Fire Pump Circuit Protection – Make it Count…

Asset Protection? – It’s Code that matters.

In modern architecture, the structure, and its occupants are protected by a critical
component upon which every else depends… the Fire Pump.. Of all the protective systems
in a building, nothing matters if the Fire Pump doesn’t provide the water to control the fire,
and allow a path of escape.

Code considerations are fundamental to the design and operation of this piece of
equipment which normally only runs yearly under maintenance, but must have integrative
vigilance to run to self-destruction anytime day or night, 365 days as year.

The codes and standards that allow for this key component of the life safety system to
maintain its protective watch, are few, but strongly enforced by state and local agencies.

- NFPA 70 (NEC) National Electrical Code Article 695 defines the requirements for the
electrical installation.
- NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection)
where Chapter 9 cover the installation, reliability conditions, and the characteristics
of selection.

Reliability – “Check”

A pump motor runs on electricity, and if the electricity is not reliable, then the system will
not preform when its needed. NEC Article 695 clarifies the requirements for the power
source of the electric driven fire pump, and comments that where the power is determined
to be reliable, then only one source of power is required. Most of the time, this is not the
case, and a standby or emergency diesel or gas generator is supplied, and connected to
the fire pump circuit via an auto-transfer switch.
NFPA20 Annex A identifies what reliable means. This is a quantitative measure based on
the number of hours of downtime in the last 365 days. This measure of hours depends on
the current NFPA 20 revision.

Other considerations reflect the continuity of the power system, by minimizing mechanical
(only one disconnect on the service cable), and external damage (no overhead mast
service) potential in the system.

Reliability Link – Conductors

Without providing a reliable power transfer medium, the system will fail to perform its
function. As a result the NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) requires that the conductors
supplying power to the fire pump must be routed “outside” the building before entering
the fire pump room (note: fire pump room is structurally fire protected). When this is not
possible (ie…Emergency Generator, or backup system), then the conductors, are to be
buried, or encased in no less than 2” of concrete, to emulate the protection of being
outside the building footprint.

Because of the challenges involved in burying or encasing conductors during an existing

building renewal, or accidental omission of the fire pump cabling in new construction,
allowances have been adopted, to address these situations (ie... roof mounted emergency
generator), in the construction sector.

(NEC) National Electrical Code Article 695 designates the following options to support this
consideration:

- “Be protected by a fire-rated assembly listed to achieve a minimum fire rating of 2

hours and dedicated to the fire pump circuits.”
- Be a “listed” electrical protective system with a minimum 2-hour fire rating. The
installation shall comply with any **restrictions provided in the listing of the
electrical circuit protective system used.
**(This option should always be reviewed with the UL FHIT System Listing and NEC
Article 728 for acceptable compliance.)
Decisions

The use of “listed” electrical protective systems has grown in prevalence as a safe and cost
effective means for the protection of fire pump conductors.

When selecting a “listed” system ask the following:

(1) Is this system in the UL FHIT listings?

(2) Is it rated for 2 Hour both horizontal and vertical? - don’t assume.
(3) If it uses conduit, does the size and material have to change in the run? - extra
labor, setup?
(4) Does it require frequent support mechanisms? – un-accounted for costs?
(5) Will it transfer dangerous fumes, gasses through fire stopped walls? - cable
materials?

Contact the Author (Travis Hannah):

Email: travis@fireratedcables.com

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