There is the main switchboard located in a parking garage area. It meets all code required space and protection requirements. The building has a fire pump controller (main and generator backup) located in a separate room approximately 100 feet away. The question is about feeder conductors (tap ahead of main with disconnect) from the main switchboard to the fire pump controller. (2014) Section 695.6, Exception to (A)(2)(d). It mentions "electrical equipment room". Are they implying that I need such a room? Or, is providing a 2-hour rated feeder from the switchboard, to the disconnect, to the fire pump controller sufficient? I read it such that if you have an electrical room, the 2-hour rating is not required inside the room. Am I missing something?
Fire Pump Feeder and Switchboard
- Thread starter whiggins
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gadfly56
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
The 2-hour rated cable/assembly is not required in either the electrical room or the fire pump room, only between them.
Agreed, but how does it apply if there is no electrical room? Are they implying an electrical room is required?
gadfly56
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
Wherever your switchgear is located is the electrical room, I would think. Unless the switchgear is outside the parking garage, or not surrounded by four walls?
The switchboard is in a drive in part of a lower parking/maintenance level. It occupies 75% of the lower level of the building. There isn't really a room. I know of no references in the code that requires dedicated electrical rooms. The phrasing of the exception is confusing to me.
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