July 3, 2007

SUBJECT 448A

OUTLINE OF INVESTIGATION

FOR

FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS AND CONNECTING SHAFTS FOR FIRE PUMPS

Issue Number: 4

JULY 3, 2007

Summary of Topics

This new issue of SU 448A includes the following changes:

Added requirements for flexible connecting shafts.

Revised Endurance and Starting Cycle Test.

Updated Oven Aging Test Temperature Selection.

Revised Marking and Installation Instruction requirements.

Change title from ″Flexible Couplings for Connecting Fire Pumps

to Drivers″ to ″Flexible Couplings and Connecting Shafts″ for
Fire Pumps″

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The UL Foreword is no longer located within the UL Standard. For information
concerning the use and application of the requirements contained in this
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Standard, the current version of the UL Foreword is located on
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ULStandardsInfoNet at: http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/ulforeword.html
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COPYRIGHT © 2007 UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC.
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JULY 3, 2007 SUBJECT 448A 3

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3 Units of Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
4 Undated References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
5 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

CONSTRUCTION

6 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
7 Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
8 Hubs and Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
9 Drive Mechanisms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
10 Flexible Connecting Shaft Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

PERFORMANCE

11 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
12 Endurance and Starting Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.2 Flexible Coupling Test Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
12.3 Flexible Connecting Shaft Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
13 Aging Tests, Polymeric Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

MARKING

14 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
15 Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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 4 SUBJECT 448A JULY 3, 2007

INTRODUCTION

1 Scope

1.1 These requirements cover flexible couplings and flexible connecting shafts intended to connect the
shaft of a fire pump to a fire pump driver.

1.2 Flexible couplings and flexible connecting shafts covered by this Outline of Investigation are intended
for installation and use in accordance with the Standard for Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire
Protection, NFPA 20.

1.3 A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different
from those covered by the requirements in this outline, and that involves a risk of fire, electric shock, or
injury to persons shall be evaluated using the appropriate additional component and end-product
requirements as determined necessary to maintain the acceptable level of safety as originally anticipated
by the intent of this outline. A product whose features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems
that conflict with specific requirements or provisions of this outline cannot be judged to comply with this
outline. Where considered appropriate, revision of requirements shall be proposed and adopted in
conformance with the methods employed for development, revision, and implementation of this outline.

2 Components

2.1 Except as indicated in 2.2, a component of a product covered by this outline shall comply with the
requirements for that component.

2.2 A component is not required to comply with a specific requirement that:

a) Involves a feature or characteristic not required in the application of the component in the
product covered by this outline, or

b) Is superseded by a requirement in this outline.

2.3 A component shall be used in accordance with its rating established for the intended conditions of
use.
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2.4 Specific components are incomplete in construction features or restricted in performance capabilities. EN
Such components are intended for use only under limited conditions, such as certain temperatures not ISH
exceeding specified limits, and shall be used only under those specific conditions. IM
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JULY 3, 2007 SUBJECT 448A 5

3 Units of Measurement

3.1 Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or
approximate information.

4 Undated References

4.1 Any undated reference to a code or standard appearing in the requirements of this outline shall be
interpreted as referring to the latest edition of that code or standard.

5 Glossary

5.1 For the purposes of this outline, the following definitions apply.

5.2 FLEXIBLE CONNECTING SHAFT – A device that incorporates two flexible joints and a telescoping
element that is used to connect a driver to a pump.

5.3 FLEXIBLE COUPLING – A device used to connect the shafts or other torque-transmitting
components from a driver to the pump that permits minor angular and parallel misalignment.

CONSTRUCTION

6 General

6.1 A flexible coupling or flexible connecting shaft shall comply with the applicable requirements of the
Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, NFPA 20.

7 Sizes

7.1 A flexible coupling or flexible connecting shaft shall be constructed to be compatible with the sizes of
fire pump and driver shafts specified in the installation instructions.

8 Hubs and Covers

8.1 A flexible coupling or flexible connecting shaft shall be constructed in such a manner that the hub or
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cover component(s) of the driver shaft is mechanically attached to the hub or cover component(s) of the
pump shaft.
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9 Drive Mechanisms

9.1 A flexible coupling incorporating a primary drive mechanism construction of a polymeric material shall
be provided with a secondary drive mechanism to operate the pump temporarily in the event that the
primary drive mechanism discontinues to drive the pump shaft. See Section 12, Endurance and Starting
Cycle.

