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Does NFPA provide guidance on campus-style fire pump design?
Can I provide two water services (one from each building) and serve out to two buildings? NFPA 20 4.9 implies that campus-style designs are acceptable, but I am not seeing any code lines referencing any further requirements for such a design. Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
8 Comments
Glenn Berger
10/15/2025 08:12:41 am
Fire Pump design considerations for a campus needs to be treated the same as done for individual buildings. You need to meet the most hydraulically demanding fire system demand. Be cognizant of the largest and the smallest fire protection water systems.
Glenn Berger
10/15/2025 08:14:15 am
Meant to say - There will be times ...
Evan
10/15/2025 08:21:56 am
I believe you would be looking for NFPA 24 to reference for this. 10/15/2025 08:30:45 am
Is the question can you use a fire pump within one building to feed two other separate buildings, likely by going back underground? Every AHJ in my area would say no and that there must be either a dedicated fire pump for each building or there can be an independent fire pump house that can feed the site. The reasoning is both independence/reliance from a single building being down and in case the buildings go to other ownership in case that ever changes.
Ricardo Gonzales Jr
10/15/2025 09:02:16 am
Make sure you get Civil involved as the piping in the ground more than 5' from a building is their responsibility and the Civil inspectors will have information and requirements the FD is unaware of. I have several projects doing exactly this idea. From private systems to ones that feed 16 buildings and directing Civil to provide a minimum pipe size based on the most demanding building/system.
Jack G
10/15/2025 09:53:56 pm
Requirements include a reliable and independent power source (like dual electric feeds from separate utility services or a dedicated feeder), proper sizing for minimum pressure and flow, and adherence to specific installation and maintenance standards. The pump and control room must be located in a dedicated fire rated and accessible area with all electrical conductors protected from physical damage. Remote monitoring and alarms are required to ensure prompt detection of any systems malfunctions.
Anthony
10/16/2025 08:35:26 am
It gets fuzzier if you have a domestic booster pump system for a campus or a shared potable water fire loop. In such instances do you have a fire pump? or a utility lift station that's site run? lift stations aren't listed for fire protection use but if they serve a water main and are signed off by an AHJ for 'domestic' and Fire water use use then you have a good argument that its just 'the water supply'
Nick G
10/16/2025 01:39:43 pm
Yes you can have a campus style system with one or more fire pumps in one building supplying other buildings on the property, as well as private hydrants. This is very common for some types of commercial and industrial properties. Most AHJs would require this to be an independent fire water network (no domestic/process uses). Keep in mind requirements for Private Mains (NFPA 24). Leave a Reply. |
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