Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
694.68
building or structure shall be enclosed in metal raceways or
installed in metal enclosures, or run in Type MC metal-clad
cable that complies with 250.118(10), from the point of penetra-
tion of the surface of the building or structure to the first readily
accessible disconnecting means.
Part V.  Grounding and Bonding
694.40  Equipment Grounding and Bonding.
(A) General. Exposed non–current-carrying metal parts of tow-
ers, turbine nacelles, other equipment, and conductor enclosures
shall be grounded and bonded to the premises grounding and
bonding system. Attached metal parts, such as turbine blades
and tails that are not likely to become energized, shall not be
required to be grounded or bonded.
(B)  Tower Grounding and Bonding.
(1)  Grounding Electrodes and Grounding Electrode Conduc-
tors.  A wind turbine tower shall be connected to a grounding
electrode system. Where installed in close proximity to gal-
vanized foundation or tower anchor components, galvanized
grounding electrodes shall be used.
Informational Note:  Copper and copper-clad grounding elec-
trodes, where used in highly conductive soils, can cause elec-
trolytic corrosion of galvanized foundation and tower anchor
components.
(2)  Bonding Conductor.  Equipment grounding conductors or
supply-side bonding jumpers, as applicable, shall be required
between turbines, towers, and the premises grounding system.
6 5-B 4-4C
(3)  Tower Connections.  Equipment grounding, bonding, and
grounding electrode conductors, where used, shall be connected
to metallic towers using listed means. All mechanical elements
used to terminate these conductors shall be accessible.
(4)  Guy Wires.  Guy wires used to support turbine towers shall
not be required to be connected to an equipment grounding con-
ductor or to comply with the requirements of 250.110.
Informational Note:  Guy wires supporting grounded towers are
unlikely to become energized under normal conditions, but partial
lightning currents could flow through guy wires when exposed to
a lightning environment. Grounding of metallic guy wires may
be required by lightning standards. For information on lightning
protection systems, see NFPA 780-2014, Standard for the Instal-
lation of Lightning Protection Systems.
Part VI.  Marking
694.50  Interactive System Point of Interconnection.  All inter-
active system points of interconnection with other sources shall
be marked at an accessible location at the disconnecting means
and with the rated ac output current and the nominal operating
ac voltage.
694.52  Power Systems Employing Energy Storage. Wind
electric systems employing energy storage shall be marked with
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the maximum operating voltage, any equalization voltage, and
the polarity of the grounded circuit conductor.
694.54  Identification of Power Sources.
(A)  Facilities with Stand-Alone Systems.  Any structure or
building with a stand-alone system and not connected to a util-
ity service source shall have a permanent plaque or directory
installed on the exterior of the building or structure at a readily
visible location. The plaque or directory shall indicate the loca-
tion of system disconnecting means and shall indicate that the
structure contains a stand-alone electrical power system.
(B)  Facilities with Utility Services and Wind Electric Systems. 
Buildings or structures with both utility service and wind electric
systems shall have a permanent plaque or directory providing
the location of the service disconnecting means and the wind
electric system disconnecting means.
694.56  Instructions for Disabling Turbine.  A plaque shall be
installed at or adjacent to the turbine location providing basic
instructions for disabling the turbine.
Part VII.  Connection to Other Sources
694.60  Identified Interactive Equipment.  Only inverters that
are listed, labeled, and identified as interactive shall be permitted
in interactive systems.
694.62 Installation.  Wind electric systems, where connected
to utility electric sources, shall comply with the requirements
of Article 705.
F2C
694.66  Operating Voltage Range.  Wind electric systems con-
nected to dedicated branch or feeder circuits shall be permitted
to exceed normal voltage operating ranges on these circuits,
provided that the voltage at any distribution equipment supplying
other loads remains within normal ranges.
Informational Note:  Wind turbines might use the electric grid
to dump energy from short-term wind gusts. Normal operating
voltages are defined in ANSI C84.1-2006, Voltage Ratings for
Electric Power Systems and Equipment (60 Hz).
694.68  Point of Connection.  Points of connection to intercon-
nected electric power sources shall comply with 705.12.
•
Article
695 Fire Pumps
Contents
695.1 Scope
(A) Covered
(B)  Not Covered
695.2 Definitions
695.1  Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps

695.1  Scope.
695.3 Power Source(s) for Electric Motor-Driven Fire
Informational Note:  Text that is followed by a reference in brack-
Pumps ets has been extracted from NFPA 20-2013, Standard for the
(A)  Individual Sources Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. Only edito-
(B)  Multiple Sources rial changes were made to the extracted text to make it consistent
(C)  Multibuilding Campus-Style Complexes with this Code.
(D)  On-Site Standby Generator as Alternate Source
(A) Covered. This article covers the installation of the following:
(E) Arrangement
(F)  Transfer of Power (1) Electric power sources and interconnecting circuits
(G)  Power Source Selection (2) Switching and control equipment dedicated to fire pump
(H)  Overcurrent Device Selection drivers
(I)  Phase Converters
(B)  Not Covered.  This article does not cover the following:
695.4 Continuity of Power
(A)  Direct Connection (1) The performance, maintenance, and acceptance testing
(B)  Connection Through Disconnecting Means of the fire pump system, and the internal wiring of the
and Overcurrent Device components of the system
695.5 Transformers (2) The installation of pressure maintenance (jockey or
(A) Size makeup) pumps
(B)  Overcurrent Protection Informational Note:  For the installation of pressure maintenance
(C)  Feeder Source (jockey or makeup) pumps supplied by the fire pump circuit or
695.6 Power Wiring another source, see Article 430.
(A)  Supply Conductors
(3) Transfer equipment upstream of the fire pump transfer
(B)  Conductor Size
switch(es)
(C)  Overload Protection
(D)  Pump Wiring Informational Note:  See NFPA 20-2013, Standard for the
(E)  Loads Supplied by Controllers and Transfer Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, for further
information.
Switches
(F)  Mechanical Protection The requirements covering reliable power supplies for electric fire pump
(G)  Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment motors correlate with those in NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of
(H)  Listed Electrical Circuit Protective System Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection However, the NEC® and NFPA 20
7D60B35
to Controller Wiring
(I)  Junction Boxes
-AF C-E8840 0B7 94
have a distinct division of responsibil ty for fire pump requiremen s Per-
formance issues, including the determination of power supply reliability,
(J)  Raceway Terminations are under the jurisdiction of the NFPA Technical Committee on Fire
695.7 Voltage Drop Pumps, while electrical installation requirements are within the purview
(A) Starting of the National Electrical Code Committee.
(B) Running An electric motor–driven fire pump such as the one shown in
695.10 Listed Equipment Exhibit 695.1 is covered by the requirements of Article 695. This article
does not apply to pumps used to supply sprinkler systems in one- and
695.12 Equipment Location
two-family dwellings. NFPA 13D, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
(A)  Controllers and Transfer Switches
Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,
(B)  Engine-Drive Controllers
does not require the use of a fire pump; thus, neither NFPA 20 nor Article
(C)  Storage Batteries 695 is applicable. Although the installation requirements for pressure
(D)  Energized Equipment maintenance (jockey) pumps are not covered by Article 695, these
(E)  Protection Against Pump Water pumps are permitted to be supplied by a fire pump service or feeder.
(F) Mounting Generally the requirements of Article 695 are independent of those
695.14 Control Wiring in Article 700 unless otherwise mandated by the AHJ. The only excep-
(A)  Control Circuit Failures tion to this is the specific reference in 695.4(B)(3)(b).
(B)  Sensor Functioning
(C)  Remote Device(s) 695.2 Definitions.
(D)  Engine-Drive Control Wiring
Fault-Tolerant External Control Circuits.  Those control cir-
(E)  Electric Fire Pump Control Wiring Methods
cuits either entering or leaving the fire pump controller enclosure,
(F)  Generator Control Wiring Methods
which if broken, disconnected, or shorted will not prevent the
695.15 Surge Protection
controller from starting the fire pump from all other internal or

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942 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.3

motor(s) and the full-load current of the associated fire pump

accessory equipment when connected to this power supply, the
power source for an electric motor driven fire pump shall be one
or more of the following.
The power source for an electric motor–driven fire pump must be reli-
able and have adequate capacity to carry the locked-rotor currents of
the fire pump motor and accessory equipment. These two main require-
ments ensure that the fire pump operates in the event of a fire without
being accidentally disconnected, and that the fire pump continues to
operate until the fire is extinguished, the fire pump is purposely shut
down, or the pump itself is destroyed.
The determination of whether the serving electric utility is a reli-
able source of power is an issue for the AHJ. The following excerpt of
A.9.3.2 in Annex A of NFPA 20 elaborates on several key characteristics of
a reliable power supply:

