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Backup Power for Diesel Exhaust, Heat, Jockey?

1/9/2020

6 Comments

 
NFPA 20, 4.12.6 "Ventilation. Provision shall be made for ventilation of a pump room or pump house."

DIESEL FIRE PUMPS - These rooms require a lot more air for combustion air and heat removal. This is usually done in generator and boiler rooms with separate fan-forced intake air and exhaust ducts to the outside. In the case of a fire pump, fireproofing these ducts through the building offer additional "protection" under NFPA 20, 4.12.1 in the event of a fire. Diesel data sheets show the amount of CFM required for the various engines. In addition, the extra distance for the exhaust pipe lengths to the outside needs to be considered. Some of the engine manufacturers have calculators on their websites for VENTILATION, COOLING LOOP and EXHAUST PIPING.

PUMP ROOM TEMPERATURE LIMITS - Most microprocessor controllers are limited to 120 deg. F. A small non-vented pump room, especially on a west wall, could easily exceed that with a motor running under load on a hot 100+ degree day.

My question? This site/facility does not have an emergency backup generator. Do we need a backup generator to power the exhaust fan and/or the unit heater?

In the event of power loss during winter… a room temp sensor would send supervisory alarm company for an owner response.

Also, please confirm the Jockey pump does not require backup power.

​Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
6 Comments
Mike L
1/9/2020 08:19:55 am

Looking at the 2019 edition of NFPA-20 (check you jurisdiction for the adopted edition), Section 4.14.3.2 refers you to Section 11.6.5 which requires a backup power source for the space unit heater, engine block heater, battery charger and lighting, if the potential exists for primary power loss.

Reply
Cary
1/9/2020 01:37:05 pm

New York is currently on 20-16. Does anyone know how the changes in 2019 will impact manufactured skids?

Reply
Colin Lusher link
1/9/2020 10:10:44 am

Jockey pump does NOT require backup power. In the event of a power loss, the diesel pump will still work under power loss. This assumes power is pretty reliable; if you're in a facility where power loss is common, then you might consider a backup for the JP, although not required by NFPA 20.

Reply
John
10/4/2021 02:33:11 pm

NFPA 20 and NFPA 101 contradict each other on this. 20 says jockey pumps never need backup power, but 101 says standby power is required for jockey pumps only in a high-rise building

Reply
Justin Stirling
4/8/2020 01:42:06 pm

In regards to a dry-pipe system requiring a fire pump, is a jockey pump required on the wet portion between the pump and the dry-pipe valves?

I have to assume the answer is yes, since pressure needs to be maintained in this line if leaks develop over time.

Please confirm/advise. Thanks in advance!

Reply
Sophia link
8/9/2021 01:56:44 am

Thanks for the information.

Reply



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