Fire Pump Power Supplies
Applicable Codes and Intent
- for -
IEEE - IAS- by -
James S. Nasby
Columbia Engineering
Topics to be Covered Are: 1 - Applicable Standards 2 - Power Source(s) for Fire Pumps 3 - Continuity of Power to a Fire Pump 4 - Transformers in the Fire Pump Circuit 5 - Power Wiring to a Fire Pump 6 - Other Requirements 7 - Rules of Thumb (for Reference Only) 8 - Fault Current Considerations
Applicable StandardsNFPA 70, the NEC®Article 695 -and-
NFPA 20 Fire Pump Power Supplies NFPA-20 - Chapter 9 - Performance &
Acceptance Testing of Power Sources NFPA-70 (NEC®) Section 695 & etc.
Installation of Electrical Equipment NFPA-25 - Inspection, Testing, etc.
- also - Local Codes - E.g. C.E.C. (Chicago Electrical Code) Insurance Company Requirements (IRI, FM & etc.)
NFPA 20 – Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
Several requirements of Article 695, including power sources, are extracted from NFPA 20
I.E.: NFPA-20 Takes Priority
What is Covered by NEC Article 695
Electrical power sources Interconnecting circuits Switching and control equipment
dedicated to fire fire pump drivers. E.g.: Service Entrance Gear.
695.1(A)695.1(A)
Power Sources Control Circuits Control Equipment
Fire Pump
What Is Not Covered By Article 695 System Performance -- NFPA-20 E.g.
Fire Pump Controllers and Transfer Switches.
Maintenance -- NFPA-25 Acceptance testing -- NFPA-20 Routine (Periodic) Testing -- NFPA-25 Jockey pumps -- NEC Article 430 Alarm Systems -- NFPA-72
COVERED
695.1(B)695.1(B)
How Is Article 695 Applied?
Because it is located in Chapter 6, –Article 695 applies to special equipment – It amends the requirements of Chapters 1
- 4 in the NEC for fire pump installations Example:
–Article 695 amends Articles 240 and 430–Article 695 is NOT modified by Article 700
(Emergency Systems)
90.3 & 695.290.3 & 695.2
What Is the Intent . . . of Article 695 -and- NFPA-20
Fire Pump sources and components must be Reliable, and
Should the Fire Pump Be Called Upon to Function, It Is Considered Sacrificial
The Fire Pump Controller will hold 300% or more Motor FLA current continuously.
NFPA 20 and 695.3
2 - Power Source(s) for Electric Motor Drive Fire Pumps
General Philosophy Permitted power source(s) Individual power sources(s) Multiple power sources Power source(s) performance -
Maximum Voltage Drops
General PhilosophyPower Sources for Electric Motor Driven Fire Pumps
Requirements focus on the continuous uninterrupted operation of the fire pump.
Electrical safety is considered a secondary objective.
Fire pump equipment is considered sacrificial.
As such, Equipment and Conductors may constitute a fire hazard.
Protection of the premise and occupants of paramount importance.
Permitted Types of Power Sources for Electric Motor Driven Fire Pumps
Individual Power SourceUtility Service On-Site Power Production Plant
Multiple (other) Power SourcesAbove twoStand-by Gen-setFeeder Sources(Campus like Complexes)
695.3695.3
Number of Reliable Electric Power Sources Required
Power to be supplied by a (one) reliable source
Or by at least two approved independent (other) sources.
-- however --
Where height of building is beyond pumping capacity of the fire department, an emergency or back-up power supply is mandatory.
-and- Additional Chicago Requirements
A Reliable Electric Power Source . . .
To consist of Electrical Service or Private Power Station - where -
Infrequent disruption from environmental or man-made conditions
Contains a separate service connection -or- connection to the supply side of the building’s service entrance disconnect means
Determination of reliability up to discretion of the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).
What Are Individual Power Source(s)?
1. Separate Service, or 2. Tap Ahead of the Premise (Plant or Building) Service Equipment - or - 3. On-Site Power Production
Facility (On-Site “24-7” Power Plant)
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2
Separate Service as an Individual Power Source.
