Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
(OP)
Our company is adding a generator to power our manufacturing facilities in the event of an extended power outage, we have a fire pump, what are the requirements for the existing fire pump. Location is Michigan






RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
"You measure the size of the accomplishment by the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals" -- Booker T. Washington
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
1. 695.14(F) outlines mechanical/fire protection requirements for the control wiring from the generator to the fire pump controller.
2. 695.7(B) requires that the voltage at the fire pump motor's terminals not exceed 5 percent when operating at 115 percent of full load current.
3. 695.7(A) requires that the voltage at the fire pump controller's terminals not exceed 15 percent upon startup, however, generators are exempt from this requirement. (Regardless, the generator should be sized to ensure that the voltage drop won't be high to the point at which the fire pump controller is unable to start the fire pump.)
4. 695.4(B)(2) outlines circuit breaker sizing requirements for a generator serving a fire pump.
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
Thank you for catching that! I guess this is what happens when I drink and post on Eng-Tips at the same time.
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
While this is a rule of thumb, it may be well to re-appraise any installation which doesn't meet this rule.
If the largest motor is not a significant portion of the load on a prime rated gen-set this rule may be relaxed somewhat.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
RE: Adding a generator to power building, requirements for existing fire pump
To start a 100 Amp FLC motor, the generator should have 300 Amps available capacity.
Use current or KVA, not kiloWatts. Motor starting current is at a low power factor so the generator KVA rating is the limit, not the kW rating.
I agree with you Keith. Very poor wording.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter