Code Q&A

May 23, 2005 9:36 AM, By 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.

Got a question for Mike? E-mail him at mike@mikeholt.com.