Separate utility service dedicated to the fire pump
Permitted by Section 230.2 Shall comply with all applicable rules of Chapters 1-4, including Article 250.
Each Individual Power Source
Must be Located –
and Arranged to Minimize Possibility of Damage By Fire.
“…sufficiently remote…” 230.72(B)
And, both must have signs at both location. 230.2(E)
Separate Service From a Utility
Normal ServiceFire Pump
Service
SufficientlyRemote
Locations
Power Supply Arrangement
Power supply to pump is to be maintained when building normal power is disconnected.
Note: In cases where "Service" was a Utility Transformer Secondary becomes an AHJ question when ownership of the transformer transfers to the premise owner since the above is violated when the transformer primary is opened (on purpose, or during a fire, or due to a fault).
Tap Ahead of the Building Service Equipment requirements are the same
as for a separate service Installed according to Part D of Article
230, service entrance conductors; e.g.: 230.82(4), 230.2(A)(1), 230.72(B),
Be capable of carrying the locked-rotor current (LRC) of the Fire Pump and all connected all equipment loads
May be either Low or Medium Voltage
695.3(A)(1) &695.3(A)(1) & 695.6(D)695.6(D)
On-site Power Production Facility
A facility that produces its own power on a Continuous basis (not a standby generator)
Similar to separate service requirements
Located and protected to to minimize the risk of damage by fire
695.3(A)(2)695.3(A)(2)
Multiple Power Sources - When Needed
The Term “Reliable” Is a Decision for “The Authority Having Jurisdiction”.
“Reliable” Is Defined as “Capable of Being Relied On; Dependable, or Trustworthy”.
All Sources Must Be Approved by “The Authority Having Jurisdiction”.
ReliableDependable
Trustworthy
695.3(B)
Multiple Power Sources - NFPA 20
Governed by NFPA-20 Section: 9.3.2 Other Sources
Partially Excerpted into NEC Article:695.3. Power Sources(s) for Electric
Motor-Driven Fire Pumps
Note: The 2008 Edition of NFPA-70 reformatted the power supply requirements section differently than NFPA-20. The latter governs.
Multiple Power Sources -- Other Electric Power Sources
Where a Reliable Power Source is NOT available, redundant (Multiple) supplies (or sources of fire water) are to be provided as follows:- Another Service or Private Power Station- On-site standby Generator- Combination of Feeders from Two
Separate Utility Sources- Combination of One or More Feeders and
an Onsite Generator- Diesel Engine driven Fire Pump- Steam Turbine driven Fire Pump
Examples of Multiple Power Sources
1) Dual Utility Service (Main-Tie-Main) 2) Utility Service plus On-Site Gen-Set 3) Combination of Feeders from
separate Services ** 4) Combination of Feeder and On-site
Gen-Set **
** Only allowed on multi-building, campus style complexes.
Examples of Multiple Power Sources NFPA-20 Section 9.2, Power Sources
(1) Combination of Services and/or On-site Power Facilities.
Fire Pump Controller
Service #1 Service #2
MFire Pump
Motor
Examples of Multiple Power Sources NFPA-20 Section 9.2, Power Sources
(2) Combination of Service or OPF and On-site standby generator.
M
Service On-site standby Generator
G
Fire Pump Controller
Examples of Multiple Power Sources NFPA-20 Section 9.2, Power Sources
(3) Combination of Feeders from separate Services.
Only allowed on multi-building, campus style complexes.
Service #2Service #1
High Voltage
Substation
Feeders
Fire Pump Controller
M
Examples of Multiple Power Sources NFPA-20 Section 9.2, Power Sources
(4) Combination of Feeder and On-site standby generator.
Only allowed on multi-building, campus style complexes.
On-site Standby Generator
Service
FeedersFire Pump Controller
M
High Voltage Substation
G
Examples of Multiple Power Sources NFPA-20 9.2, Power Sources (Tap Ahead . . .)
