Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Before discussing the details of fire pump design, codes, and operation, it is important to
realize the purpose of a fire pump. A fire pump by itself is not a fire protection item.
The pump merely provides the flow capacity and pressure required to operate fixtures in
a fire protection system. These fixtures are typically automatic sprinkler heads or
standpipe systems (generally supplying hose valves located outside the building or in
hose cabinets).
The purpose of these fixtures is to protect lives and property against death, injury, and
damage resulting from fires. This reality bears with it a responsibility for every person
involved in the process from selling, to manufacturing, to installing a fire pump. With
this in mind, let us discuss the most important document with respect to the installation
of fire pumps - the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Pamphlet 20.
Since the inception of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Committee on
Fire Pumps in 1899, the world of water based fire protection has come a long way.
Technological advancements, new industry standards and better awareness of the
dynamics of fire itself have made the regulation of fire pump installations of paramount
importance. In order to guarantee reliable fire protection and that sprinkler and
standpipe systems have water in an emergency, the NFPA publishes a code book -
Pamphlet 20 - every three years to keep up with the changing industry.
Throughout the hundred years of existence, and through all the changes in the industry,
though, the basic principles and philosophy of the organization have remained
unchanged. Virtually every line of the pamphlet exists to guarantee that a fire pump
starts in an emergency and does not shut down. A fire pump is a fire protection item. In
the event of a fire, the pump should run to its own destruction, if necessary, to ensure
the water required to put out the fire is supplied.
With the creation of the NFPA’s fire pump committee also came a requirement for
regulation of fire protection equipment, and also the requirement for ruling bodies to
assess the codes and make decisions based on individual installations. For this reason,
three major regulatory levels exist in fire pump regulation. It is my intention to briefly
discuss them.
The NFPA acts much like a legislative body. Every six months, members of the
committee on fire pumps meet to discuss changes and additions to the fire pump code
as published in the pamphlet NFPA20. Every three years, the outcomes of the
discussions and meetings are used to update the code book. The NFPA has no real
authority in the actual fire protection world in terms of enforcing the rules - its job is
simply to make them and to make general recommendations.
The AHJ acts as the judicial body, and is defined in NFPA as “the organization, office, or
individual responsible for approving equipment, an installation, or procedure”. The AHJ
could be the Fire Marshall or an insurance underwriter who takes into account the codes
(NFPA20) and any local requirements, to judge whether or not a fire pump installation is
acceptable. Often the codes themselves read “where acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction”. This simply means that the codes are a guideline, and the local authority
always has the power to judge whether an NFPA requirement is acceptable, whether an
NFPA requirement is insufficient, or whether an NFPA requirement can in fact be
waived for any particular case.
Listing authorities carry more of an executive responsibility in the fire protection world.
NFPA20 often states that an item “shall be listed”. This simply means that a nationally
recognized testing laboratory must test, approve, and publish their acceptance of
equipment to be used for fire protection service. In general, these bodies work to keep
a record of approved equipment, and to ensure that manufacturers of equipment
maintain the level of quality of the originally tested and listed items.
It is extremely important to remember that the AHJ will generally have requirements of
which listings will be required. For example, though a ULC listed piece of equipment
satisfies NFPA20, the AHJ may require a UL or FM listing. Because the individual listing
authorities often have their own requirements, these listing can in fact make two pieces
of equipment for the same application completely different both in construction and cost.
A fire pump system consists of all the components between the supply connection to the
building connection required to operate a fire pump safely and effectively. These
components can be broken down into the following items:
(a) Fire pump. The fire pump increases the pressure of supply water at a certain
flow rate to a pressure sufficient to operate fire protection fixtures.
(b) Fire pump driver. The fire pump driver is typically an electric motor or diesel
engine used to supply the power to operate the fire pump.
(c) Valves and fittings. The valves and fittings provide control of the higher
pressure discharge from the fire pump. These components allow for fire pump
testing, protection of the fire protection system from overpressure or under
pressure conditions, and servicing of the components of the system.
(d) Fire pump controller. The fire pump controller is responsible for starting the
fire pump under whatever adverse conditions may occur during an emergency.
