Fire Pump and Emergency Systems

[xptpcrewx]

In which cases would a fire pump fall under, or not fall under the classification of an emergency system?

 

[gadfly56]

In which cases would a fire pump fall under, or not fall under the classification of an emergency system?

If you look at the informational note under the first paragraph of 700.2, it mentions fire pumps as an example of of a system that would require emergency power. For premises that have backup generators and fire pumps, at least one generator is going to be a 701 system.

 

[xptpcrewx]

If you look at the informational note under the first paragraph of 700.2, it mentions fire pumps as an example of of a system that would require emergency power. For premises that have backup generators and fire pumps, at least one generator is going to be a 701 system.

How about for fire pumps with an individual source only (no transfer equipment) as with 695.3(A)?

 

[roger]

Not trying to derail the question but having been through a number of fire pump installs 695.3 and 695.4 are IMO the worst worded code sections period. I have had local inspectors so lost they spent days in meetings and in the end state and local fire marshals told them to take a hike, it shouldn't be that way

Roger

 

[ron]

The adopted building code decides.
For example, if the jurisdiction adopted the IBC, then Chapter 27 lists those items that are Emergency (Article 700) and Standby (Article 701). Fire Pump is not listed individually in Chapter 27 directly. Indirectly, if you have a High Rise for example, you are directed to go to Section 403.4.8 where you would see electrically powered fire pumps listed under Emergency Power Loads in Section 403.4.8.4. If you have a fire pump for a different type of occupancy than a high rise, such as an Underground building, you would get pushed to Section 405.8, and the same result.
If you were in a regular Business low rise building with a fire pump, then no Emergency (or legally required) source required.
Local amendments override of course.

 

[steve66]

How about for fire pumps with an individual source only (no transfer equipment) as with 695.3(A)?

Not emergency IMO, but it would still have to meet all the wiring requirements in 695 which are probably just as strict or more so than the emergency wiring requirements. For example, I seem to recall on one project the electric service had to come directly into the fire pump room.

You can also use a diesel engine to drive the fire pump, and then emergency power is not required.

Emergency Generators or Diesel Engine Driven Pumps - SFFECO

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[Rock86]

Not emergency IMO, but it would still have to meet all the wiring requirements in 695 which are probably just as strict or more so than the emergency wiring requirements. For example, I seem to recall on one project the electric service had to come directly into the fire pump room.

You can also use a diesel engine to drive the fire pump, and then emergency power is not required.

Emergency Generators or Diesel Engine Driven Pumps - SFFECO

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The diesel pumps are great in terms of design your electrical system. The problem comes that you need more space.

We actually just had a job where a contractor hit a sprinkler head, turned off the water. This inadvertently shut off the coolant supply to the motor, so the motor burned up and caused a fire in the fire pump house (remote from the main building).... oppsy.

 

[gadfly56]

The diesel pumps are great in terms of design your electrical system. The problem comes that you need more space.

We actually just had a job where a contractor hit a sprinkler head, turned off the water. This inadvertently shut off the coolant supply to the motor, so the motor burned up and caused a fire in the fire pump house (remote from the main building).... oppsy.

...an expensive "oopsy". Wait until the bill comes in for the motor replacement, and likely the pump bearings are shot as well, so the whole kit and kaboodle. Hook up to the FA panel, final test and commisioning...he's going to have a grand old time.

 

[xptpcrewx]

Thanks everyone. I think ron nailed it in post #5. I’m actually dealing with a high-rise and the IBC describes the fire pump as being an emergency load despite it only having one source.