Ul Requirements for Fire Pumps
Watch this webinar to learn how the safety of modern buildings, especially high-rise buildings, depends to a large extent on the proper functioning of their fire protection equipment and systems. A typical fire pump provided by fire pump OEMs consists of an electric and/or diesel fire pump control that detaches in bulk. It also consists of the pump and conductor, which are pre-mounted on a steel base, with the conductor coupled to the pump with a coupling listed. It is possible to pre-assemble the controllers and pre-wire them with the drivers. In addition to the pump drive and controller, NFPA 20 requires a number of FITTINGS under 6.3, which must be provided by the OEM. This ensures that properly listed and/or approved valves are included with the pump. We hope this will help purify the air around UL-approved fire pumps and motors, but give us a call at 302-652-4722 if you want to know more. To browse our products, click on the appropriate link below: Get an overview of industry standards, UL 218 and AS2941 for fire pump control panels to help facilities contain fires, mitigate damage and ensure safety. On our website, you may have noticed a reference to our selection of fire pumps that meet the strict requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL). We wanted to explain what this means for anyone who is not familiar with this classification.
We evaluate and test fire pumps and motors separately to determine their suitability and durability for use in sprinkler systems. Pumps, motors and couplings are tested for compliance with design requirements and their performance is tested to confirm their operation and compliance with the requirements and ratings you request. The pressure generated by pumps with a capacity of approximately 150 % of the nominal flow rate for which they are tested shall be greater than 65 % of the nominal pressure. In addition, the minimum pump pressure must be 40 psi. The necessary tests are carried out on the speeds of the pump motor. The performance curves must be within the expected and appropriate values. The power of the motor itself reveals the maximum performance of the pumps. For example, final suction pumps must have a positive suction height of -4.57 m at a nominal flow rate of &150 on mercury pressure gauges. It is one of the indispensable prerequisites that many materials, from the wheel to the lantern ring, have absolute corrosion resistance. The drain plug should be 1/2 in size. These drain plugs should be placed just above the rod.
Get an overview of pump and motor safety standards requirements from a UL subject matter expert. 6.3.3.1. Where the requirements of 6.3.3.2 are not met, automatically controlled pumps shall be equipped with a listed float air relief valve with a nominal diameter of at least 0,50 inches (12,7 mm) released into the atmosphere. I found the above DISCUSSION interesting and decided to explain it here in relation to fire pumps. 6.3.3.2. The requirements of 6.3.3.1 shall not apply to cantilever impellers with upper central discharge or those arranged vertically so as to naturally exhaust air. Better understand the design and performance requirements for product design that meet the UL 448 product safety standards, the stationary centrifugal pump standard for fire safety, and UL 1247, the diesel engine standard for stationary fire pump drives. 6.3. Valves.6.3.1* If necessary, the following valves shall be supplied by the pump manufacturer or an authorised representative:(1) Automatic air release valve(2) Pressure relief valve(3) Manometer As an industry leader in fire safety, we can help you reduce time to market by offering flexible services to meet all testing needs. Big or small.
We have access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and a highly experienced technical team. Our in-depth knowledge of the code in the field of fire safety is why the UL Mark is immediately recognized and respected by professionals around the world. Learn how to keep property and life safe by keeping pump and motor products safe. These essential devices help ensure that the building`s sprinkler systems have sufficient water pressure to operate effectively. The safety of modern buildings, especially high-rise buildings, depends to a large extent on the proper functioning of their fire protection equipment and systems. Some of the most critical equipment are stationary fire pumps, motors and couplings that ensure sprinkler systems have sufficient water pressure to operate effectively. Simply put, a UL list means that the manufacturer can manufacture products that meet UL requirements. This means you can be sure that your fire pump and motor will be running when you or your customer needs it most. As is well known, UL 448 is a comprehensive standard covering the design/test processes of dual suction, final suction or in-line pumps.
Some pumps with flow rates will receive UL or FM approval. Wheels, wear rings, wheel nuts, housing heating rings or pump pins must be made entirely of corrosion-resistant materials. The pump must bear a permanent label. The label must also be corrosion resistant. The drain plug should be located directly above the body. The material must be corrosion resistant. Pumps must have a cushioning box. The bearings must have a working capacity of 5000 hours at maximum load. NFPA 20, 6.3 – FITTINGS – This hodgepodge of mechanical fittings and devices below is “primarily” FM approved. You may need to meet special metal requirements for seawater service, as this may result in the invalidity of one or both offers and/or permits. FIRE PUMP CONTROLS – The standard NEMA 2 DIESEL and ELECTRIC FULL-SERVICE standard fire pump controls are usually UL and FM.
If necessary, there may be a specific option that is UL only. Due to the oversized circuit breakers in the old LIMITED SERVICE CONTROLLERS that burned the motors, FM stayed away from them and they were just UL. This was changed in the 2013 edition with a fully locked rotor protector. You can search for different manufacturers with limited service controllers and find them without FM approval. Sometimes engineers writing specifications for complete sets of “wishful thinking” fire pumps point to the complete set, which should be UL AND FM approved, and end up with a handful of feces, as there may not be such an animal. The following will analyze the different components of the NFPA 20 standard and what is available in both, and one or the other in terms of individual components used to form a set from a fire pump manufacturer. People abroad who manufacture these parts themselves on an ad hoc basis are reluctant to replace unlisted and/or approved items. If you look at the different mounting requirements of NFPA 20 that specify LISTED or SPECIFIC-LISTED, you will usually find it UL-LISTED as the CASE TEMPERATURE LIMIT VALVES under NFPA 20, 4.11. As a mechanical valve, FM is located right next door.
In the field of fire pumps and motors, our suppliers such as Aurora strive to meet and exceed the standards developed by UL. UL standards outline requirements for the following: FIRE PUMPS – Most individual fire pumps are generally UL listed, which does not necessarily mean that they are all FM approved. You will need to check FM approvals with different designs such as VIP pumps or other services and special metals for seawater service that may invalidate one or both offers and/or permits. Pumps, motors, couplings and firefighting controls must be installed in accordance with NFPA 20, the standard for the installation of stationary fire protection pumps. In this webinar, we will also discuss production testing and labeling requirements for pumps and motors. Our firefighting team supports manufacturers, regulators, building owners and insurance companies with customized certifications and testing services for a variety of extinguishing equipment, including stationary fire pumps, motors and related equipment. In addition, we have the ability to test and certify to global standards to ensure your equipment is compliant, no matter where you operate. As an industry leader in fire safety certification, our team of experts has the knowledge and resources to test your equipment against almost any standard, requirement or assessment you choose. UL focuses solely on the safety of manufacturers, retailers, consumers and others involved in UL Mark products. UL is OSHA approved to perform safety testing and offers a variety of inspections, training, and other services designed to help make the world a safer place. DIESEL ENGINES – For the most part, standard engines are both UL and FM. There are also unlisted configurations listed below.
These may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. PRESSURE RELIEF AND PRESSURE REDUCTION VALVES – UL and FM pressure relief valves, UL PRV only and FM only suction control valves. John Kovacik, Senior Engineer, Energy and Power Technologies. It has been said that “you wish in one hand and can in the other – guess which one fills first?” Pingback: Why is FM approval important?| Steven Brown & Associates.