(e) Pressure maintenance (jockey) pump and controller. The jockey pump and
controller ensure that the fire protection system is filled with water and pressurized in
readiness for an emergency situation.
LEGEND
1. FIRE PUMP
2. FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER
3. GATE VALVE
4. BUTTERFLY VALVE
5. CHECK VALVE
6. GAUGES
7. CASING RELIEF VALVE
8. EXCENTRIC REDUCER
(IF APPLICABLE)
9. CONCENTRIC INCREASER
(IF APPLICABLE)
10. SENSING LINE NFPA 20
11. TEST TEE
Together, these components work to ensure the fire protection system is ready and able
to deal with an emergency. It is for this reason that no non-operator initiated obstruction
should prevent the fire pump from starting and continuing to run when started. For this
reason, the only times a fire pump is allowed to stop automatically are during a test or,
in the case of a diesel driven fire pump, if the diesel engine goes into an over speed,
over pressurization condition. If the fire pump starts for any reason other than a test,
the operator must physically go to the pump room and press the stop button on the fire
pump controller.
Fire pumps can be started either manually or automatically. Manual starts can be
initiated from a remote location, or in the pump room itself. Automatic starting is
initiated when the pressure in the fire protection system (as measured by a pressure
switch) falls below a predetermined, preset value.
Pumps in General
The purpose of a pump is to take a certain volume of water at a certain pressure and to
increase the pressure of that water. To this end, the performance of a pump can be
described by two variables - the flow through the pump (often referred to as capacity),
and the pressure the pump is capable of adding at the given flow rate. In practice,
these two variables can be plotted to produce what is called a pump curve. The pump
curve is like a fingerprint. Provided the pump is operated at the same speed, it will
always generate the same pump curve.
120
100
80
Pressure
60
(in PSI)
40
20
0
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750
The pump itself consists of a hollow casing with an inlet (referred to as the pump
suction) and an outlet (referred to as the pump discharge). Within the casing, a rotating
shaft assembly with a vaned impeller is spun within the casing to produce the desired
pressure increase. The diameter of the impeller can be changed, or “trimmed” to
produce a different characteristic pump curve.
By itself, the pump is useless. The pump shaft must be coupled to a driver of some sort
to spin the impeller within the casing to produce pressure. Generally, the driver used is
an electric motor, diesel engine, or steam turbine. The most common types of fire
pumps are driven by electric motors or diesel engines.
Figure 2: Cross sectional view of a vertical in-line pump. The following parts are shown: (1)
Pump suction. (2) Pump discharge. (3) Impeller. (4) Pump seal. (5) Pump-motor shaft
coupling. (6) Motor.
Because the shaft must protrude from the casing in order to be coupled to a driver, the
pump must have at least one seal to prevent water from leaking through the
shaft/casing mating surface. Pumps can have two types of seals - mechanical or
packing.
Mechanical seals are constructed of two precisely machined surfaces which are pressed
together and generally lubricated by the product being pumped. Mechanical seals allow
less leakage, but are more likely to fail catastrophically (i.e. to crack or break).
In reality, any seal must allow some leakage to remain effective. A packing seal allows
more leakage, but is less subject to catastrophic failure. It is for this reason that
NFPA20, the fire pump code book, requires that all fire pumps be of the packing seal
type.
Pump Types
There are many type of pumps. Only four types of pumps are allowed for use in fire
protection service. We will discuss three of them at length.
One important note in pump design is that end-suction and split-case pumps must be
mounted on a base, isolated from the building by some sort of vibration absorbing
structure, and re-aligned whenever they are moved or serviced. In-line pumps can be
mounted vertically, eliminating the need for vibration isolation, and are self-aligning. In
addition, the vertical in-line pump requires less floor space in a pump room due to the
fact that the motor is mounted above the pump (vertically), not on the floor (horizontally).
Fire Pumps
The above three points are perhaps the key design and performance requirements for
fire pumps. Of note, the definitions of allowable pump types mentions “Horizontal
pumps shall...”. In practice, vertical pumps are also acceptable allowing vertical in-line
(Armstrong) and vertical split-case pumps to be used in fire protection.
