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pump in return plenum

$ : $ : $



cda,

Please explain how the pump discharge piping maintains

a pipe slope of not less than 1/8" per ft. in the direction

of flow........In other words, if the install can maintain

the correct amount of slope, then why the need for the

pump ?



$ : $ : $
 
They are using a pump instead of gravity drain to remove any water.

Meets in the intent of the code
 
ICE said:
Not if the pump is in the plenum.
Click to expand...
Ok so the pump will be approved

What section of IRC says, the pump that is approved, cannot be in the plenum.
 
cda said:
Ok so the pump will be approved What section of IRC says, the pump that is approved, cannot be in the plenum.
Click to expand...
My mistake, BSSTG is in Texas and I have no clue about codes in Texas.
 
= + =

We need some more info from **BSSTG** regarding this "pump in the plenum"

thingy..................What size is the pump, ...small I'm guessing.

From the `12 IRC, Section E3405.2 - Working clearances for energized

equipment and panelboards:

Except as otherwise specified in Chapters 34 through 43, the dimension of the

working space in the direction of access to panelboards and live parts likely to

require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall

be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in depth...........Distances shall be measured

from the energized parts where such parts are exposed or from the enclosure

front or opening where such parts are enclosed..............In addition to the 36-inch

dimension (914 mm), the work space shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm)

wide in front of the electrical equipment and not less than the width of such

equipment..............The work space shall be clear and shall extend from the floor

or platform to a height of 6.5 feet (1981 mm) or the height of the equipment,

whichever is greater.......................In all cases, the work space shall allow at least

a 90-degree (1.57 rad) opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.

Equipment associated with the electrical installation located above or below

the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 6 inches

(152 mm) beyond the front of the electrical equipment."

From the `14 NEC, Article 300.22©(3):



300.22©(3) - Equipment: "Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure,

or with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for the use and having adequate

fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics, and associated

wiring material suitable for the ambient temperature shall be permitted

to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this

Code.

Exception: Integral fan systems shall be permitted where specifically

identified for such use.

It would be good to know if the pump is actually rated for use in a

plenum. :confused:



+ = +
 
IMC 602.2.1.4: Permitted in a plenum without any containment around the pump if it has the (UL) 2043 label on the pump!
 
Sorry, should have posted the code year I'm on, 2012 IMC

602.2.1.4 Electrical equipment in plenums.
Electrical equipment exposed within a plenum shall comply with Sections 602.2.1.4.1 and 602.2.1.4.2.

602.2.1.4.1 Equipment in metallic enclosures.
Electrical equipment with metallic enclosures exposed within a plenum shall be permitted.

602.2.1.4.2 Equipment in combustible enclosures.
Electrical equipment with combustible enclosures exposed within a plenum shall be listed and labeled for such use in accordance with UL 2043.
 
Never had any of that either. We are based on the UMC. I am curious as to what a UL2403 condensate pump looks like.
 
Some Hartell condensate pumps have been tested to UL2043, but I'd bet there's more brands that meet the challenge?

This is not an advertisement for Hartell!
cda, this is not spam, posted for discussion only
 
I found one that is made by Franklin Electric. It is called a Little Giant. A telltale sign is that they are all hard wired. It is much smaller than the generic model.
 
Paul Sweet said:
I'd be more concerned about algae in the condensate reservoir below the pump than about the pump itself.
Click to expand...
Good point Paul. Couple that with the fact that a P-trap isn't required if the drain pipe is less than 5' or more than 15' long and there could be a health hazard.

803.0 Indirect Waste Piping.
803.1 General. Except as hereinafter provided, the size and
construction of indirect waste piping shall be in accordance
with other sections of this code applicable to drainage and
vent piping. No vent from indirect waste piping shall
combine with a sewer-connected vent, but shall extend
separately to the outside air. Indirect waste pipes exceeding
5 feet (1524 mm), but less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in length
shall be directly trapped, but such traps need not be vented.
Indirect waste pipes less than 15 feet (4572 mm) in
length shall be not less than the diameter of the drain outlet
or tailpiece of the fixture, appliance, or equipment served,
and in no case less than 1⁄2 of an inch (15 mm). Angles and
changes of direction in such indirect waste pipes shall be
provided with cleanouts so as to permit flushing and
cleaning.
 
Last edited:
Try this:
SECTION M1601 DUCT CONSTRUCTION
M1601.1 Duct design.
Duct systems serving heating, cooling and ventilation equipment shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this section and ACCA Manual D or other approved methods.
M1601.1.1 Above-ground duct systems.
Above-ground duct systems shall conform to the following:
5. Use of gypsum products to construct return air ducts or plenums is permitted, provided that the air temperature does not exceed 125°F (52°C) and exposed surfaces are not subject to condensation.
6. Duct systems shall be constructed of materials having a flame spread index not greater than 200.

What is the flame spread & developed smoke rating for plastic which the pump is made from? is the wiring to & in the pump rated for 125 degrees F?
 
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