps** – Ideal to use when water needs to be drawn from lakes, subgrade tanks, or reservoirs.
- **In-Line Pumps** – These are space-saving pumps that are mounted or integrated into the pipeline. They’re often used in high-rise buildings.
- **Multistage Multiport Pumps** – Designed to handle higher pressures, they’re very useful when a strong, steady output is needed.

## Positive Displacement Pumps

Unlike centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps move a fixed amount of water or foam concentrate with every stroke or rotation. They’re less common but very essential in specialized firefighting systems.

## Portable Fire Pumps

These pumps are engine-powered, fueled by either gasoline or diesel, and are lightweight enough to be moved. These make them valuable in areas that permanent pumps can’t reach or lack easy access to infrastructure.

## Why Consider Defucc as Your Fire Fighting Partner? 

Our company, Defucc, is a China-based manufacturer that can deliver different types of pumps used in fire fighting system**.** We offer dependable solutions that adhere to strict quality control and international standards and will fit every need.

Check out our [full range of fire fighting pumps](https://www.defucc.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/china-nfpa20-fire-fighting-pump-manufacturer.md) that deliver value and performance. These are all NFPA 20 Compliant.

## Conclusion

How many types of fire fighting pumps are there? There are three main types to choose from but at the end of the day, the right decision will be based on your fire safety and protection needs.

Knowing your options and which one is best is critical. [Get in touch](https://www.defucc.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/contact.md) with our representatives today and learn more about our high-quality fire fighting pumps.

## Key Takeaways

Fire fighting pumps can be categorized into three types: centrifugal, positive displacement, and portable.

Centrifugal pumps dominate the fire protection industry.

Defucc offers reliable and dependable fire fighting solutions.