The concept of suction lift should be briefly addressed here. Suction lift is simply
2
defined as the static pressure at the pump suction minus the dynamic pressure (ρv /2g).
Simply put, the pressure of the water entering the pump should not reach the vapour
pressure of water. This condition leads to micro-vapour bubble formation at the pump
suction, known as cavitation. This condition leads to the rapid deterioration of the pump
casing and eventual failure of the pump. Suction lift is typically checked for in
application by ensuring that the minimum suction pressure available does not exceed
the net positive suction head (NPSH) of the pump. The NPSH of a pump is usually
shown on the pump curve, and if not, is available upon request from the fire pump
manufacturer.
The final point is the golden rule of fire pump design, which is illustrated in Figure 6.
This rule creates a performance envelope for fire pumps, the most critical feature of
which is the 150% rated flow at 65% rated head. The closer a fire pump can be
designed to this point, the lower the BHP of the pump will be, and the smaller the driver
(electric motor or diesel engine) will be. Fire pump manufacturers design pumps around
this rule to maximize the pump’s competitiveness on the market.
120
Rated
100
Capacity
Pressure 80
(in PSI) Pump
60 BHP
Curve
40
20
0
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500 2750
Figure 6: Fire pump curve with indication of the rated capacity: 1500GPM @ 95PSI. The lower
curve is the BHP of the pump. The maximum BHP will determine our driver selection.
The NFPA codes also allow for the serviceability of a fire pump. For this reason, end
suction pumps must employ a flexible type coupling designed specifically to allow the
impeller and driver side seal assemblies to be removed without disturbing the piping,
and without pulling the motor or diesel engine. Vertical in-line pumps are exempt from
this rule, and may be close coupled to the motor. The flexible coupling for horizontal
pumps is required to isolate vibration caused by the base mounted design. Vertical in-
line pumps are also exempt from the alignment requirements listed in A-3-5 of NFPA20.
Electric motors are one type of driver allowed by the NFPA codes. In general, electric
installations must be supplied with a reliable source of power resistant to damage
resulting in exposure to fires and other potential hazards. Electric motor driven fire
pumps are often supplied with power from alternate sources such as an on-site
generator or a secondary utility line.
6-4.2.1 The motor capacity in horsepower shall be such that the maximum motor
current in any phase under any condition of pump load and voltage unbalance
shall not exceed the motor-rated full-load current multiplied by the service factor.
The maximum service factor at which a motor can be used is 1.15.
This statement literally means that the motor must be sized to be “non-overloading”
across the range of the pump curve; however, the service factor of the motor can be
and should be used. What this amounts to is that the maximum pump BHP should be
equal to or less than the motor rated HP multiplied by 1.15.
The NFPA’s Pamphlet 20 also states the following with respect to electric motors:
6-4 Motors
6-4.1 General.
6-4.1.1 All motors shall be specifically listed for fire pump service. (This
requirement shall be effective January 1, 1998.)
6-4.1.2 All motors shall comply with NEMA Standard MG-1 and shall be marked
as complying with NEMA Design B standards.
In practice, the former of the above points is not in effect. Underwriters Laboratories
has only recently created a new listing for fire pump motors. Some, but not all, of the
North American electric motor manufacturers have applied for this listing. Until at least
one of these manufacturers can offer a workable line of approved motors, it is unlikely
that compliance with the code will become an industry standard.
Presently, a NEMA B labeled motor is accepted by AHJ’s across North America for
use in fire pump installations.
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines are becoming more common as drivers for fire pumps. The diesel
engine is usually a higher first cost as well as higher maintenance item; however,
engines circumvent the problem of supplying an electric motor driven fire pump with a
reliable source of electricity. Because of the requirement for maintenance, and the
greater likelihood of a diesel engine’s failure to start, the NFPA codes are much more
strict and specific with respect to diesel engines than they are for electric motors.
