Fire Pump Emergency Systems

[anthco]

I known this has been discussed before but I could use a clarification. I have a multi family building, parking garage on grade level, four stories above garage, total elevation approx. 53'. I am installing a standby generator for (1) elevator. My question is this, I am also installing a fire pump and was feeding it from a tap located ahead of a reliable utility service. I am being told that Article 700 requires the fire pump to be on the generator as well. Is this a fact or is it simply a decision made by the AHJ? Article 700 states that emergency systems MAY also provide power to fire pumps. Does this mean that the fire pump is a legally required emergency system or not? This will really increase the size of my generator (one generator - 2 buildings) Thanks for your patience.

 

[websparky]

Re: Fire Pump Emergency Systems

1999 NFPA 20 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
Electric Drive for Pumps
6-2 Power Source(s).
Power shall be supplied to the electric motor-driven fire pump by a reliable source or two or more approved independent sources, all of which shall make compliance with Section 6-4 possible.

2002 NEC 695.3 Power Source(s) for Electric Motor-Driven Fire Pumps.
(B) Multiple Sources. Where reliable power cannot be obtained from a source described in 695.3(A), power shall be supplied from an approved combination of two or more of either of such sources, or from an approved combination of feeders constituting two or more power sources as covered in 695.3(B)(2), or from an approved combination of one or more of such power sources in combination with an on-site standby generator complying with 695.3(B)(1) and (B)(3).

anthco,

From my understanding, as long as you have a reliable source, you are not required to connect a second source.

 

[ron]

Re: Fire Pump Emergency Systems

It is up to the AHJ as to whether it is reliable or not.
Many that I have worked on, claim that utility power is not reliable enough, so we add a generator.

 

[anthco]

Re: Fire Pump Emergency Systems

Thanks for the response. My understanding is the AHJ is not questioning the reliability of the source, he simply feels that Article 700 requires the fire pump on a generator. Again, thanks for the response.