Does NFPA 13D Fire Pump Require Backup Power?

4/6/2023

Does a fire pump on an NFPA 13D system require backup power?

It seems like it should, but 13D does not say that it has to and does not reference NFPA 20.

Thanks in advance.

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12 Comments

Alex

4/6/2023 07:09:34 am

You are correct that NFPA 13D does not explicitly require backup power for fire pumps. NFPA 13D is primarily focused on life safety and providing occupants with enough time to evacuate in the event of a fire.

NFPA 20, on the other hand, covers the installation of stationary pumps for fire protection and does require backup power for fire pumps. However, this standard is typically applied to larger, more complex fire protection systems, such as those found in commercial and industrial settings, rather than residential systems covered by NFPA 13D.

That being said, it's important to consider the specific needs and risks of your individual situation. While backup power for a fire pump may not be a requirement for an NFPA 13D system, it could still be a good idea, depending on factors such as the reliability of your primary power source.

Chad

4/6/2023 08:06:33 am

As Alex said, that's a no redundant power. 13D is meant to be a cheap as reasonable to get as many homes protected as possible.... the pump doesn't need to even be listed for fire service. But of course there could be a good reason to require a more stringent system.

Ray J link

4/6/2023 08:11:29 am

If your customer is wondering about this, ask him if the possibility of someone losing their life is worth the cost difference. I know that sounds harsh, but sometimes the truth hurts.

Wes

4/6/2023 08:40:29 am

I agree with the sentiment, but it's also a risk decision. We make an infinite amount of risk decisions when dealing with life safety and property protection systems everyday.

Is the risk of a fire event low? Yes, but we still anticipate it.

Is the risk or a fire paired with a power outage low? Yes, it's lower than the risk of fire alone.

How much is that risk? If it's my home now where we (fortunately) have had maybe one power outage of an hour in the last 3-4 years, then I might choose to take that risk over a generator - but that's all based on my risk tolerance.

If I were in an area with rolling blackout issues, power-grid struggles from utility companies, or have experienced the 3-4 day power outages? Heck yeah I'm doing whatever I can to get backup power.

I would contend it's not as simple as a black-and-white do you want to die - which I know isn't your threat either - but I would say that we innately make risk decisions like this all the time with what we do - whether we think about it that way or not.

Jesse

4/6/2023 08:12:47 am

13D does not. 13D system pumps aren't necessarily NFPA 20 compliant. And NFPA 20 only requires backup power for pumps protecting high-rise buildings as long as the electrical supply is deemed reliable.

Dan

4/6/2023 08:15:59 am

No backup power for 13D. Would be reasonable to recommend where you believe the power may not be reliable. Same for commercial systems. Appendix of NFPA 20 gives guidance on what is considered ‘reliable’. You’ll see many, many systems using electric pumps and tanks (including breaks) without backup power. The key being reliability of power provision.

Bob Kleinheinz

4/6/2023 08:34:22 am

Very simple, NO 13-D is a Life Safety system and nothing more. The system is supposed to be a much less costly system and one that does not need maintenance, so we keep the cost and requirements down so the homeowners can afford the systems and we don't have to fight the home builders.

Todd E Wyatt

4/6/2023 08:56:12 am

SUMMARY
No.

EXPLANATION
The scoping Code (e.g. 2021 IBC and/or 2021 IFC) identifies the general requirements relating to FIRE PUMPs (Section 913 Fire Pumps) and the associated reference standard (e.g. 2019 NFPA 20) required for its installation.

2021 IBC also includes requirements for the FIRE PUMP Room (Section 902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size). These (2) IBC sections discuss protection of the FIRE PUMPS environment (e.g. 913.2 Protection Against Interruption of Service, 913.2.2 Circuits Supplying Fire Pumps) but it does NOT prescriptively require that the FIRE PUMP be provided by “backup power” (e.g. emergency and standby power systems).

“Emergency and standby power systems” are required per 2021 IBC “Section 2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems” as listed “where required” per “Sections 2702.2.1 through 2702.2.19.” FIRE PUMPS are NOT one of the “where required” conditions.

NFPA 13D is limited in use by 2021 IBC to “automatic sprinkler systems installed in one- and two-family dwellings; Group R-3; Group R-4, Condition 1; and townhouses.”

NFPA 20 (the reference standard by the scoping Code) references “Emergency and Standby Power” as follows :

1. 2.2 NFPA Publications. NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2019 edition.
2. 2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2019 edition.

NFPA 20 Chapter 9 Electric Drive for Pumps includes “9.6 On-Site Standby Generator Systems” and this section includes requirements “WHERE on-site generator systems are used to supply power to fire pump motors to meet the requirements of 9.3.2.”