Perhaps the most important of all is the derating of diesel engines for temperature and
altitude. The codes state that an engine’s BHP must be derated 3% for every 1000 feet
o o
over 300 feet (above sea level) and 1% for every 10 F over 77 F.
Answer:
Deration for elevation
3% x (2037 - 300)/1000 = 5.21%
The other important point to remember when sizing a diesel engine is that the engine
rated speed must match the pump rated speed to within 4%. If the rated pump and
diesel speeds do not exactly match, it is always wise to consult the manufacturer before
quoting a job. If the diesel rated speed is lower than the pump rated speed, the pump
may not be able to generate the desired pressure.
Diesel engines must start reliably from a cold condition to immediately operate at the
design speed. For this reason, control, maintenance and operation must be closely
monitored. Diesel engines must be equipped with the following items:
(a) Governor. The governor must be capable of regulating the engine speed
within 10% of the rated speed across the entire flow range of the pump
curve.
(b) Overspeed Shutdown Device. Overspeed is the only condition upon which a
diesel engine must automatically shut down. This is due to the fact that a
runaway diesel engine could cause a dangerous overpressurization of the
fire pump and sprinkler system. The engine overspeed shutdown device
must activate if the engine operating speed is 20% higher than the rated
speed of the engine. This is equivalent to a 44% overpressure condition for
the fire pump.
(c) Instrumentation. All engines must be equipped with an instrument panel with
gauges for oil pressure, engine speed (tachometer), and engine coolant
temperature.
(d) Manual Cranking Device. All engines must be equipped with two manual
cranks, one for each of the two batteries supplied for starting the diesel
engine.
(e) Heat exchanger. A water to coolant heat exchanger must be provided for all
diesel engines. The cooling water is supplied from the pump discharge, after
which the cooling water should be piped to a drain. Recirculation of the
cooling water can be done where acceptable to the AHJ; however, this
practice is not generally accepted.
(f) Engine jacket water heater. Because diesel engines must be started cold
and immediately operate at the rated speed without idling, an electrically
operated engine jacket water heater must be supplied to maintain the engine
o
coolant temperature at no less than 120 F. This item is generally supplied by
the engine manufacturer for operation on either 120V/1/60 or 230V/1/60
power. It is important to remember that most diesel engines are shipped
without coolant or oil. The engine jacket water heater will typically burn out in
about 5 seconds if operated dry. The coolant mix should be determined from
the diesel engine operation and installation manual.
(g) Two starters. Every diesel engine must be capable of being started using
one of the two provided batteries. Provisions for manual cranking of the
diesel engine must be provided on the fire pump controller and on the diesel
engine itself.
The above items must supplied by the engine manufacturer in order for the engine to be
listed. The following items must be supplied by the fire pump manufacturer:
(a) Cooling water line. A cooling water line of appropriate size must be supplied
from the discharge of the pump (before the pump discharge shutoff valve)
and connected to the engine heat exchanger cooling water line.
All diesel engine driven fire pumps must be subjected to a weekly test during which the
engine is run for not less than 30 minutes.
3-3 Fittings
3-3.1 Where necessary, the following fittings for the pump shall be
provided by the pump manufacturer or an authorized representative:
It is important to note that these requirements are open to some interpretation, and do
not apply to all fire pump types. The first three listed items generally referred to as
“minimum fittings”.
Rule of thumb: The circulation relief valve should be set to below the
following condition:
This will ensure that the valve discharges some water at low flow
conditions.
The circulation relief valve should be piped to a drain to ensure the sufficient flow of
water to protect the pump from overheating. Overheating can quickly damage the pump
seal. The valve should not be piped back to the suction side of the pump.
Pressure Gauges
Pressure gauges sized at least 3½ inch must be provided - one for the suction side, one
for the discharge side. The gauges must be connected using ¼ inch gauge valves. The
gauges must meet the following requirements:
(a) Suction gauge: must have a range two times the maximum suction pressure
and not less than 100PSI.
(b) Discharge gauge: must have a range at least twice the rated working
pressure of the pump and not less than 200PSI.
The following fittings will be supplied in specific cases. In general, they are not supplied
unless requested specifically by the sprinkler contractor. It is common that the
contractor will choose to supply these fittings themselves.
