4.

31 Break Tanks
Where a break tank is used to provide the pump suction water supply, the installation shall
comply with Section 4.31.
Design Alert
As defined in 3.3.6, a break tank is not intended to provide a storage capacity equal to the
entire system demand (required flow rate times duration) as specified by a fire protection
system installation standard such as NFPA 13 or NFPA 14. The break tank is also not
intended to be a pressurized source, except for the initial pressure that is developed by the
depth of water in the tank. A break tank must be equipped with an automatic fill connection
to a source of water that is considered reliable in normal circumstances. If a tank is required
because the water source is not sufficiently reliable, or a tank is required by the applicable
codes and standards, the tank should be sized for the entire system demand. If the water
source is reliable but cannot supply the required flow rate, a break tank can be used. For
example, in an area subject to earthquakes, a city supply would not be considered reliable,
and the tank would be sized for the required total facility water supply. Using a break tank to
augment a reliable water source that is inadequate in volume allows a smaller tank. A break
tank can also be used as a backflow prevention device by providing an air gap between the
automatic fill valve and the highest water level.
The fire pump technical committee added information on the use of break tanks for the 2007
edition of NFPA 20, because guidance was needed on the design and testing of this type of
water tank, which does not have the capacity to meet the full fire protection system demand.
The tank design, construction, and installation must comply with the requirements of NFPA
22. The following are the primary purposes for using break tanks:
1. To augment a reliable water source that cannot supply the required flow rate
2. To address situations where the municipality or water purveyor prohibits the direct
connection of a fire pump to the water main
3. To serve in situations where the pressure fluctuation causes overpressurization of the
fire protection system
See Exhibit II.4.29 for an altitude-type (pressure actuated) automatic fill valve and Exhibit
II.4.30 for a typical break tank with an automatic fill valve and bypass.

4.31.1 Application.
Break tanks shall be used for one or more of the following reasons:
1. As a backflow prevention device between the water supply and the fire pump suction
pipe
When acting only as a backflow device, the tank will typically be the minimum size allowed
and will require two automatic fill valves and lines, each sized to match the maximum flow

through the fire pump (150 percent of pump rated capacity). The second fill valve and line is
a backup and does not have to operate simultaneously with the first fill line.
2. To eliminate fluctuations in the water supply pressure and provide a steady suction
pressure to the fire pump
When used to level out pressure fluctuations, the break tank will typically be the minimum
size allowed and will require two automatic fill valves and lines, each sized to match the
maximum flow through the fire pump (150 percent of pump rated capacity). The second fill
valve and line is a backup and does not have to operate simultaneously with the first fill line.
3. To provide a quantity of stored water on site where the normal water supply will not
provide the required quantity of water required by the fire protection system
When augmenting a reliable water supply, the tank will typically be sized to make up the
difference between the available flow rate and the system demand. As an example, if the
system demand is 1000 gpm (3785 L/min) for 90 minutes and the water supply provides 500
gpm (1892 L/min) with a 10 percent safety factor, the tank would be sized for [1000 gpm
(3785 L/min) 500 gpm (1892 L/min) (90 minutes)], or 45,000 gal (170,344 L). The tank
would then hold a 45-minute water supply and be required to have one automatic fill line,
sized for a flow rate of 500 gpm (1892 L/min).

4.31.2 Break Tank Size.

The tank shall be sized for a minimum duration of 15 minutes with the fire pump operating at
150 percent of rated capacity.
A redundant automatic fill line is required to ensure that the tank does not run out of water
before the fire department can respond and verify the operation of the tank fill valve. It is
anticipated that the fire department will respond and review the tank and tank fill within 30
minutes. An example of sizing a tank for 15 minutes under the requirements of 4.31.2 is the
following:
Calculation
A 1000 gpm (3785 L/min) fire pump flows 1500 gpm (5678 L/min) at 150 percent of rated
demand. A 15-minute supply, therefore, equals 15 min 1500 gpm (5678 L/min) or 22,500
gal (85,163 L).
This requirement is based on the fire pump rating, not the fire protection demand.
FAQ
Does NFPA 20 specify the flow rate of an automatic fill connection for all water storage
tanks?
The tank size and refill rate is based on the NFPA 20 requirement that the stored supply plus
automatic refill must meet the fire protection system demand. Note that the intent of NFPA
20 is to establish the requirements for the application, sizing, and refill of break tanks only.

For capacity and filling requirements for water storage tanks for private fire protection
systems, see NFPA 22.