Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
(OP)
One of our domestic water distribution buildings has two fire pumps driven by Westinghouse 75hp 460/230Vac dating to the 1950s. The motor controllers are reduced voltage (resistor) types dating to the same era. These systems are working fine, except that we feel the motor controllers should be replaced. Probably we will not be able to find replacementment parts for the existing vintage motor controllers.
I favor an across-the-line starting method, while others prefer reduced voltage starting of some sort.
The pumps are excercised once a month by our maintenance contractor.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
JimmyJunior
I favor an across-the-line starting method, while others prefer reduced voltage starting of some sort.
The pumps are excercised once a month by our maintenance contractor.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
JimmyJunior






RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
But.. If you must. 75HP is not much comparatively speaking to DOL unless you have some issues with a weak source that would cause problematic voltage dips on starts.
You could go with soft starters which are relatively inexpensive and provide excellent starting, especially of pumps.
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
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Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...
RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
The choice between full voltage and reduced voltage has more to do with your system than with the pump and motor.
You might be surprised to find that replacement parts are more available than imagined.
Certainly not a place to cut corners or get overly creative.
RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
If you are hell-bent on replacing them, do it right.
Fire Pump Controllers mfrs:
Asco/Firetrol
Master Controls
Joslyn Clark
Hubbell ICD
Metron
JRaef.com
"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems." Scott Adams
For the best use of Eng-Tips, please click here -> FAQ731-376
RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers
I can also imagine the case where the fire-pump system was just put in because it was a wise idea not a mandated system requiring UL this-and-that and a good system could still be created short of a full on UL-Fire rated control system, it all depends on the circumstances/application.
What is this system actually protecting? Does it charge hoses, or boost for fire sprinklers, or run a deluge system, lumber mill, office building?
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Vintage Fire Pump Controllers