Which device is used to monitor and compare engine intake pressures on a fire pump system?

• A. Master intake gauge
• B. Pressure relief valve
• C. Pressure governor
• D. Vacuum gauge

Answer: (A)

Monitoring engine intake pressures on a fire pump is about keeping the suction side under control so the pump can prime and deliver water smoothly. The master intake gauge provides a centralized readout of the pressure on the intake side and lets the operator compare pressures from each suction line. This quick visual check helps identify if one suction is weaker, blocked, or losing prime, while the others are drawing normally, so you can address the issue before the pump loses prime or creates uneven flow. The other devices serve different roles: a pressure relief valve protects against excessive discharge pressure, a pressure governor controls engine speed to match the pump’s output, and a vacuum gauge shows how hard the intake is pulling water but doesn’t give a direct comparative readout across multiple intakes.