Manual Pump for Old High Rise Standpipe Feed?

7/29/2026

Hi everyone, I have some questions regarding old high rise standpipes.

In many old high-rise buildings, they will have a wet standpipe fed from a gravity tank (or tanks), which is in turn filled by dedicated tank-fill pumps. Some will also have an additional manual fire pump down in the basement that can pressurize the standpipe upwards; I’m figuring just as backup for the existing roof tank reservoir.

First question: Is this type of setup just a relic of the past since it’s just a manual backup pump?

I haven’t found where in modern code it seems to be applicable to this whole setup. At least, it doesn’t seem to have any mention in NFPA 20, even though that’s the main fire pump book.

Second question: All these vintage motors and controllers seem to be wound-rotor motors, and the controller is speed-controlled via resistor banks.

Is the stepped speed control simply to reduce inrush by ramping one step at a time up to full speed, or are they intended to operate at reduced speeds on purpose?

I’m figuring the modern equivalent to these old setups would likely be a soft-start controller if you’re just looking to reduce inrush, or a VFD controller if you want to run at reduced speeds on purpose. Of course, all of this conjecture is only if such a setup is even relevant to modern code.

Thank you for any insight you can offer!

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7 Comments

Glenn Berger

7/29/2026 08:12:47 am

Sounds like a relic configuration where the water supply was a tank that was located on the roof. These systems had a manual pump to assist the filling the tank in case of a low level alarm.

I cannot speak on how these pumps were built or function. This configuration would not be considered in today's built environment.

Mark Harris

7/29/2026 08:36:13 am

In 40 plus years I only tested one DC voltage fire pump (old) and the controller worked with the step clicks as described.

As Glenn notes the pump may be the tank fill but you can chase pipe to confirm if fill line or connected to same standpipe as tank.

Or if the tank is gravity tank only (not a pressurized tank) maybe that is the main supply to the pump. Nor enough information but as Glenn notes not a common set up today and today fire sprinkler supply will also be in the equation. Besides NFPA 20 NFPA 22, 14 and 13 may apply.

7/29/2026 08:44:45 am

First question: I believe what you're describing is largely a relic. Modern NFPA 20 is based on the premise that a fire pump starts automatically. If a fire pump is needed to meet the required standpipe demand today, it would be expected to start automatically rather than manually. That's why you wont find much in current NFPA 20 addressing manual fire pumps. They were common in older installations but aren't really considered by the current standard.

Read "Origin and Development of NFPA 20" on page 20-1 of NFPA 20.

Second question: Yes, the wound rotor motor and resistor bank were primarily used to limit starting current while giving high startup torque. The controller progressively removes resistance as the motor accelerates until it reaches full operating speed. They are generally not intended to operate continuously at reduced speed like a modern VFD. A modern soft starter would be the closest equivalent from a starting standpoint, while a VFD serves a different purpose by controlling motor speed during operation.

Josh

7/29/2026 09:04:55 am

I feel like the others have given about the same replies I would. I just want to know if you have photos we can look at!

Jack G

7/29/2026 11:05:26 am

Philadelphia had a tank and pump on every building 6 stories and up. In the 80s code compliance made you remove them and install an up to date fire system from the street. Electrical services for the high rise pumps 6 stories and up were astronomical. So we installed Diesels. We installed hundreds of them as there were 400 high rise buildings in Philadelphia alone at the time.
Even had to take a few diesels apart to get them into a building. In China town we cut a huge hole in the sidewalk ( there are tunnels under the sidewalk 10 x 10 x 10 where the old steam pipes ran to connect to the high rises) dropped it down and thru an opening into the basement. Put flat removable plates on top. For future.,
Phillies existing building code gave owners a break on certain types lowered some of the requirements as those buildings were built like bomb shelters. 3 hr fire walls.

Charlie

7/29/2026 06:41:28 pm

Thank for the replies everyone, looks like I wasn’t too far off the mark with my guesses.

@ Glenn: That was basically my guess. Since these pumps push upward into the standpipe that is normally fed by the gravity tank, I’ve always figured that this pump is a backup in case the tank runs dry or is drained for service or such.

@ Josh, I wasn’t sure how to attach photos directly here, so here’s a google drive link with a selection for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Also in the first example pump, I’ve included a photo of the building layout which I imagine some of you might enjoy as well.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kI-Rw10tXvNl5OfEDfthVMfI3UsTjT9J?usp=drive_link

@ Mark: I’ve only ever seen one DC fire pump still in service, and it was actually one of these types of pumps. ConEd stopped all DC delivery to their last few customers about 20 years ago, so the building now rectifies in house for that pump. Included a photo of that pump and control panel in the link above too

@ EL, Thanks for the info about wound rotor motors. Also I should have clarified, these buildings usually have additional automatic pumps as well, not just these manual pumps

7/31/2026 09:07:17 am

That's pretty cool to see! Thanks for sharing.

Manual Pump for Old High Rise Standpipe Feed?

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