Fire Pump within view of it's Controller

[ContractorDave]

NFPA 20 states

10.2.1* Controllers shall be located as close as is practical to the motors they control and shall be within sight of the motors.

A.10.2.1 If the controller must be located outside the pump room, a glazed opening should be provided in the pump room wall for observation of the motor and pump during starting.

Note that A.10.2.1 seems to be a qualifying statement that acknowledges controllers may have to be located in areas that do not satisfy 10.2.1, using “should” in regards to the solution of a glazed opening.

I have a situation where a fire pump is to be installed in an existing building in a crawl / tank space. Installing the controller there would not satisfy clearance issues for NFPA 70. Any thoughts?

Dave

 

[cdafd]

1. how easy is he access going to be to it.
2. is the local fire dept going to accept it??
3. does th space meet building code requirements along with the elec. requirements you mentioned???

would more than likely not accept it. Not sure what you are looking for.

 

[cdafd]

are they going to be able to meet the rest of nfpa pump requirements if they stick it there???

 

[ContractorDave]

I am looking to put the controller in an accessible location. Clearance in the c/space is 5' height and access isn't great. With the tank being there that's where we want the pump.