6.3.2.1 The fire pump power supply shall not be disconnected when plant power is disconnected.
The exception permits this only for multi-building, campus-style complexes that automatically ensure alternate power is still available.
Service
FeedersFire Pump Controller
M
Plant Power Disconnect
Multiple Power Sources -On-site Generator
Generators to be of sufficient capacity to allow normal starting and running of the motor(s) driving the fire pump(s) while supplying all other simultaneously operated load(s).
Where protective devices are installed, they must allow instantaneous pickup of full pump room load. E.g. Across-the-Line Starting of all pumps.
Transfer of power to take place in the pump room Meet Both Voltage Drop Requirements (15% &
5%)
Multiple Power Sources -- On-site Generator
Generator to meet requirements for Level 1, Type 10, Class X system as defined by NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
Level 1 - Critical to life safety.
Type 10 - Power available within 10 seconds
Class X - Sufficient fuel to run for a period of “X” hours
Sufficient fuel supply so generator can operate for eight hours at 100% capacity of the pump and other demands (Class “8”).
See NFPA-20 Section 9.6 (9.6.2)
Multiple Power Sources -- Transfer of Power
Transfer Must Occur within the Pump Room
Arrangement I -- Combination Controller & Transfer Switch per NFPA-20 Section 10.8.2.1 -or- Arrangement II -- Separate Field Wired Controller &
Transfer Switch per NFPA-20 Section 10.8.2.1
Arrangement I Controller - Xfer. Switch
Combination
A “Combination Fire Pump Controller and Power Transfer Switch” unit must . . .
Be Listed as a coordinated designed and factory assembled and wired complete unit
Need have only Normal Side Breaker unless the Emergency Source is a Utility (need to specify Emergency Side Breaker when needed).
Will already meet all requirements of NFPA-20, Section 10.8
Arrangement II Transfer Switch Ahead of
Controller
A transfer switch ahead of a fire pump must . . .
Be a Listed “Fire Pump Power Transfer Switch”
Be Listed and Rated for the Available Fault Current. NFPA 20, 10.1.2.2
Be Protected by Listed Service Equipment Meet all requirements of NFPA-20, Sections
10.8.1, 10.8.2.2 & 10.8.3
Approximately 31 clauses including interconnections and WIC Short Circuit Coordination. See Nasby Application Notes
Multiple Power Sources - Summary
Where Reliable Power Cannot Be Obtained from a Single Source:
Two or More Sources Shall Be Required. The Sources to Select from are Limited
to Those Covered in Section 9.3. Multiple Sources are Required Where
Building Height Exceeds Fire Department Pumping Capacity.
See also NFPA-20 A9.3.2 (Reliable Power). The AJH either determines or must agree that a source is reliable.
695.3(B)695.3(B)
Power Supply Performance – Any and All Sources
Max. Voltage Drop Requirements
15% Max. during “Normal” Starting Conditions
5% Max. at 115% Full Load Running Conditions
Note: A fixed speed fire pump is allowed to load the motor into its service factor (1.15 max.) and often does.
Maximum Allowed Voltages Drops – Motor Starting
During Normal Starting Conditions, a 15% Maximum Voltage Drop at Controller Inlet Terminals.
“Normal” motor starting conditions includes Reduced In-rush Starting, if provided.
Exception for Emergency Manual Mechanical (A-T-L)starting
This is to Assure Adequate Control Power to prevent contactor chattering & etc. Some controllers far exceed this number.
NFPA-20 Section 9.4NFPA-20 Section 9.4
Maximum Allowed Voltages Drops – Motor Running
During Motor Running at 115% of Motor FLA, a 5% Maximum Voltage Drop at the Motor Terminals.
This is to Prevent Motor Overheating.
See NEC Chapter 9, Table 9 for cable A.C. Impedances (Resistance & Reactance).
See NEMA ICS-14 for example of voltage drop calculations. These calculations must include: source, transformer and cable complex impedance values. The motor is often taken as 30% P.F. during starting (depending on the starting method) and 85% during running.
Available at: http://www.nema.org/standardsNFPA-20 Section 9.4NFPA-20 Section 9.4
3 - Continuity of Power
Goal – Minimize risk of inadvertent disconnection from supply.
Connect fire pump directly to electric supply
Limit number of disconnecting means Supervision - Monitor Fire Pump
Power actually present Transfer Switch ahead of Controller
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3
Physical Protection of Electric Power Supplies
Power sources supplied by a service or generator to be located and arranged to minimize the possibility of damage by fire from within the premises and exposing hazards.
If power supplied solely by a private power station, it is to be protected as above.
Private Power Station may be given consideration as an acceptable supply where located in a separate power house or cut off from main buildings
Physical Protection of Power Supplies (Cont.)
Multiple power sources to be arranged so a fire at one source will not cause an interruption at the other source.
Supply conductors to be dedicated and protected to resist possible damage by fire, structural failure, or operational accident
Continuity of Power
Power supply to be directly connected to the fire pump controller,
-- or --
A single supervised disconnecting means and associated overcurrent protective device permitted between the power supply and fire pump controller, power transfer switch or combination controller/transfer switch
Methods of Achieving Continuity
Direct Connection
Supervised Connection (Upstream OCP)
M
FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
XSERVICE POINT
FIRE PUMP
FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
FIRE PUMP
XSERVICE POINT
SERVICE DISCONNECTING
MEANS
M
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3
Direct Connection of Supply Conductors
The simplest is a direct connection
Benefit: Limited risk of inadvertent
disconnection
M
FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
XSERVICE POINT
FIRE PUMP
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3
Supervised (Indirect) Connection
Indirect (Supervised) Connection is permitted, but . . .
Considered somewhat less reliable, and
Is more complex (approx. 8 clauses)
Basically, this allows a disconnect ahead of the fire pump
Supervised (Indirect) Connection – cont’d
A Single Disconnecting Means and Overcurrent Protection are permitted ahead of the Fire Pump Controller, only if all of the following conditions are met (next four slides):
FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
FIRE PUMP
XSERVICE POINT
SERVICE DISCONNECTING
MEANS*
M
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3
*Service Entrance Rated (Listed) Fusible Disconnect or Enclosed Circuit Breaker
The Disconnecting Means . . . Identified and Marked “Suitable for Use
As Service Equipment” (U.L. Listed) Lockable in the “Closed” (ON) position Located sufficiently remote from other
disconnecting means that inadvertent contemporaneous operation would be unlikely
Marked appropriately (Marked “Fire Pump Disconnecting
Means”) Disconnecting means supervised in the
closed position
The Overcurrent Protection . . . The Overcurrent Protection Is Set to carry
indefinitely the sum of the locked rotor current of the fire pump, jockey pump motors and full-load current of associated fire pump equipment
Exception: Additional devices for campus style feeder sources - to comply with NFPA 70 §695
Note: Except for Limited Service units, the Controller’s overcurrent protection is set to: - Never trip below 300% of motor FLA -and- - Locked rotor tripping time set between 8 seconds and 20 seconds
Means of Supervision of Disconnect
a. Fire Alarm Connection to a Central Station, Proprietary, or Remote Station Signal Device.
b. Local Signaling Service that Will Cause an Audible Signal at a Constantly Attended Point.
c. Locking the Disconnect “Closed”d. Sealing in Closed Position with Weekly
Inspections where the Disconnecting Means is within a Fenced Enclosure or in buildings under “control of the owner” (Locked).
Additional Disconnect Requirements
A Key Is Placed at the Fire Pump Controller, if the Disconnecting Means Is Locked, and
A Placard is Installed on the Disconnecting Means, and
An Additional Placard Is Installed at the Fire Pump Controller, and
The Disconnecting Means Is Supervised in the Closed (“ON”) Position
FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
FIRE PUMP
XSERVICE POINT
SERVICE DISCONNECTING
MEANS
M
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3NFPA-20 Section 9.2.3
4 - Transformers for Fire Pump Circuits
A Transformer is Permitted Where . . .
