Understanding Fire Pump Controller Applications
Many inspection authorities have questions regarding the proper application and installation of electric fire pumps and fire pump controllers. This article provides basic information on the five most common types of fire pump controllers — both their uses and limitations.
Fire pump controllers
These are control panels containing electrical components such as circuit breaker, switches, relays and other devices dedicated to the operation of fire pumps. The devices within a fire pump controller panel perform such functions as receiving signals from alarm devices, such as pressure operated switches, sprinkler alarm valves or remote fire alarm equipment; activating motor control devices to provide electric power to motors driving fire pumps and monitoring the fire pump operation and performance.
All controllers are completely assembled, wired and tested by the manufacturer before shipment from the factory. Some controllers need to be shipped in sections for various reasons, such as shipping limitations due to size. Controllers shipped in sections are completely assembled, wired and tested by the manufacturer before shipment from the factory. Such controllers are reassembled in the field; their proper assembly is verified by the manufacturer or designated representative. Fire pump controllers suitable for use as service equipment are marked accordingly.
Full Service Fire Pump Controllers
The most common controller type for an electric motor pump and are intended for use with standard-size, electric-driven centrifugal fire pumps utilizing squirrel-cage or wound-rotor motors rated 600-volts or less. Controllers for squirrel-cage motors may be across-the line starting or reduced-voltage starting as indicated in the individual Listings.
Engine Type Fire Pump Controllers
These are used with engine-driven pumps. These controllers are normally provided for control of diesel engines, but may also be provided for control of spark-ignition (gasoline or natural gas) engines.
Limited Service Fire Pump Controllers
Fire pump controllers that are restricted to use with across-the-line type squirrel-cage motors rated 30 hp or less, 600-volts or less. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) should be consulted before installing limited service controllers since NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has specific limitations on where and how limited service fire pump controllers may be used.
Additive Fire Pump Controllers
These controllers are formerly known as “Foam-Concentrate Pump Controllers” and are intended for starting and stopping additive pump motors and are marked “Additive Pump Controller,” or “Limited Service Additive Pump Controller.”
Full Service Fire Pump Controllers, Engine Type Fire Pump Controllers, Limited Service Fire Pump Controllers and Additive Fire Pump Controllers are Listed by UL under the product category “Pump Controllers, Fire,” (QYZS). UL evaluates fire pump controllers in this category using ANSI/UL 218, the Standard for Safety for Fire Pump Controllers, and ANSI/UL 508, “The Standard for Safety for Electric Industrial Control Equipment.”
Fire pump controllers in the QYZS Category are intended for starting and stopping centrifugal fire pumps and include nonautomatic and automatic types for electric-driven pumps and combined manual and automatic types for engine-driven pumps. Fire pump controllers are intended for installation and use in ordinary locations in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection and NFPA 70, National Electrical Code® .
High-Voltage Fire Pump Controllers
Listed by UL under the product category “Pump Controllers, Fire, Over 600-Volts,” (QZGR). High-voltage fire pump controllers have AC voltage ratings in the range of 2.2 kV to 2.5 kV, 4.0 kV to 5.0 kV or 6.2 kV to 7.2 kV, and are intended for starting and stopping automatic or nonautomatic types of electric-driven centrifugal fire pumps.
The basic standards used to investigate high-voltage fire pump controllers are UL 218, the Standard for Safety for Fire Pump Controllers, UL 347, the Standard for Safety for High Voltage Industrial Control Equipment, and NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. These controllers are intended for installation and use in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
Residential Fire Pump Controllers
Controllers intended for starting, stopping and protecting centrifugal fire pumps in one and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes. These controllers are for electric driven pumps of the automatic or nonautomatic type.
It is important to note that NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, does not specifically address residential fire pump controllers. Residential fire pump controllers are intended for installation and use in accordance with NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.
Residential Fire Pump Controllers are Listed by UL under the product category “Pump Controllers, Fire, Residential,” (QZKE). These controllers are intended for use with squirrel-cage motors rated 250-volts or less and have been investigated for use on single-phase alternating-current circuits.
Residential fire pump controllers are evaluated using UL 218, the Standard for Safety for Fire Pump Controllers, UL 508, the Standard for Safety for Electric Industrial Control Equipment and NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, as applicable to limited service fire pump controllers.
Guide information for the product categories QYZS, QZGR and QZKE are available in UL Product iQTM.
Copyright © material from Issue 2, 2008, The Code Authority newsletter. This material may not reflect changes that have occurred since its original publication.