Fire Pump Controllers

Proposed Scope:

 

This standard applies to controllers intended for starting, controlling and stopping stationary fire pumps, including automatic and non-automatic types for alternating current electric motor or diesel engine-driven fire pumps. It is anticipated that a controller only controls a single driver. These requirements cover controllers intended for starting and stopping centrifugal and positive displacement fire pumps, including automatic and non-automatic types for electric motor with or without transfer switch or engine driven pumps in accordance with Annex A, item 1(NFPA20). This equipment is for installation in non-hazardous locations in accordance with Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.

Controllers for electric motor-driven fire pumps always include suitable short-circuit protection as an integral part of the controller. These controllers may include an integral power transfer switch. These controllers are rated 1 000 V a.c. maximum.

Controllers for diesel engine-driven fire pumps include electrical circuits that operate various control and supervisory functions, such as remote control (starting), alarms, signals, indicators, and the proper operation of battery chargers.

The most significant purpose of this standard is to characterize the unique features of fire pump controllers. A further purpose is to prescribe a procedure for exercising the controllers to verify that the unique features are operative. For the purpose of this standard, this procedure is described as the “fire pump controller test protocol”.

The object of this standard is to state the following:

            a)         the unique characteristics of fire pump controllers, their associated equipment and their operational functions;

            b)        the tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met, and the methods to be adopted for these tests;

            c)         the information to be given with the equipment, or in the manufacturer's literature.

In this context, this standard gives the requirements for all of the electrical functions associated with both the electric motor-driven and the diesel engine-driven fire pumps.

Special applications such as explosive atmospheres, nuclear installations, ships, aircraft, etc. are not covered by this standard. Referring to electric power sources, the requirements of this standard apply only to the extent that they place limits on the nature, behaviour and characteristics of the electrical energy that is supplied to the service entrance (see IEC 60364-5-55).

The requirements of this standard apply neither to the method nor to the means by which the electrical energy is generated. In addition, they do not apply to the installation between the origin of the installation and the fire pump controller, which are to be found in the IEC 60364 series. This standard does not apply to diesel engine-driven electric generators which may be associated with a stationary fire pump installation.

EMC considerations are correlated with other IEC standards for similar products:

            a)         for electric fire pump controllers, EMC considerations are covered by this standard, and

            b)        for diesel engine fire pump controllers, d.c. batteries are the intended source of electrical control power.

1DV    DR Modification to 1 by adding the following:

1DV.1.1 Types of controllers covered include diesel engine, electric motor, limited service, high and residential. Controllers may be suitable for use as service equipment. This equipment is for installation in non-hazardous locations in accordance with Annex A, item 2.(NFPA70& C22.1)

1DV.1. 2 Controllers for electric motor driven, centrifugal fire pumps are intended for use with squirrel cage or wound rotor motors rated 600 V or less. Controllers for squirrel cage motors may be for across-the-line or reduced inrush current starting. Controllers may be provided with integral automatic transfer switches.

1DV.1.3 Residential fire pump controllers are intended for use with single-phase squirrel cage motors rated 240 V or less. Residential fire pump controllers are intended to be used in one or two family dwelling units in accordance with the requirements of item 45 in Annex A.

1DV.1.4 Diesel engine fire pump controllers rated nominal 24 V DC or less are intended for use with fire pump engines. Where required, AC Voltage is limited to 600 V AC or less.

1DV.1.5  Variable speed fire pump controllers for electric motor driven, centrifugal fire pumps are intended for use with squirrel cage induction, inverter duty rated, motors rated 600 V or less, and rated for 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

1DV.1.6 Limited service controllers are intended for across-the-line starting of squirrel cage motors rated 22 kW (30 hp) or less, 600 V or less. Controllers may be provided with integral automatic transfer switches.

1DV.1.7 High voltage fire pump controllers are intended for use with squirrel cage motors rated 601 V – 7.2 kV AC.

Note: Also referred to as medium voltage.

1DV.1.8 Products not covered - An automatic transfer switch intended to be used in fire pump circuits, that is provided separate from a controller.

Note: Stand-alone automatic transfer switches for fire pump circuits are covered by the requirements of item 15, Annex A.