695 Fire pumps service

[Drummond]

I recently installed a service to a fire pump in line with 695.5 transformers. It is a existing building so
the conduit was routed on the exterior of the building and enters approx. 8' from the fire pump controller.
The controller is not in a fire pump room so the inspector says that under 695.6(A) I will need to encase
the conduit in 2" of concrete as it is a service conductor. We ran the conduit in overhead but now it seems
that we will have to tear it out and come in at the floor. Any suggestions on keeping it overhead and if not
do I need to encase it right to the bottom of the controller as it will require a sweep?

 

[augie47]

I have seen similar situations and the solution was framing the conduit and encasing with concrete.

 

[gadfly56]

I recently installed a service to a fire pump in line with 695.5 transformers. It is a existing building so
the conduit was routed on the exterior of the building and enters approx. 8' from the fire pump controller.
The controller is not in a fire pump room so the inspector says that under 695.6(A) I will need to encase
the conduit in 2" of concrete as it is a service conductor. We ran the conduit in overhead but now it seems
that we will have to tear it out and come in at the floor. Any suggestions on keeping it overhead and if not
do I need to encase it right to the bottom of the controller as it will require a sweep?

The NEC does not define the requirements for "fire pump room". Neither does NFPA 20, the standard for fire pumps. It is reasonable to assume that the "fire pump room" is whatever room the fire pump happens to be in. Usually the controller is in the same room as the fire pump. If there is a disconnecting means at the transformer, I would think that you have circuit conductors per 695.6(B) and you can use the Exception, and the conductors in the room don't need to be encased.