13.2 kV 3 PHASE
DELTA
480 / 277 V 3 PHASE 4-WIRE
WYE
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2(5)NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2(5)
Transformers for Fire Pump Circuits
Service at Other than Utilization Voltage
Where “Service” is Above 600 Volts either a:
Listed Medium Voltage Fire Pump Controller(s) and Motor(s) if below 7.2 kV -or-
A Transformer(s) is allowed per NFPA-20 6.3.2.2.5 if it complies with 6.3.2.2.2
(Supervised Connection) and NEC Article 695.5 (Transformers).
Power
Supply
Arrangement
'A' & 'B'
for
Normal Source
Note: Transformer in Arrangement 'B' is optional
Transformers for Fire Pump Circuits
A Transformer is Permitted Where the Supply Voltage Is Different from the Fire Pump and Controller Requirements
It is Dedicated to Fire Pump and Associated Equipment or
Except that Transformers on Multi-Building Complexes are Permitted to Supply Other Loads
NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2(5)NFPA-20 Section 9.2.2(5)
MM
JockeyPump Disconnect, Overcurrent Protection, and Motor Controller
Jockey PumpFire Pump
Listed Fire Pump Controller
Primary Overcurrent Protection Only
Dedicated Transformer
Jockey Pump Tap Conductors
Secondary Conductors, Overcurrent Protection NOT Permitted
Transformer Dedicated to Fire Pump
NEC 695.5NEC 695.5
Transformer Sizing Minimum Sizing Shall Be at Least 125%* of
the Sum of: The Full Load of the Fire Pump Motor(s),
Plus The Full Load of the Jockey Pump Motor(s) (if applicable), Plus The Full Load of Any Associated Equipment (if applicable).
695.5(A)695.5(A)
Note: *125% is almost always too small to meet both voltage drop requirements.
Transformer Overcurrent Protection
Secondary Side Overcurrent Protection (OCP) is Not Permitted.
Line side protection only
695.5(B)
Transformer Overcurrent Protection
The Minimum Selection and Setting of the Primary OCP Shall Be Large Enough to Carry Indefinitely the Equivalent Secondary Currents of the Following:
The Locked-Rotor (600%) Current of the Fire Pump Motor(s), Plus
The Locked-Rotor (600%) Current of the Jockey Pump Motor(s) (if applicable), Plus
The Full Load (100%) Current(s) of Any Associated Equipment (if applicable).
695.5(B)
Power Supply Component andWiring
Direct Connection
Indirect Connection
(Service Entrance Disconnect and OCP upstream of the Fire Pump)
Transformer Connection
5 - Power Wiring
Service Conductors (Electric Utility) Supply Conductors (On-site Power
Production) Feeder Conductors connected to:
1. On-site standby generator 2. Supervised disconnecting means
Feeder Conductors for multi-building (campus style) complexes
Power Wiring (The Supply Conductors) Shall Be . . . Installed As Service Entrance Conductors,
and Physically Routed Outside the Building, or Permitted to Be Routed Through Building if
Installed Under, Or Enclosed Within, Not Less Than 2 Inches of Concrete (See Section 230.6 ).
Multi-Building Complex Feeder Conductors (Normal Supply) on the Load Side of Disconnecting Means and Overcurrent Protection Shall Comply With These Requirements
695.6695.6
Power Wiring-Circuit Conductors on Load Side of Disconnect and
Overcurrent Protection-Within the Building
Shall be protected to resist damage from fire, structural damage or operational failure and
Encased in not less than 2 inches of concrete, or
Installed within 2-hour* fire resistance rated enclosed construction dedicated to the fire pump circuit(s), or
Installed within listed electrical circuit protective systems having a minimum 2-hour* fire resistance rating.
Remember that these conductors are sacrificial.
