Fire pump remote from service

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olc

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Is it OK to have a fire pump main service disconnect then feeder to the fire pump controller which has it's own disconnect?
Too many disconnects.
In this case the fire pump is far from the electric service (>350'). The fire pump service entrance could be run all the way to the fire pump room. However the standby generator is located at the electric service so it makes much more sense to put the main disconnect and transfer switch near the electric service (and generator) and run a feeder to the fire pump controller.


Follow up question - if a reduced voltage starter is used, is the starting voltage drop figured at the reduced starting current or at the across-the-line current?
 
olc said:
Is it OK to have a fire pump main service disconnect then feeder to the fire pump controller which has it's own disconnect?
Too many disconnects.
In this case the fire pump is far from the electric service (>350'). The fire pump service entrance could be run all the way to the fire pump room. However the standby generator is located at the electric service so it makes much more sense to put the main disconnect and transfer switch near the electric service (and generator) and run a feeder to the fire pump controller.


Follow up question - if a reduced voltage starter is used, is the starting voltage drop figured at the reduced starting current or at the across-the-line current?
Click to expand...
The ATS for a fire pump must be located in the fire pump room and must be listed for fire pump use. Study Art 695.
 
texie said:
The ATS for a fire pump must be located in the fire pump room and must be listed for fire pump use. Study Art 695.
Click to expand...

You may well be correct and I can't remember an install where it (the ATS) was not located at the fire pump but I can't find that requirement in Art 695. Can you direct me ?
 
augie47 said:
You may well be correct and I can't remember an install where it (the ATS) was not located at the fire pump but I can't find that requirement in Art 695. Can you direct me ?
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In the 2011 edition it is 695.12(A). For the 2014 edition, 695.3(F) was added to make things even more clear on this.
Also note that ATSs for fire pump service must be listed for this use-a standard ATS is not allowed. As a practical matter, the vast majority of fire pumps that require an alternate source of power, this is done with a combination fire pump controller/ATS.
 
Well that creates a dilemma.
It is also mentioned in NEC 2008 69512 (A).(2008 is the NY State listed version)
In my current case the fire pump is almost 400 feet from both the service and generator making it (locating the transfer switch at the fire pump) very impractical.
The dilemma is that while a generator connection is not required, just having the generator for the building (to me) means the fire pump should be active if there is stand-by power to the building.
 
olc said:
Well that creates a dilemma.
It is also mentioned in NEC 2008 69512 (A).(2008 is the NY State listed version)
In my current case the fire pump is almost 400 feet from both the service and generator making it (locating the transfer switch at the fire pump) very impractical.
The dilemma is that while a generator connection is not required, just having the generator for the building (to me) means the fire pump should be active if there is stand-by power to the building.
Click to expand...

Well, looks like you'll be running two sets of service conductors to the fire pump room, practical or not, unless the AHJ says you don't have to. If the utility source is considered "reliable", whatever that means, NFPA 25 doesn't require a second source. YMMV depending on local amendments.
 
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