If the pump suction inlet is smaller than the line size, an eccentric tapered reducer must
be supplied. The reducer must be mounted such that the non-tapered side of the
reducer is flush with the top of the pump suction. This serves to prevent air entrainment
on the suction side of the pump.
Figure 15: Hose valve with cap and chain. Figure 16: Hose valve manifold (header).
A listed (ULC, UL, or FM) flow meter , where required, must be provided capable of
reading up to 175% the rated capacity of the pump. Sizing of the meter must be as per
the table below.
Listed flow meters are generally available in either the annular or Venturi type. The
Venturi type are marginally more costly, but are easier to install properly. The annular
type can be mis-aligned in installation, resulting in incorrect flow readings.
A suggested piping schematic for installation of a flow meter in a fire pump system is
given in NFPA Pamphlet 20 appendix A-2-14.1.2(b).
On systems in which the pump discharge pressure at a no-flow condition exceeds the
pressure rating of the fire protection system, a listed (ULC, UL, or FM) main relief valve
must be installed. This valve must be the pilot operated or spring loaded type.
Answer: As a rule, any diesel system should have a main relief valve.
Let’s calculate if it’s necessary anyway.
A main relief valve also requires a discharge “enclosed” cone. These device is simply
increaser switch should be installed to discharge to atmospheric pressure into a drain.
This ensures that the valve has sufficient differential pressure to relieve the appropriate
pressure. A sight glass must be provided so that flow in the pipe is visible. The main
relief valve should not be piped back to the suction side of the pump.
Other Valves and Fittings
The following additional valves and fittings must be installed, but not necessarily
supplied by the fire pump manufacturer:
(a) A listed (ULC, UL, or FM) OS&Y gate valve on the pump suction. A butterfly
valve is not acceptable.
(b) A listed (ULC, UL, or FM) check valve on the pump discharge.
(c) A listed (ULC, UL, or FM) butterfly valve on the downstream side of the
discharge check valve.
All isolation valves must be either sealed or locked in the open position, or must be
supplied with a supervisory switch for remote indication of the valves’ condition (open or
closed).
All valves and fittings must be rated to at least the maximum working pressure of the
system, and not less than the rating of the fire protection system. The suggested piping
material is steel with welded, flanged, V-grooved, or threaded connections.
Fire Pump Suction Discharge Relief Relief Flow Meter Number & Hose Valve
Rating GPM Size (in.) Size (in.) Valve Valve Size (in.) Size of Manifold
(L/s) Size (in.) Discharge Hose Size (in.)
(in.) Valves
25 (95) 1 1 ¾ 1 1¼ 1 - 1½ “ 1
50 (189) 1½ 1¼ 1¼ 1½ 2 1 - 1½ “ 1½
100 (379) 2 2 1½ 2 2½ 1 - 2½ “ 2½
150 (568) 2½ 2½ 2 2½ 3 1 - 2½ “ 2½
200 (757) 3 3 2 2½ 3 1 - 2½ “ 2½
250 (946) 3½ 3 2 2½ 3½ 1 - 2½ “ 3
300 (1136) 4 4 2½ 3½ 3½ 2 - 2½ “ 3
400 (1514) 4 4 3 5 4 2 - 2½ “ 4
450 (1703) 5 5 3 5 4 2 - 2½ “ 4
500 (1892) 5 5 3 5 5 2 - 2½ “ 4
750 (2839) 6 6 4 6 5 3 - 2½ “ 6
1000 (3785) 8 6 4 8 6 4 - 2½ “ 6
1250 (4731) 8 8 6 8 6 6 - 2½ “ 8
1500 (5677) 8 8 6 8 8 6 - 2½ “ 8
2000 (7570) 10 10 6 10 8 6 - 2½ “ 8
2500 (9462) 10 10 6 10 8 8 - 2½ “ 10
3000 (11,355) 12 12 8 12 8 12 - 2½ “ 10
Because sprinkler and standpipe systems need water to operate, water pressure must
be maintained in the these systems. As stated in NFPA20:
2-19.5 The primary or standby fire pump shall not be used as a pressure
maintenance pump.