10 Flexible Connecting Shaft Bearings

10.1 Flexible connecting shaft needle or roller bearings shall have a B-10 rating of not less than 5,000
hours based on the following equation unless the published bearing factor for the universal joint is
intended to be utilized in different equation

Lh = [(1.5 x 106) / (N x A)] x (Bf / Tr)10/3

in which:

Lh is the B-10 rating in hours;

N is the speed associated with the torque rating in revolutions per minute;

A is the intended operating angle in degrees;

Bf is the bearing factor published for the universal joint in ft-lbs; and

Tr is the torque rating as tested in Section 12, Endurance and Starting Cycle in ft-lbs;

PERFORMANCE

11 General

11.1 Representative samples of flexible couplings or flexible connecting shafts are to be subjected to the
tests described in Section 12, Endurance and Starting Cycle, and Section 13, Aging Tests, Polymeric
Materials.
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JULY 3, 2007 SUBJECT 448A 7

12 Endurance and Starting Cycle

12.1 General

12.1.1 When tested as specified in 12.2.1 – 12.2.3, a flexible coupling or flexible connecting shaft shall:

a) Remain in the installed position;

b) Transmit the specified power from the driver;

c) Remain completely intact on the shafts; and

d) Not show excessive wear such that it becomes inoperable, causes risk of injury to persons,
or causes damage to the coupling, connecting shaft, or shaft which affects the means of
attachment that would impair the intended use.

12.1.2 Testing with diesel engines in accordance with 12.2.1 or 12.3.1 is considered representative of
electric motor drivers. Testing in accordance with 12.2.1 or 12.3.1 shall be permitted to be conducted
using a electric motor driver provided the end use of the flexible coupling or connecting shaft is limited to
connecting fire pumps to electric drivers. A flexible coupling or connecting shaft intended for use with both
engine and electric motor drivers shall be subjected to the starting tests described in 12.2.2 or 12.3.2, as
applicable, using both an engine and electric driver. A flexible coupling or connecting shaft intended for
use with an engine driver only or an electric motor only shall be permitted to be subjected to the starting
tests described in 12.2.2 or 12.3.2, as applicable, using the type of driver referenced in the manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

12.2 Flexible Coupling Test Method

12.2.1 Representative sizes of flexible couplings are to be tested. A flexible coupling is to be installed to
connect the shafts of a driver (see 12.1.2) and dynamometer or other similar torque-transmitting device in
a manner, as specified in the flexible coupling manufacturer’s instructions, to represent:

a) 200 percent of the maximum permitted angular and parallel misalignment; and

b) The maximum gap between the shaft hubs.

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The flexible coupling is to be operated continuously for no less than 24 hours while transmitting driver IS HE
horsepower to provide for a shaft torque equivalent to the maximum torque rating of the flexible coupling
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and the maximum rated speed as specified in the coupling manufacturer’s installation instructions forS fire
fori no less
pump use. After the 24 hour test duration, the same flexible coupling sample shall be operated h
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than 8 hours while transmitting the engine horsepower to provide for a shaft torque equivalent to the
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12.2.2 Before and after the endurance test specified in 12.2.1, the driverd e d
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conducted using an across-the-line starting arrangement. D
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challenging starting condition. A total of 40 starting cycles are to be conducted for each driver
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endurance test, and twenty cycles after the All starting tests are to be conducted with
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 8 SUBJECT 448A JULY 3, 2007

12.2.3 In addition to the tests specified in 12.2.1 and 12.2.2, a flexible coupling fitted with a primary drive
mechanism constructed of a polymeric material shall be connected to a torque transmitting device to
provide for the misalignment specified in 12.2.1. With the primary polymeric drive mechanism removed,
the secondary drive mechanism shall be operated at the maximum and minimum rated shaft torques
specified in 12.2.1 for two hours of operation each with the driver used during the testing described in
12.2.1. Observations shall be made for the transmission of the specified power during this test.

12.3 Flexible Connecting Shaft Method

12.3.1 Representative sizes of flexible connecting shafts are to be tested. A flexible connecting shaft is to
be installed to connect the shafts of a driver (see 12.1.2) and dynamometer or other similar
torque-transmitting device in a manner, as specified in the flexible connecting shaft manufacturer’s
instructions, to represent:

a) Angular and parallel misalignment which includes 200 percent of the misalignment
tolerances referenced in the manufacturer’s installation instructions; and

b) The maximum length referenced for the flexible connecting shaft.

The flexible connecting shaft is to be operated continuously for no less than 24 hours while transmitting
horsepower to provide for a shaft torque equivalent to the maximum torque rating of the flexible
connecting shaft specified in the connecting shaft manufacturer’s installation instructions for fire pump
use. If the maximum torque rating is not at the maximum rated speed, the flexible connecting shaft shall
be tested for an additional 8 hours at the maximum rated speed with the maximum torque intended for
that speed applied to the flexible connecting shaft.

