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Redundant fire pumps for campus setup

Jeng84

Industrial
Aug 9, 2024
8
Hello there,
Scenario: Industrial type campus development with multiple buildings (4-6), applicable codes are IBC and NFPA. Private fire loop is being provided, sprinklers are being fed from a fire water tank with a diesel driven fire pump.
Question: Is a redundant pump required?

I believe not as there is nothing in the code/NFPA that requires redundant pumps, but also acknowledge the code is not written for campuses but for single buildings... and if the pump fails it can affect multiple buildings... but then again, we're not assuming a multiple buildings on fire-event.

Any insight, justifications, recommendations appreciated!
 
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The only time I have been required to install a redundant pump, diesel and electric, was the call of the insurance carrier (FM Global) at a very large facility.
 
NFPA 20 is not going to require a redundant pump. It is typically an insurance company requirement.

Travis Mack, SET, RME-G,
MEPCad, Inc
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Yep used to make this a requirement when we had $100 million ie building, contents and business interruption coverages as the insurance carrier loss control representative. We used to test fire pumps ie hose monster, hose etc. I would occasionally get a fire pump failure for various reasons and the client was very happy with 2 pumps! Because we required either paying the FD to standby or install a temporary pump until a single fire pump was back in service. Very common in large hospitals sometimes 1 diesel the other electric. So yea contact the insurance company and see what they want.

 
Many insurance AHJs, other than the FMs, will recommend following GAP.14.0.1 "Fire Protection Water Supplies", excerpt attached. The current version is on the AXA XL website, GAP now called PRC.Screen Shot 2024-10-25 at 7.18.44 PM.png
 

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