ADDITIONAL SERVICE FOR FIRE PUMP

[binwork91]

Can you install the fire pump service switch and meter in another room?

The existing main electrical room is small and has no more space for the new fire pump service switch.

Con Edison will provide a new service entrance to a different room for the fire pump service switch.

Is this allowed? Do all service switches need to be grounded in one location?

Can anyone provide the relevant code section and explain it?

Location: NYC, NEC 2008.

Thank you.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Not sure about any NYC amendments, but in the NEC, not only is it permitted, it is required that an additional service for a fire pump be located remotely from the one to six service disconnecting means for normal service to minimize the possibility of simultaneous interruption of supply.

270.72(B) Additional Service Disconnecting Means.
The one or more additional service disconnecting means for fire pumps, emergency systems, legally required standby, or optional standby services permitted by 230.2 shall be installed remote from the one to six service disconnecting means for normal service to minimize the possibility of simultaneous interruption of supply.

Edit: that was section 270.71(B) in the 2008 NEC.

 

[binwork91]

Not sure about any NYC amendments, but in the NEC, not only is it permitted, it is required that an additional service for a fire pump be located remotely from the one to six service disconnecting means for normal service to minimize the possibility of simultaneous interruption of supply.

Edit: that was section 270.71(B) in the 2008 NEC.

For this code section, I am not sure what 'remotely from the one to six service disconnects' means.

I know the fire pump service switch can be installed in the main electrical room with other service disconnects, but not in same switchboard. I have never seen a fire pump service disconnect in another room. Of course, the controller can be a service switch, but that's a different story

 

[Elect117]

For this code section, I am not sure what 'remotely from the one to six service disconnects' means.

I know the fire pump service switch can be installed in the main electrical room with other service disconnects, but not in same switchboard. I have never seen a fire pump service disconnect in another room. Of course, the controller can be a service switch, but that's a different story

It means that the fire pump service disconnect does not need to be near or one of the normal service disconnects.

We typically only do fire pumps in seperate rooms. We will typically (on new builds) have a additional section put in for the fire pump tap ahead of the main.

 

[infinity]

The NYC code amendments are silent on this. It comes down to the definition of remote. Certainly it could be remote and still be grouped in one location.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The NYC code amendments are silent on this. It comes down to the definition of remote. Certainly it could be remote and still be grouped in one location.

Of course the term remote is very subjective. If there is a separate service for the fire pump, I would not permit it be grouped with the other service disconnect, but as with all subjective terms, only YOUR AHJ knows what the term means.
The remote language is also found in NFPA 20 which has purview over fire pumps.

 

[infinity]

Of course the term remote is very subjective. If there is a separate service for the fire pump, I would not permit it be grouped with the other service disconnect, but as with all subjective terms, only YOUR AHJ knows what the term means.
The remote language is also found in NFPA 20 which has purview over fire pumps.

Remote does not imply it must be in a separate room but it also doesn't say that it can be in a separate room either. The NYC electrical code amendments say that remote is a minimum separation of 12".

NYC 2011:

695.4(B)(3) Disconnecting Means. The disconnecting means shall comply with the following:
(1) Be identified as suitable for use as service equipment.
(2) Be lockable in the closed position. Locking provisions shall remain in place with or without
an installed lock.
(3) Not located within equipment that feeds loads other than the fire pump.
(4) Be located as remote as practicable from other service disconnecting means with a minimum
separation of 305mm (12 in.).

 

[binwork91]

So, it is allowed to install the fire pump service switch in a room other than the fire pump room and main electrical room.

 

[augie47]

So, it is allowed to install the fire pump service switch in a room other than the fire pump room and main electrical room.

As long as you comply with 230.70 and 230.72.
If it's located outside of the fire pump room I would make note of 695.6(A)(2)