Since a fire pump cannot be used to maintain the pressure in a sprinkler or standpipe
system, a separate jockey pump must be used for this purpose. It is important to note
that since a jockey pump and jockey pump controller are not technically pieces of fire
protection equipment (they are not used in an emergency situation), jockey pumps and
controllers need not be listed for fire protection service.
With respect to the sizing and selection of jockey pumps the following is of note:
2-19.1 Pressure maintenance pumps shall have rated capacities not less than
any normal leakage rate. They shall have discharge pressure sufficient to
maintain the desired fire protection system pressure.
Though it is not explicitly stated here, the jockey pump should not be sized to provide
more flow than the normal leakage rate plus the flow rate of one fire protection fixture
(one sprinkler head). Should one sprinkler head open, the jockey should not be capable
of supplying the flow demand - the fire pump should start. As for jockey pump pressure,
it is generally accepted that the jockey be sized for 10PSI higher than the rated head of
the fire pump.
Jockey controllers also need not be listed for fire protection service. Jockey controllers
typically consist of a disconnect switch, motor overload protector, motor starter, and a
pressure switch. In addition, these controllers are often equipped with a minimum run
timer to prevent cycling of the jockey pump. The minimum run timer is only acceptable
if the maximum suction pressure plus the shutoff head of the jockey pump do not
exceed the maximum working pressure of the fire protection system.
In terms of installation, the most important factor appears in the electric fire pump
controller section of NFPA20:
7-3.4.4 A fire pump controller shall not be used as a junction box to supply other
equipment. Electrical supply conductors for pressure maintenance (jockey or
make-up) pump(s) shall not be connected to the fire pump controller.
This simply means that, though, the jockey pump controller is often bolted to the fire
pump controller, the electrical contractor must bring a separate power supply line to wire
the jockey controller.
Stop Point
System gradually looses Jockey Pump
psi pressure shuts off
110
100
95
90
boost
Jockey pump starts Fire Pump starts
50
Time period
Figure 18: Jockey pump operating sequence. The jockey maintains the system pressure until the
demand exceeds the jockey’s capacity to keep up. The fire pump then starts.
Jockey pump operation is illustrated in Figure 18. In the example, the fire pump is rated
at 100PSI. As mentioned before, the jockey pump should be sized to provide 110PSI at
the rated capacity (typically 5 to 10 GPM). When the system pressure falls to 95PSI,
the jockey pump starts to make up for the leakage in the system, repressurizing the
system. If the jockey pump is sized properly, and one sprinkler head opens, the jockey
pump is unable to maintain pressure. When the system pressure drops to 90PSI, the
fire pump starts.
As discussed before, a fire pump may have different types of drives. It may be driven by
an electric motor (powered by the building electric supply, an on-site generator, or
another auxiliary supply) or by an approved diesel engine. Electric and diesel engine
driven fire pumps require a controller to start and stop the fire pump in an emergency or
for testing purposes. It is important to know the basic differences between the
corresponding electric or diesel controller.
All fire pump systems are equipped with a pressure sensing line. The line is piped into a
pressure switch in the controller. The pressure switch initiates an automatic start of the
fire pump if the pressure falls below a pre-determined value. The codes themselves are
quite clear regarding the construction of the line. The guidelines for the pressure switch
itself are also given.
(a) For all pump installations (including jockey pumps) each controller shall
have its own individual pressure sensing line.
(b) The pressure sensing line connection for each pump (including jockey
pumps) shall be made between that pump’s discharge check valve and
discharge control valve. This line shall be corrosion-resistant metallic pipe or
tube, and the fittings (brass, copper, or series 300 stainless steel) shall be of ½
inch (12.7mm) nominal size. There shall be two check valves installed in the
pressure sensing line at least 5 feet (1.5m) apart with a 3/32 inch (2.4mm) hole
drilled in the clapper to serve as dampening. [See Figures A-7-5.2.1(a) and (b)
for clarification.]