12.3.2 Before and after the endurance test specified in 12.3.1, the driver (see 12.1.2) is to be started and
accelerated as quickly as possible to maximum rated speed at rated torque, operated at that speed for no
less than 30 seconds, and then stopped. Starting tests conducted with an electric motor driver shall be
conducted using an across-the-line starting arrangement. A test arrangement simulating the starting of an
across-the-line motor shall be permitted to be used if it is demonstrated to be an equivalent or more
challenging starting condition. A total of 40 starting cycles are to be conducted for each driver type
intended for use with the flexible connecting shaft. For each driver, twenty cycles are to be conducted
before the endurance test, and twenty cycles after the endurance tests. All starting tests are to be
conducted with the flexible connecting shaft aligned as described in 12.3.1.
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JULY 3, 2007 SUBJECT 448A 9

13 Aging Tests, Polymeric Materials

13.1 After exposure to air-oven aging as specified in 13.2 – 13.4, a polymeric coupling or coupling
component that transmits power shall not show signs of cracking and shall comply with the requirements
of the Endurance and Starting Cycle Test, Section 12. A flexible coupling incorporating a polymeric
component need not be subjected to the Endurance and Starting Cycle Test, Section 12, before aging if
tested to determine conformance with the requirements after the aging tests.

13.2 The polymeric coupling and coupling part samples to be aged are to be supported in a full-draft
circulating-air oven that has been preheated at full draft to 212 ±1.8°F (100 ±1.0°C). Samples are not to
touch one another or the sides of the oven. The samples of polymeric coupling and coupling parts are to
be aged for 180 days at full draft and then allowed to cool in air at 73.4 ±3.6°F (23.0 ±2.0°C) for at least
24 hours before conducting any tests. As used in this test, the term ″full draft″ refers to use of the oven
with inlet and outlet vents open and the air vent damper control at a maximum setting to provide 250 to
350 air changes per hour.

13.3 If a material cannot withstand the temperature specified in 13.2 without excessive softening,
distortion, or deterioration; an air-oven aging test at a lower temperature for a longer period of time shall
be applied. If a material is capable of withstanding a higher temperature than that specified in 13.2 without
excessive softening, distortion, or deterioration, an air-oven aging test at a higher temperature for a
shorter period of time, but not less than 30 days, shall be permitted. The duration of exposure is to be
calculated from the following equation:

D = (184049)e-0.0693t

in which:

D is the test duration in days; and

t is the test temperature in °C.

13.4 If polymeric parts are attached to other polymeric or non-polymeric parts of assemblies, the
securement of the parts shall not be impaired after air-oven aging.

MARKING NG
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14 General
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14.1 A flexible coupling or connecting shaft shall be marked with the following:
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a) Name or identifying symbol of the manufacturer or private labeler; c T
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b) Size; By H C
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c) Distinctive model number, catalog designation, or the equivalent;
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d) Maximum torque rating or ratings; and
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Exception: Flexible couplings or flexible connecting shafts produced in the last three months of
a calendar year may be marked with the following year as the date of manufacture. Couplings or
connecting shafts produced in the first six months of a calendar may be marked with the previous
year as the date of manufacture.

14.2 Markings required by 14.1 shall be permanent and legible.

14.3 If a manufacturer produces flexible couplings or flexible connecting shafts at more than one factory,
each individual coupling or connecting shaft shall have a distinctive marking to identify it as the product
of a particular factory.

15 Installation Instructions

15.1 A copy of the installation and design instructions shall be provided for use as a guide in the
examination and testing of flexible couplings or flexible connecting shaft.

15.2 The installation instructions shall reference the information required for the proper installation of the
flexible couplings or flexible connecting shaft and shall include at least the following items:

a) Model designation;

b) Information on intended shaft size and dimensional compatibility;

c) Minimum (flexible couplings only) and maximum torque rating or ratings, and formula for
determining the correlated horsepower;

d) Information on the application of service factors to the calculated application torque as

specified by the manufacturer, but no less than those referenced in Table 15.1 with an
indication that the calculated end use torque, as adjusted by the service factor, is not to exceed
the maximum torque rating;

e) Maximum speed in rpm;

f) Weight;

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g) Dimensions;

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h) Maximum permitted angular and parallel misalignment;

i) Maximum and minimum gap between shaft ends (flexible couplings only); h iS
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c T
j) The name of the manufacturer or private labeler, or equivalent designation;
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k Step-by-step instructions for field installation;
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l) Recommendation for a torsional analysis to be conducted
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motor and engine); and;
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JULY 3, 2007 SUBJECT 448A 11

o) Reference to installation in accordance with Standard for Installation of Stationary Pumps for
Fire Protection, NFPA 20.

Table 15.1
Service factors for determining application torque

Driver Type
Load type Electric motor Diesel engine – 5 or less Diesel engine - 6 or more
cylinders cylinders
Centrifugal Pump 1.00 2.00 1.50
Reciprocating Pump – Double Acting 2.00 3.00 2.50
Reciprocating Pump – 1 or 2 Cylinders 2.25 3.25 2.75
Reciprocating Pump – 3 or more 1.75 2.75 2.25
cylinders
Rotary – gear, lobe or vane 1.50 2.50 2.00
Note – The service factors for the load type specified in this Table are referenced in the Load Classification and Service Factors
for Flexible Couplings Information.

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This PDF Standard downloaded from www.bzfxw.com