fire pump

[paul renshaw]

We currently have a fire pump installation that is in question. First , is a disconnecting means required after the utility transformer secondary? Is an OCPD required? Could you run the building service conductors from the utility xfmr into a trough or , junction box and tap into it there for the fire pump, ahead of the service disconnecting means?

[ April 25, 2005, 09:10 AM: Message edited by: paul renshaw ]

 

[wwebb]

Re: fire pump

You should take time to look up, and read, Article 695 in the 2002 NEC. It will let you know everything you wanted to know about fire pumps, but were afraid to ask......

 

[kiloamp7]

Re: fire pump

Fire Pumps - Not just Article 695 - NFPA 20. They go hand-in hand.

 

[paul renshaw]

Re: fire pump

I have read that section and am not afraid to ask questions. I am dealing with two engineers that have conflicting opinions on what can be done. I was just looking for another point of view as far as interpretations are concerned.

 

[steve66]

Re: fire pump

Look at 695.3(A)(1). This refers back to article 230. I think this is basically saying you have to have a service disconnect for the fire pump that meets the article 230 sections listed.

I'm not sure about the Overcurrent protection OCP. I think the OCP is usually limited to "short-circuit protection", i.e. you size the fuses or circuit breaker to hold forever with locked rotor current flowing. Refer to 695.4(1). (But I'm not sure if 695.4 applies to the utility service, or generator connections, or connections after the transformer )

Could you run the building service conductors from the utility xfmr into a trough or , junction box and tap into it there for the fire pump, ahead of the service disconnecting means?

Yes, I think that's the way it is usually done, but there is usually a second disconnect for the fire pump.
Steve