The pressure sensing line is typically piped in with ½ inch copper tube. The check valve
arrangement must be noted in particular if the controller is piped and wired on site, since
no matter how close the controller is located to the pump, there must be at least 5 feet
of pipe between the two check valves.
Electric Controllers
The requirements for electric controllers can be separated into two main categories:
a) Motor Horsepower
This value must be provided to the controller manufacturer.
b) Installation Voltage
The installation voltage and horsepower of the motor enables a calculation of the
full load current draw of the motor. Wiring sizes and component
clearances inside the controller are specified by UL and FM based on the
current these components will carry.
d) Starting Method.
Upon start-up of a fire pump, the electric motor must be brought from rest
up to full speed in a short period of time. This causes the motor to draw
up to 600% of its full load amperage rating.
Where the power supply cannot meet this in-rush current demand,
reduced voltage starting must be used. The most common methods of
reduced voltage starting are primary resistor, auto transformer, wye-
delta, and part winding starting.
Because a large part of knowing fire pump controllers is understanding reduced voltage
starting, the different methods warrant a section of their own.
A fire pump controller is allowed to start a motor while limiting the current drawn by the
motor. The stipulation is that the starting period cannot exceed ten seconds. Because
of the “looseness” of this requirement, a number of different methods of reduced voltage
starting can be used.
The reason for reduced voltage starting is that an electric motor, when started by
bringing a set of contactors together, can draw in excess of ten times the full load
amperage of the motor (NFPA20 specifies this as six times, however, newer, higher
efficiency motors can draw as much as 20 times). For smaller motors, this may not
present a problem. For a larger motor, the amperage draw can be higher than the utility
line can support. For example, a 100HP motor at 208 volts has a full load amp rating of
about 275 amps. When starting across the line, this motor can draw upwards of 2000
amps!
The unusual thing about reduced voltage starting is that, in general, the voltage is not
reduced at all. In fact, the voltage is usually increased. This is just an oddity of industry
naming practices.
a) Primary resistor.
Primary resistor starting takes advantage of the voltage equation to reduce the
amperage drawn by the motor. Since V=IR, if the voltage is held constant and
the resistance of the circuit is increased, the current (amps) will decrease. A
primary resistor controller places an extra resistance in the circuit during starting
to reduced the starting amp draw of the motor. Primary resistor starting can be
used on a standard across the line motor.
600 e
% of Full
420 d
Load 390 a
Current
252 b
200 c
100 f
Full speed
Figure 19: Starting “in-rush” currents for various methods of starting. Starting methods
are indicated as follows: (a) Primary resistor. (b) Autotransformer. (c) Wye-delta.
(d) Part Winding. (e) Across the line. (f) Motor full load amps.
b) Autotransformer.
An autotransformer is a special transformer capable of changing its output
voltage when supplied with constant voltage power. Autotransformer starting
takes advantage of the power equation, P=IV, to reduce the amp draw of the
motor during starting. If the power is held constant, a higher voltage will require
a lower current. The autotransformer starts by supplying the motor with a high
voltage, gradually reducing it to the line voltage. Autotransformer starting
requires only a standard across the line motor also.
c) Wye-Delta.
Wye delta starting requires a special motor. The reason for this is that the wye-
delta controller must be wired to two different windings on the motor. The motor
has a high voltage winding and a low voltage winding. The controller starts the
motor on a special set of start contactors wired to the high voltage winding of the
motor. After the ten second start period, a “shunt trip” circuit in the controller
switches to a second set of run contactors wired to the lower voltage winding.
Additionally, there are two types of wye-delta starting - open transition and
closed transition. Open transition starting has a delay between the time the start
contactor opens and the run contactor closes during the shunt trip. Closed
transition starting allows the run contactor to close before the start contactor is
opened. The difference is critical. A wye-delta closed transition controller can
cost thousands of dollars more than an open transition one.
d) Part winding.
Part winding starting requires a special motor also. The part winding motor is
capable of being started on half of its windings. This effectively reduces the
horsepower of the motor. The controller has a run and a start set of contactors
similar to the wye-delta controller. The start contactor is wired to part of the
motor winding. Once again, a shunt trip circuit engages the run contactor,
bringing the motor to it’s full power.
b) Isolating Switch.
