National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

May 23, 2005

Q. Does the Code require an electric motor driven fire pump to be connected to a standby generator if a standby generator is installed on the premises? A. Power to fire pump motors must be supplied by a reliable source of power (695.3) that has the ...

Mike Holt

Q. Does the Code require an electric motor driven fire pump to be connected to a standby generator if a standby generator is installed on the premises?

A. Power to fire pump motors must be supplied by a reliable source of power (695.3) that has the capacity to carry the locked-rotor current of the fire pump motors, pressure maintenance pump motors, and the full-load current of any associated fire pump equipment. Reliable sources of power include:

• A separate service from a connection located ahead of but not within the service disconnecting means.
• An on-site power supply, such as a generator, located and protected to minimize damage by fire is permitted to supply a fire pump.

The determination of a reliable source of power is subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.