Lock for Fire Pump Room

[LGreene]

What type of lock should be used for a fire pump room? Does the door need to automatically unlock upon fire alarm? If not, I would typically use a storeroom function lock as I would for any electrical or mechanical space - the outside lever is always locked. What say you?

 

[tmurray]

That is what we usually see here. There's no reason I can think of that access would be required to that room unless the fire is in that room.

 

[cda]

I do not believe there are any specific door requirements

913.2.1 Protection of fire pump rooms. Rooms where fire pumps are located shall be separated from all other areas of the building in accordance with Section 913.2.1 of the International Building Code.

913.2.1 Protection of fire pump rooms. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both.

Exceptions:

1. In other than high-rise buildings, separation by 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both, shall be permitted in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

2. Separation is not required for fire pumps physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.

I guess if the access to the pump room is from the interior of the building, since a rating of the wall would be required, The door would have to be rated, self closing and latching

 

[cda]

Depends on where the pump is, could be in a separate building all by itself

But still whatever the ahj and owner agree to

 

[cda]

So no one has other advice??

 

[Builder Bob]

Fire Pumps usually are required at larger buildings and high rises..... often times in industrial settings, the fire protection systems must also be FM or some other insurance underwriters tested and approved. their requirement will often supersede the local code requirements.

The best answer that can be given is check with te underwriters to see what (they) would like...... otherwise, the code in black and white has already been answered

 

[FM William Burns]

4.12.2 Equipment Access. Fire pump rooms should be accessible under fire conditions. Where a fire pump room cannot be located on grade with direct access from outside of the building, a protected space with a fire rating in accordance with Table 4.12.1.1.2 must be provided. The space must be accessible through an enclosed passageway from an exterior exit or from an enclosed stairway.4.12.2.1 The location of and access to the fire pump room(s) shall be pre-planned with the fire department.

4.12.2.1.1 Fire pump rooms not directly accessible from the outside shall be accessible through an enclosed passageway from an enclosed stairway or exterior exit.

4.12.2.1.2 The enclosed passageway shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the fire pump room. NFPA 20, 2013

Pre-planned means access shall be as the FD directs. Here we require a Knox Box for exterior access doors and allow interior access (if provided) to be key locked from the exterior side of the door if desired by the fire pump owner. In the event it accessible from the interior of the building only, the door may be locked but a key shall be provided in a Knox Box also.

 

[north star]

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Same here as **FMWB**......The Fire Dept. has a Knox Box set up also!

The Knox Box is the most typical way to store an access key on the site,

...usually mounted at least 8 ft. above the finished floor or grade, to

prevent vandalism......FWIW, ...it seems to work pretty well here.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

[josalbertnahman]

It should have a cut out pressure.If it has been spiking the pressure that much, your fire company doing their yearly test. It makes to burst line and not get water to the rest of the building if there was a fire.

 

[LARMGUY]

My AHJ is a fireman. He says, "We can always get in any locked door." "Your worry is letting people out."

 

[fireguy]

I think a good choice would be a break-away padlock. Secure, but easily opened with a hose wrench, no other keys needed.

 

[LGreene]

I think a good choice would be a break-away padlock. Secure, but easily opened with a hose wrench, no other keys needed.

Would the padlock be your first choice for the key box, or for the fire pump room? Hopefully the key box but I'm just checking.