Working Clearance for Fire Pump Controller?

6/15/2022

Is there a code or standard that specifies floor clearance in front of a fire pump controller cabinet?

I am installing a fire pump in an existing building which has a controller with a transfer switch. Of course the fire pump room size presents clearance issues.

I have clearances I need for sprinkler pipe, but I do not know the working clearances required in front of the cabinets.

I do have door swing clearance, but was wondering about a working clearance. Thanks in advance.

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6 Comments

Pete H

6/15/2022 06:24:56 am

This came up on a previous meyerfire thread located here:

https://www.meyerfire.com/daily/pump-controllers-need-clearance-per-nfpa-70

Similar to that thread, I'd check the voltage of your pump controller, and if it applies to NFPA 70 (2017) Section 110.26

Glenn Berger

6/15/2022 08:08:58 am

The clearance distance needs to be compliant with the NEC (NFPA 70).

Jesse

6/15/2022 08:18:16 am

Clearance issues come up a lot for us. In your case, I'd recommend you look to NFPA 70. The driver will be the voltage in the controller.

Anthony

6/15/2022 08:18:48 am

Installing new or repairing/replacing an existing module? If its just a repair or preplace what you have it what you have.

Dan Wilder

6/15/2022 08:23:32 am

You would need to follow NFPA 70E or the NEC Section 110.26(A) for work space. There is also the Condition the cabinet is placed in relation to other utilities in the room based on Voltage.

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Blogs-Landing-Page/NFPA-Today/Blog-Posts/2021/09/21/A-Better-Understanding-of-NFPA-70E-Electrical-Equipment-Working-Space

https://www.powercalc.co/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-600-v-or-less-article-2-of-3

CJ Bonczyk

6/15/2022 08:27:02 am

NEC 110.26(A)(1) Working Spaces indicates a Nominal Voltage to ground chart. Follow the chart to determine which condition you have to determine if you need the minimum of 3 feet up to a maximum of 5 feet. More than likely the 3 feet is sufficient but you need controller information to verify. Supplemental information from NEC is below.

Note: Where the conditions are as follows:
Condition 1 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and no live or grounded parts on the other side of the working space, or exposed live parts on both sides of the working space that are effectively guarded by insulating materials.
Condition 2 — Exposed live parts on one side of the working space and grounded parts on the other side of the working space. Concrete, brick, or tile walls shall be considered as grounded.
Condition 3 — Exposed live parts on both sides of the working space.

The width of the working space in front of the electrical equipment shall be the width of the equipment or 762 mm (30 in.), whichever is greater. In all cases, the work space shall permit at least a 90 degree opening of equipment doors or hinged panels.

The work space shall be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to a height of 2.0 m (61/2 ft) or the height of the equipment, whichever is greater. Within the height requirements of this section, other equipment or support structures, such as concrete pads, associated with the electrical installation and located above or below the electrical equipment shall be permitted to extend not more than 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the front of the electrical equipment.
Exception No. 1: On battery systems mounted on open racks, the top clearance shall comply with 480.10(D).
Exception No. 2: In existing dwelling units, service equipment or panelboards that do not exceed 200 amperes shall be permitted in spaces where the height of the working space is less than 2.0 m (61/2 ft).
Exception No. 3: Meters that are installed in meter sockets shall be permitted to extend beyond the other equipment. The meter socket shall be required to follow the rules of this section.

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Working Clearance for Fire Pump Controller?

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