An externally operable isolation switch is required to ensure power is
disconnected from the controller for servicing. The switch is interlocked with
the circuit breaker so that the switch cannot be operated while the circuit
breaker is closed.
e) Motor Contactors.
Motor contactors must be rated for the motor horsepower.
7
TYPICAL FIRE PUMP & CONTROLLER ARRANGEMENT
BACK TO
FIRE PUMP SUPPLY OUTSIDE
BALL HEADER
DRIP
VALVE
OUTSIDE
WALL
AIR RELEASE
SUCTION
VALVE
GATE VALVE
TO
FROM
WATER SYSTEM
TEST
SUPPLY REDUCER INCREASER CHECK
PUMP TEE
VALVE
CHECK
JOCKEY
VALVE
PUMP
ELBOW ELBOW
GATE GATE
VALVE VALVE
JOCKEY PUMP
FIRE
CONTROL PANEL
PUMP
CONTROL
SENSING FILE NO: F43.169
PANEL
ISSUE DATE: April 1, 1996
LINE
SUPERSEDES: New
DATE: New
This drawing is a suggested arrangement and is issued for information purposes only. File:\systems\firepump\f_43_169.pm5
PRE START-UP / POST START-UP CHECK LIST
CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
START-UP DATE: ORDER No.: SERIAL No.:
PUMP SIZE MIN. SUCT.PRESS. FLOW HEAD
VOLT________ PHASE _____ Hz_____
CUSTOMER’S REPRESENTATIVE(S) WITNESSING TESTS: ARMSTRONG PUMP DIV., REPRESENTATIVE CONDUCTING TESTS:
10
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSES REMEDY
PUMP WILL NOT START
Faulty electrical circuit • Make sure both circuit breaker and disconnect switch are in
the “ON” position
• If the circuit breaker trips when the pump tries to start check
horsepower and voltage specified on the schematic and
wiring diagram inside the starter door with the pump motor
nameplate
• Ensure that the pressure switch is working properly and is
responding to changes in pressure
Stuffing box too tight or packing improperly installed • Loosen gland swing bolts and remove stuffing box gland
halves; replace packing
Impeller locked • Remove obstruction
Excess bearing friction due to wear and dirt • Remove bearings and clean, lubricate, or replace as
necessary
NO WATER DISCHARGE
Air pocket or air leakage in suction line • Uncover suction pipe and locate and re-arrange
Suction connection obstructed • Examine suction intake, screen, and suction pipe and
remove obstruction
Impeller obstructed • Pressures fall off rapidly when an attempt is made to draw a
large amount of water, remove obstruction from impeller
Pump not primed • First warning is a change in pitch of the sound of the driver;
shut down the pump
8
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSES REMEDY
PUMP WILL NOT STOP
* Faulty electrical circuit • Is the pressure switch inside the starter properly piped up to
the water system? (system side)
• Is the stop valve in the piping to the pressure switch open?
• Check that pressure switch is working properly by
disconnecting one of the pressure switch leads to simulate
open contact position
• Ensure that pressure switch connection lines have been
flushed to clear dirt in piping
• Make sure that pressure switch set point is correct according
to suction and working pressure
• Change manual start handle to automatic
Run period timer defective • Remove jumper if applicable
Pressure too low • Verify pressure switch setting compared to system pressure
* Note: Refer to control panel manufactures installation instructions for other controller related problems.
WARRANTY
Armstrong Darling pumps are guaranteed against for damage or break-down from causes beyond our
defective workmanship and material for a period of control, or the result of reasonable wear nor for repair
twelve months from date of shipment. Should the made, or date attempted to be made without prior
Armstrong Darling pump fail within the warranty period, sanction, nor for any consequential damage resulting
our responsibility is limited to the repair or replacement from the failure of a pump. The customer will assume
of defective parts provided such are returned to our all labor charges incurred in our making the
Plant, transportation prepaid. We do not accept liability replacement of adjustment of the part.