Gear in fire pump room

[chris kennedy]

I have an issue where we installed an ATS in a room that contains a fire pump and domestic water pumps. Inspector is telling us the ATS needs to be 3R in case the fire pump fails and spews water all around the room. I have searched the 2012 IBC and IFC along with 2011 NEC 695 and see no such requirements. I can't bid and install for "What if's".

I think the inspector is off base here.

Little help please.

 

[cda]

Would ask the nice inspector for a code section reference!!

 

[cda]

NFPA 20 say anything??

 

[FM William Burns]

Not knowing what the term “3R” is unless its a type of enclosure or what type of transfer switch is being discussed (pump controller/jockey pump)...... NFPA 20, 2010 (as referenced) requires this if applicable:

10.8.2.1.1 Self-Contained Power Switching Assembly. Where the power transfer switch consists of a self-contained power switching assembly, such assembly shall be housed in a barriered compartment of the fire pump controller or in a separate enclosure attached to the controller and marked “Fire Pump Power Transfer Switch.”

 

[cda]

I take it to mean nema 3 r enclosure

 

[north star]

& * &

The Inspector is referring to Table 110.20 - Enclosure Selection.

My reference is the `08 NEC.........A "3 R" type enclosure is rated

for protection from the entrance of rain, snow & sleet, and from

the incidental contact of enclosed equipment.

The inspector is correct !

Also, from the `08 NEC, Article 695.12(E):

(E) Protection Against Pump Water: Fire pump controller

and power transfer switches shall be located or protected

so that they are not damaged by water escaping from

pumps or pump connections.



$ ~ $

 

[cda]

& * &The Inspector is referring to Table 110.20 - Enclosure Selection.

My reference is the `08 NEC.........A "3 R" type enclosure is rated

for protection from the entrance of rain, snow & sleet, and from

the incidental contact of enclosed equipment.

The inspector is correct !

Also, from the `08 NEC, Article 695.12(E):

(E) Protection Against Pump Water: Fire pump controller

and power transfer switches shall be located or protected

so that they are not damaged by water escaping from

pumps or pump connections.



$ ~ $

So all listed fire pump controllers are nema 3r enclosures??

 

[cda]

Man, Insurance Engineer has not posted in awhile

Need the expertise

 

[steveray]

& * &The Inspector is referring to Table 110.20 - Enclosure Selection.

My reference is the `08 NEC.........A "3 R" type enclosure is rated

for protection from the entrance of rain, snow & sleet, and from

the incidental contact of enclosed equipment.

The inspector is correct !

Also, from the `08 NEC, Article 695.12(E):

(E) Protection Against Pump Water: Fire pump controller

and power transfer switches shall be located or protected

so that they are not damaged by water escaping from

pumps or pump connections.



$ ~ $

Chris did not say that the switch was FOR the pump....That is a code section to insure the fire pump works, not about other equipment in the building....

 

[chris kennedy]

The ATS is not associated with the fire pump. Handle elevator, domestic water pumps ect.

 

[cda]

Ohhhhhhhhmmmmmm

 

[steveray]

The ATS is not associated with the fire pump. Handle elevator, domestic water pumps ect.

No different than any other equipment then. Piping not directly above....0.00000001 inch in front (and above) and you are good 110.26something....

 

[north star]

= $ =

Chris Kennedy,

In going back and reading and re-reading the OP,

...I see that the ATS is not associated with the

fire pumps.......My humblest apologies to you sir !

No NEMA 3 R enclosure is required.

$ = $

 

[chris kennedy]

I see that the ATS is not associated with thefire pumps.......My humblest apologies to you sir !

Now I may need to apologize, getting conflicting reports today the ATS "may" be associated with the fire pump.

Stay tuned, going to look at it myself Thursday.

 

[TheCommish]

I have several installations with an ATS that is dedicated to the fire pump, in the fire pump room, and are in water resistant enclosures, the connections associated with the electric fire pump are not in liquid tight felx. I do not expect the ATS or fire pump controller to be in a totally sealed cabinet as they are not expose to the weather, rather the occasional discharge of water in the pump room

 

[north star]

$ : $ : $

Chris,

Has the Inspector provided any code section in

support of his request for a "3 R" type enclosure ?

$ : $ : $

 

[FM William Burns]

today the ATS "may" be associated with the fire pump

See post #4 and follow NFPA 20, 2010 [10.2.........]