NFPA 20 9.3.2 requires that the normal (power) source be “reliable” and A.‍9.3.2 describes what characteristics a “reliable” power source possess.

Todd E Wyatt

4/6/2023 08:56:36 am

REFERENCES
2019 NFPA 20
9.3 Alternate Power.
9.3.1
Unless there is an installed power arrangement as described in 9.3.3, at least one alternative source of power shall be provided for high-rise buildings.
9.3.2* Other Sources.
Except for an arrangement described in 9.3.3, at least one alternate source of power shall be provided where the normal source is not reliable.
9.3.3
An alternate source of power for the primary fire pump shall not be required where a backup engine-driven fire pump, backup steam turbine-driven fire pump, or backup electric motor–driven fire pump with independent power source meeting 9.2.2 is installed in accordance with this standard.

A.‍9.3.2
A reliable power source possesses the following characteristics:
(1) The source power plant has not experienced any shutdowns longer than 10 continuous hours in the year prior to plan submittal. NFPA 25 requires special undertakings (i.e., fire watches) when a water-based fire protection system is taken out of service for longer than 10 hours. If the normal source power plant has been intentionally shut down for longer than 10 hours in the past, it is reasonable to require a backup source of power.
(2) Power outages have not routinely been experienced in the area of the protected facility caused by failures in generation or transmission. This standard is not intended to require that the normal source of power be infallible to deem the power reliable. NFPA 20 does not intend to require a backup source of power for every installation using an electric motor–driven fire pump.
(3) The normal source of power is not supplied by overhead conductors outside the protected facility. Fire departments responding to an incident at the protected facility will not operate aerial apparatus near live overhead power lines, without exception. A backup source of power is required in case this scenario occurs and the normal source of power must be shut off. Additionally, many utility providers will remove power to the protected facility by physically cutting the overhead conductors. If the normal source of power is provided by overhead conductors, which will not be identified, the utility provider could mistakenly cut the overhead conductor supplying the fire pump.
(4) Only the disconnect switches and overcurrent protection devices permitted by 9.2.3 are installed in the normal source of power. Power disconnection and activated overcurrent protection should occur only in the fire pump controller. The provisions of 9.2.2 for the disconnect switch and overcurrent protection essentially require disconnection and overcurrent protection to occur in the fire pump controller. If unanticipated disconnect switches or overcurrent protection devices are installed in the normal source of power that do not meet the requirements of 9.2.2, the normal source of power must be considered not reliable and a backup source of power is necessary.

Typical methods of routing power from the source to the motor are shown in Figure A.‍9.2. Other configurations are also acceptable. The determination of the reliability of a service is left up to the discretion of the authority having jurisdiction.
For more information on the determination of reliability, see the following publications:
(1) IEEE 493, Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
(2) “Reliability engineering applied to Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS),” a paper presented at the 2011 IEEE Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Conference (I&CPS)
(3) “Reliability analysis for power to fire pump using Fault Tree and RBD,” in IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications
(4) “Risk analysis for NEC Article 708 Critical Operations Power Systems,” paper presented at the 2009 Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting and published by IEEE
(5) “NEC Article 708,” in IEEE Industry Application Magazine, Jan.-Feb. 2011

Todd E Wyatt

4/6/2023 09:01:08 am

REFERENCES continued ...

2021 IBC
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code.

Section 902 FIRE PUMP and Riser Room Size
902.1 Pump and Riser Room Size
Where provided, FIRE PUMP rooms and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be designed with adequate space for all equipment necessary for the installation, as defined by the manufacturer, with sufficient working room around the stationary equipment. Clearances around equipment to elements of permanent construction, including other installed equipment and appliances, shall be sufficient to allow inspection, service, repair or replacement without removing such elements of permanent construction or disabling the function of a required fire-resistance-rated assembly. FIRE PUMP and automatic sprinkler system riser rooms shall be provided with doors and unobstructed passageways large enough to allow removal of the largest piece of equipment.
902.1.1 Access
Automatic sprinkler system risers, FIRE PUMPs and controllers shall be provided with ready access. Where located in a FIRE PUMP room or automatic sprinkler system riser room, the door shall be permitted to be locked provided that the key is available at all times.
902.1.2 Marking on Access Doors
Access doors for automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and FIRE PUMP rooms shall be labeled with an approved sign. The lettering shall be in contrasting color to the background. Letters shall have a minimum height of 2 inches (51 mm) with a minimum stroke of 3/8 inch (10 mm).
902.1.3 Environment
Automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and FIRE PUMP rooms shall be maintained at a temperature of not less than 40°F (4°C). Heating units shall be permanently installed.
902.1.4 Lighting
Permanently installed artificial illumination shall be provided in the automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and FIRE PUMP rooms.

