What to Know About Fire Pump Nameplates

Posted by Chris Carter

in Nameplates

Updated January 28th, 2026

Table of Contents

• What Are Fire Pump Nameplates, and Why Do They Matter?
• How To Read Fire Pump Nameplates
• Fire Pump Nameplate Specs and Requirements
• Fire Pump Nameplates: More Than Just A Tag
• Frequently Asked Questions

Fire protection systems can make the difference between life and death, especially in industrial settings. Fire pumps are crucial to these systems because they maintain adequate water pressure throughout a facility’s fire suppression system.

While organizations sometimes overlook their value, fire pump nameplates are an essential resource for both end-users and manufacturers.

For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fire pump nameplates ensure compliance and demonstrate the reliability of your brand. Investing in high-quality nameplates, particularly those made from Metalphoto®, can significantly extend the legibility of critical information while improving brand visibility.

In this guide, we’ll explain why fire pump nameplates are so crucial and offer tips for designing compliant nameplates.

What Are Fire Pump Nameplates, and Why Do They Matter?

Photo by Alphacolor from Unsplash

Fire pump nameplates are durable labels manufacturers attach to fire pumps to share crucial information about the pump, such as manufacturing details, specifications, and compliance requirements.

Fire pumps are crucial safety equipment, so the nameplates should be able to withstand harsh environments. That’s why manufacturers will often choose substrates like stainless steel or aluminum, which can last the entirety of the equipment’s lifespan. 

Hydraulic nameplates, which are closely related to fire pump nameplates, serve a similar function for hydraulic systems. These nameplates display important information about flow rates, pressure limits, and other performance metrics.

While they show information about different systems, both types of nameplates are helpful references for maintenance teams, and ensure the equipment operates within the proper parameters.

Fire pump nameplates may not be as essential as the fire pumps themselves, but are a crucial addition to this equipment for several reasons, including:

• Compliance: Several regulations require OEMs to choose legible fire pump nameplates. Whether during a routine inspection or a true emergency, users need information on fire pumps to prevent operational failures.
• Brand longevity: For OEMs, investing in high-quality nameplates for equipment ensures brand consistency, even after years of use. A nameplate that remains readable and intact serves as a lasting brand mark on the equipment, reinforcing your reputation for reliability and quality.
• Better traceability: Durable QR codes or barcodes on fire pump nameplates simplify inventory tracking, making it easier to manage maintenance schedules and track the equipment’s lifecycle.

How To Read Fire Pump Nameplates

Fire pump nameplates should give operators a quick snapshot of the pump’s capabilities. While details can vary by manufacturer, most fire pumps include information about:

• The manufacturer: The tag should show the OEM’s brand name and logo. It also needs to include the model and serial numbers, which help users order parts and verify warranty status.
• Performance: Fire pumps include details on their rated flow (the amount of water they can deliver), rated pressure (the pressure at which they should operate), horsepower (the power they need to achieve flow and pressure), and speed (how fast they operate).
• Compliance: Fire pumps must comply with various requirements, such as those from Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual. Following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards also ensures that the pump works for fire protection systems. Every pump should display certification marks from these regulatory bodies.

Fire Pump Nameplate Specs and Requirements

For OEMs, ensuring these nameplates are durable and legible throughout the lifespan of the equipment is a top priority.

With this in mind, your fire pump nameplates should follow these best practices:

• Material durability: Fire pump nameplates must withstand harsh environments, including high humidity, extreme temperatures, and chemical exposure. Metalphoto® photosensitive anodized aluminum offers exceptional resistance to corrosion, abrasion, UV radiation, and harsh chemicals. Its durability ensures that critical information remains legible for decades, making it the best choice for OEMs who need reliable, long-lasting brand labels.
• Sizing: Typical sizes range from 2” x 4” to 4” x 6”, depending on the available surface area on the fire pump. The dimensions should balance readability with practical mounting space on the equipment, which might mean ordering custom sizes for your fire pumps.
• Readability: Fire pump nameplates must be readable throughout the equipment’s life. Use high-contrast text and graphics that are easy to read, even from a distance. Opt for materials like Metalphoto®, which guarantees that text and barcodes remain intact and resistant to fading in even the most challenging environments.

Fire Pump Nameplates: More Than Just A Tag

Photo by Engin Akyurt from Unsplash

Fire pump nameplates are essential identification tags that ensure compliance, safety, and proper branding throughout the equipment’s lifetime. Choosing the right nameplate design and material may seem like a small decision, but it can have a big impact on your business. 

As the most durable substrate available, Metalphoto® ensures that vital information remains legible for decades, reinforcing brand visibility and compliance with industry standards. Its resistance to corrosion, UV radiation, and harsh chemicals makes it the preferred choice for manufacturers.

Discover the unmatched durability of Metalphoto® metal equipment nameplates.

Request your free label and tag evaluation kit today.

Frequently Asked Questions