* Was 1-Hour
Listed Electrical Circuit Protective Systems
Permitted to Be Routed Through Building if Installed in Listed Electrical Circuit Protective Systems With A Minimum of 2-Hour Fire Resistance.
Note: Not allowed in all jurisdictions for Service.
Mineral Insulated Cable
695.6(B)695.6(B)
Electrical Circuit Protective System May Consist of a . . .
2-inch Rigid Conduit with 250 kcmil XHHW, Copper Conductors Installed with a U.L. Listed (Classified) Overall Covering of a 2-Hour* Fire Resistance Blanket System, or
* Was 1-Hour Listed (Classified) Fire-Resistive
Mineral Insulated (MI) Cable Systems,
- and -
Electrical Circuit Protective System May Consist of a . . .
Other Systems and Configurations Are also Listed (Classified).
See “Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective Systems”, UL Subject 1724-1991 for Exact Information.
See U.L. CCN (Guide) FHIT. Details at: “http://www.ul.com” Online
Certifications Directory
Section 695.6(B) Exception - Electric and Fire Pump Rooms
Supply Conductors Are Exempt from Fire-Resistance Ratings Only:
In the Electrical Switchgear Room, and In the Fire Pump Room.
Electric Room Fire Pump Room
695.6(B) Exc.695.6(B) Exc.
Wiring Methods for Power Circuits – Within the Pump Room
Rigid Metal Conduit Intermediate Metal Conduit Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit
(LFNC-B) Listed MC Cable (w/ Impervious
Covering) Mineral Insulated Cable (MI) Wiring Method for Control Circuits Are
Essentially the Same.
695.6(E)695.6(E)
Fire Pump Controller Controller May Not Be Used As a
Junction Box for Other Circuits. Jockey Pump Connections Not Allowed
to Be Made in Fire Pump Controller.Note: Either Fire Pump Circuit or Local
Branch Power may be used for the Jockey Pump.
695.6(F)695.6(F)
Fire Pump Controller Jockey Pump Controller and Separate Junction Box
695.6(F)695.6(F)
Junction Box Required when…
9.3.7.1* Where single conductors (individual conductors) are used, they shall be terminated in a separate junction box. Single conductors (individual conductors) shall not enter the fire pump enclosure separately.
These are typically MI cables with solid wire. - Splices to Stranded Wire Required (Breaker Lugs
are Rated only for Stranded Wire. - Separate cables will create a magnetically
induced (eddy) current in ferrus metal (steel). This can easily heat #14 gage steel to red hot.
- A nonferrous (Aluminum) junction box or plate is used since no current is generated.
- Controllers were being hacked up, which violates both their NEMA Enclosure Type rating and the WIC rating.
Junction Box Required when…
9.3.7.2* Where required by the manufacturer of a listed electrical circuit protective system or by NFPA70, National Electrical Code, or by the listing, the raceway between a junction box and the fire pump controller shall be sealed at the junction box end as required and in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
This is usually for type MC or Type RHW Listed High Temperature Wire. These give off flammable smoke when routed thru the fire zone. The controller is an arcing (sparking) device (open contactors) and requires a junction box and seal to keep smoke from entering the controller thru the incoming conduit.
Fine Stranded Wire (Cable) Warning Some Wire and Cable Mfr’s are Making Multiple
Rated Cable, Such as: AWM, MTW & TEW, among other ratings. TEW is a fine stranded type of cable and AWM may be.
Circuit Breakers (Isolating Switch) Incoming Lugs are Neither Tested nor Rated for Fine Strand Wire
Ditto for Contactor (Outgoing) Lugs This applies to both Field and Factory Wiring Fine Strand wire can likely pull out of their lugs
during a fault, even when the lugs are properly tightened.
Note: The wire types listed in NEC Tables 310.16 & 310.17 are usually Not fine stranded. E.g.: Suitable.
6 - Other Requirements
External Control Circuits No Sensors or Remote-Control Devices Control Wiring Multiple Pumps - Sequential Starting
External Fire Pump Control Circuits (Remote Start, Deluge Valve Start, etc.)