Section 913 FIRE PUMPs
913.1 General
Where provided, FIRE PUMPs for fire protection systems shall be installed in accordance with this section and NFPA 20.
Exception: Pumps for automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, or Section P2904 of the International Residential Code.
913.2 Protection Against Interruption of Service
The FIRE PUMP, driver and controller shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 20 against possible interruption of service through damage caused by explosion, fire, flood, earthquake, rodents, insects, windstorm, freezing, vandalism and other adverse conditions.
913.2.1 Protection of FIRE PUMP Rooms
FIRE PUMPs shall be located in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Exceptions:
1. In other than high-rise buildings, separation by 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both, shall be permitted in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Separation is not required for FIRE PUMPs physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.
913.2.2 Circuits Supplying FIRE PUMPs
Cables used for survivability of circuits supplying FIRE PUMPs shall be protected using one of the following methods:
1. Cables used for survivability of required critical circuits shall be listed in accordance with UL 2196 and shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
2. Electrical circuit protective systems shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Electrical circuit protective systems shall be installed in accordance with their listing requirements.
3. Construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
4. The cable or raceway is encased in a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete.
Exception: This section shall not apply to cables, or portions of cables, located within a FIRE PUMP room or generator room which is separated from the remainder of the occupancy with fire-resistance-rated construction.
913.3 Temperature of Pump Room
Suitable means shall be provided for maintaining the temperature of a pump room or pump house, where required, above 40°F (5°C).
913.3.1 Engine Manufacturer's Recommendation
Temperature of t

Todd E Wyatt

4/6/2023 09:01:52 am

REFERENCES continued ...

Chapter 27 Electrical
Section 2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems
2702.1 General
Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall comply with Sections 2702.1.1 through 2702.1.8.
2702.1.1 Stationary Generators
Stationary emergency and standby power generators required by this code shall be listed in accordance with UL 2200.
2702.1.2 Fuel-Line Piping Protection
Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a high-rise building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:
A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
Other approved methods.
2702.1.3 Installation
Emergency power systems and standby power systems required by this code or the International Fire Code shall be installed in accordance with the International Fire Code, NFPA 70, NFPA 110 and NFPA 111.
2702.1.4 Load Transfer
Emergency power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 10 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code. Standby power systems shall automatically provide secondary power within 60 seconds after primary power is lost, unless specified otherwise in this code.
2702.1.5 Load Duration
Emergency power systems and standby power systems shall be designed to provide the required power for a minimum duration of 2 hours without being refueled or recharged, unless specified otherwise in this code.
2702.1.6 Uninterruptable Power Source
An uninterrupted source of power shall be provided for equipment where required by the manufacturer's instructions, the listing, this code or applicable referenced standards.
2702.1.7 Interchangeability
Emergency power systems shall be an acceptable alternative for installations that require standby power systems.
2702.1.8 Group I-2 Occupancies
In Group I-2 occupancies located in flood hazard areas established in Section 1612.3, where new essential electrical systems are installed, and where new essential electrical system generators are installed, the systems and generators shall be located and installed in accordance with ASCE 24. Where connections for hookup of temporary generators are provided, the connections shall be located at or above the elevation required in ASCE 24.

2702.2 Where Required
Emergency and standby power systems shall be provided where required by Sections 2702.2.1 through 2702.2.19.
2702.2.1 Ambulatory Care Facilities
2702.2.2 Elevators and Platform Lifts
2702.2.3 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage Systems
2702.2.4 Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication Systems
2702.2.5 Exhaust Systems
2702.2.6 Exit Signs
2702.2.7 Gas Detection System
2702.2.8 Group I-2 Occupancies
2702.2.9 Group I-3 Occupancies
2702.2.10 Hazardous Materials
2702.2.11 High-Rise Buildings
2702.2.12 Hydrogen Fuel Gas Rooms
2702.2.13 Laboratory Suites
2702.2.14 Means of Egress Illumination
2702.2.15 Membrane Structures
2702.2.16 Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
2702.2.17 Smoke Control Systems
2702.2.18 Special Purpose Horizontal Sliding, Accordion or Folding Doors
2702.2.19 Underground Buildings

Anthony

4/6/2023 09:16:27 am

It does not. The requirements of NFPA 20 do not apply and the pumps do not need to be listed for fire protection. Per 13d-16 5.1.2.1.

The goal of 13D is to make the system as affordable as possible and reduce the barrier of inclusion to a building while providing acceptable life safety.

Does NFPA 13D Fire Pump Require Backup Power?

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