Pumps shall be rated for the transport of potable water 1

[Andy32821]

Hi everyone,

I hope you can clarify something for me. (I'm an automation guy, so I'm accustomed to controlling pumps, but know little about pump specs).

I need to replace a defective booster pump. It is one of three over-sized 25 hp pumps (on VFD control) and expensive and time consuming to maintain.

I figure I can use a 7.5 hp and can throw it away cheaper than what is being paid just to replace a mechanical seal on the larger pumps. 99% of the time a 5 hp pump will provide the lift I need.

So, I check the Florida plumbing code and it says "Pumps shall be rated for the transport of potable water". Simple enough, until I start looking for a pump. Most manufactures seem to avoid the words "potable" or "domestic" in thier specs.

I see pumps for "industrial", "hvac", etc, than it gets rather vauge, "water systems", "booster systems", and wetted parts discriptions all seem to infer approved for "potable" but very few pumps state they are approved for potable water. (Booster systems state they are good for potable, but I just want a pump, not an entire system.) A lot of baby pumps say potable, but few over 2 hp spell it out.

So my question is; How do I insure I am compling to the florida plumbing code requirement that a pump be "rated" for potable water. (What do I show the inspector?)

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Artisi]

I know nothing about the Florida potable pump code, guess you should ask them for clarification. However, I can tell you that there are probably millions of pumps round the world pumping potable water constructed with cast iron or ductile iron cases and either cast iron, bronze or stainless steel impellers and trim.

 

[jmkmat]

Hi Andy,

If a pump is rated for potable water is prbably refering to something like an NSF 61 standard. The NSF standard ensures that clean drinking water can come in contact with materials without the water being contaminated.

Good Luck!

 

[Andy32821]

Thanks jmkmat,

I think a NSF 61 certified pump is exactly what I need to make everyone happy.

Andy

 

[CH5OH]

potable water means drinkable water,which puts considerations when choosing the material to build the pump from