How many pumps?

[jor1492]

I am dealing with a extra hazard group 1 occupancy and I am selecting the pump for this facility. My question is if there is an obligation by the NFPA to choose one main pump and a back up pump or if I can select only one.
What could be the difference betwen choose a electric or diésel driven pump?

 

[LCREP]

NFPA only requires 1 reliable pump as per NFPA 20. Regarding electric vs diesel NFPA 20 has requirements for electric reliability if the electric supply is not reliable then a diesel pump should be used. Also check with the insurance carrier they may require 2 pumps.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

You could also have an emergency generator if the electric is not reliable or if building electric service is down.

 

[jor1492]

Thanks LCREP and PEDARRIN2 by your answers.
I have one more question, if I have my diésel driven pump separated from the protected building to 15.3m of distance, is it obligation by NFPA that I put sprinklers in the room of the Diesel driven pump?

thanks in advance

 

[LCREP]

Yes you need sprinklers see below NFPA 20 2013 Ed

4.12.1.3 Fire Pump Buildings or Rooms with Diesel Engines.
Fire pump buildings or rooms enclosing diesel engine pump drivers and day tanks shall be protected with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

 

[jor1492]

thanks LCREP, But I am checking the NFPA 20-2013 and in the table 4.12.1.1.2 they are talking about not sprinklered in the pump room. I want to know your interpretation about that table.

Table 4.12.1.1.2
Equipment Protection
Pump Room/House Building(s)Exposing Pump Room/House Required Separation
Not sprinklered Not sprinklered 2 hour fire-rated
Not sprinklered Fully sprinklered or
Fully sprinklered Not sprinklered 15.3 m (50 ft)
Fully sprinklered Fully sprinklered 1 hour fire-rated or 15.3 m (50 ft)

 

[stookeyfpe]

When a free-standing building houses a fire pump, controller (or controller with a transfer switch) and its function is limited as prescribed by NFPA 20 Section 4.12.1.1.4, automatic sprinkler protection is not required if the building is 15.3 m from all exposure buildings. As to when sprinkler protection is required depends on the type of driver. If it's electric, sprinkler protection isn't required. If the driver is diesel, sprinkler protection in accordance with Section 4.12.1.3 is required.

 

[jor1492]

Thanks by the quick reply, I agree with you stookeyfpe. I just want to add that the NFPA 20-2016 edition says for a electric driven pump also is requiered a sprinkler system but like an extra hazard group 1 occupancy, in diference with the diésel driven motor it is extra hazard group 2 occupancy.

 

[chicopee]

If an electric pump is provided, you should have two separate utility power sources particularly if the facility location is in rural areas or fringe of a city or town.