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Fire Pumps

NFPA 13R requires that fire pumps be listed for fire service according to NFPA 20. This comes from section 6.6.4 of the 2007 edition of NFPA 13R. The problem arises however when the design calls for a pump that is less than 7.5 hp, since there are no pumps that small that are listed for fire service. After study, research, feedback from engineers and a reply from NFPA on this issue, our office has come up with the following policy for Maine:

When an NFPA 13R system is designed with a pump that is smaller than the smallest one available that is listed for fire service, then our office will not require the pump to be listed for fire service. This is based on Section 5.1.2.1 of the 2003 edition of NFPA 20, (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection), which reads: “Pumps other than those specified in this standard and having different design features shall be permitted to be installed where such pumps are listed by a testing laboratory.”

This means a general pump listing, not a fire pump listing.

When the pump used is not listed for fire service, the fire pump controller does not need to be listed for fire service.

When the pump used is not listed for fire service, the pump power supply does not need to be the same as for a pump that is listed for fire service.

Keep in mind however that there are pumps available now that are listed for fire pump service with capacities as low as 25 gpm, with corresponding fire pump controllers. Our office reserves the right to require a pump to be listed for fire service in certain circumstances. I will give careful consideration to the following situations:

(1) Nursing homes or similar defend-in-place occupancies.

(2) Construction type, building height, & occupant load.

(3) New construction where the required pump would be close to 7.5 hp.

When any bid situation may be questionable, please do not hesitate to contact Eric J Ellis at 207-626-3889 or at eric.j.ellis@maine.gov.

[Added to the web site on 7-3-08].

 

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