Arranged So That Failure of Any External Control Circuit Shall Not Prevent the Operation of The Pump(s) by Other Means.
Circuit Failures Such As Opens, Shorts, Grounds, or Loss of Power Are Permitted to Cause the Pump to Run, but
These Failures Cannot Prevent the Fire Pump from Running.
695.14(A) (from 695.14(A) (from 2020:10.5.2.6& 12.7.2.5):10.5.2.6& 12.7.2.5)
Prohibited Sensors & Control Devices Undervoltage, Phase Loss, Frequency
Sensitive, or Other Sensors Are Not Permitted, Except…
Motor Single Phase Start Attempt Protection Is Permitted.Exception to 9.4.5.6 allows controllers that prevent 3-phase motor from starting under single phase conditions, but that do not disconnect a running motor
Remote Devices in the Control Circuit Are Not Permitted if They Prevent the Automatic Operation of the Transfer Switch.
695.14(b) & (c)695.14(b) & (c)
Wiring Methods for Control Circuits
Rigid Metal Conduit (Threaded) Intermediate Metal Conduit (also Threaded) Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit Listed MC Cable (w/ Impervious Covering) Mineral Insulated Cable (MI) There Are No Exceptions to These Wiring Methods Not Allowed:
Flexible Metal Conduit (like BX)Romex or Any Other Bare CableNote: EMT will be allowed in the 2011 Edition of the NEC.
However, thin wall conduct may not conduct fault corrent adequately to allow tripping of the fire pump OCP or any 600% upstream OCP. A TIA is being prepared for submission on this topic.
695.14(E)695.14(E)
Specify Sequencing of Multiple Pumps when . . .
Automatic sequencing of pumps required in accordance with 9.6.3 (and required by 10.5.2.5).
Note: This eases the starting electrical load. Automatic sequencing of fire pumps
needed for pumps in parallel or in seriesAny pump supplying suction to another pump starts
before it (High Zone Delayed Start) -or- if water requirements call for more than one pumping unit to operate.
Pumps to start at intervals of 5 to 10 seconds.Failure of any one pump doesn’t prevent others
from starting.
7 – Rough Rules of Thumb Transformer or Gen-Set Sizing – 125%
almost never enough
Full Voltage (A-T-L) StartingOften needs 300% to 500% Sizing
Reduced Inrush StartingOften needs 250% to 400% Sizing
Depending on: Device Impedance and Voltage Drops of:
Transformer Source and Primary Wiring Run
-and- Wiring Run to Controller
8 - Fault Current Considerations Controller Short Circuit (WIC) Rating Must
exceed the “Available Short Circuit Current”
Ditto for Arrangement II Upstream Xfer SwitchThis almost always requires upsizing the Xfer
Switch to coordinate with the 600% (Minimum) upstream OCP (Over Current Protection)
Controller and Xfer Switch must be marked with the Short Circuit Rating and be “Suitable” for same.
10.1.2.2.210.1.2.2.2
What’s Wrong with This Picture?Notes:
1) Most E.F.P.C.s use “Gapless” “Secondary Arresters”
2) Some have limited self protection (bare wire links)
3) All gapless MOV arresters are subject to thermal run-away due to follow on currents.
4) Three phase arcs are NOT self extinguishing.
What’s Wrong with These Pictures?
Severe Lightning Strike takes out Utility Arrester in a Very Lightning Prone Area. Also Damages Xfmr
(Pot), Requiring Replacement; but, No Damage to Controller!
Some Time Later on a Car Hits Another Pole Down the Alley and Causes a High Line (2.3 Kv) Cross to the Neutral which Takes Out Most of the Pump Room Loads and Damages one of the 3 CPTs in Controller.
Back in Service in Minutes
Technician Cut the Two Primary CPT Wires and Put the Controller
Back in Service
In only Minutes!
(The Chassis was Replaced Later.)
Smoked the Center CPT
2,300 Vac on 480 Vac Primary
Questions ?
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