A.9.3.2 A reliable power source possesses the following

characteristics:

(1) The source power plant has not experienced any shutdowns
longer than 4 continuous hours in the year prior to plan submit-
tal. NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Mainte-
nance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, requires special
undertakings (i.e., fire watches) when a water-based fire protec-
tion system is taken out of service for longer than 4 hours. If the
normal source power plant has been intentionally shut down
for longer than 4 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
EXHIBIT 695.1  An electric motor specifically listed for fire pump service. of the protected facility caused by failures in generation or
(Courtesy of Liberty Mutual Insurance) transmission. The standard is not intended to require that the

external means and may cause the controller to start the pump
under these conditions.
On-Site Power Production Facility.  The normal supply of
electric power for the site that is expected to be constantly pro-
ducing power.
On-Site Standby Generator.  A facility producing electric
power on site as the alternate supply of electric power. It dif-
fers from an on-site power production facility, in that it is not
constantly producing power.
695.3 Power Source(s) for Electric Motor-Driven Fire
Pumps.  Electric motor-driven fire pumps shall have a reliable
source of power.
Informational Note:  See Sections 9.3.2 and A.9.3.2 from NFPA
20-2013, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for
Fire Protection, for guidance on the determination of power
source reliability.
(A)  Individual Sources.  Where reliable, and where capable
of carrying indefinitely the sum of the locked-rotor current of
the fire pump motor(s) and the pressure maintenance pump
C E8840C0B7294
normal source of power be infallible to deem the power reli-
able. NFPA 20 does not intend to require a back-up source of
power for every installation using an electric motor–driven fire
pump. Note that should the normal source of power fail in a
rare event, the impairment procedures of NFPA 25 could be fol-
lowed to mitigate the risk. If a fire does occur during the power
loss, the fire protection system could be supplied through the
fire department connection.
(3) The normal source of power is not supplied by overhead con-
ductors outside the protected facility. Fire departments
responding to an incident at the protected facility will not oper-
ate aerial apparatus near live overhead power lines, without
exception. A backup source of power is required in case this sce-
nario 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 conduc-
tors, which will not be identified, the utility provider could mis-
takenly 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 protec-
tion should only occur in the fire pump controller. The provi-
sions of 9.2.2 for the disconnect switch and overcurrent

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695.3 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
EXHIBIT 695.2  Two permitted configurations for
connecting to an electric utility–supplied service. Vertical section ahead of the service disconnecting means
Fire pump
controller
Configuration #1
Connection ahead of the service disconnect
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 con-
sidered not reliable and a back-up source of power is
necessary.
E 60B 5 B2F4 4
Performance requirements for the alternate source of electric
power can be found in NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby
Power Systems.
For an on-site power production facility to be considered a reliable
power source for an electric motor–driven fire pump(s), fire protection
measures must be in place to protect the source and maintain a reliable
power supply. In many cases, on-site power production sources are elec-
tric generating stations dedicated to a particular facility or to a particu-
lar facility’s campus-style distribution system. Information on fire
protection systems for on-site generating stations can be found in
NFPA 850, Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Electric Generating
Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations.
(1)  Electric Utility Service Connection.  A fire pump shall
be permitted to be supplied by a separate service, or from a
connection located ahead of and not within the same cabinet,
enclosure, vertical switchgear section, or vertical switchboard
section as the service disconnecting means. The connection shall
be located and arranged so as to minimize the possibility of dam-
age by fire from within the premises and from exposing hazards.
A tap ahead of the service disconnecting means shall comply
with 230.82(5). The service equipment shall comply with the
labeling requirements in 230.2 and the location requirements in
230.72(B). [20:9.2.2(1)]
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944 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
Building service equipment
Separated from
each other to minimize
damage from a fire in
the main service
Service disconnect
Fire pump service conductors
Configuration #2
A separate fire pump service
Configuration No. 1 of Exhibit 695.2 shows a single service where a dedi-
cated set of service-entrance conductors to supply the fire pump is
tapped to the incoming service conductors. The tap cannot be made in
the section of the equipment that contains the service disconnecting
means. This tap is permitted under the conditions specified in 230.40,
Exception No. 5, and in 230.82(5). Configuration No. 2 shows a dedicated
service supplying the fire pump as permitted by 230.2(A)(1).
-(2)  F C-E8 0 B7 94
On Site Power Production Facility.  A fire pump shall be
permitted to be supplied by an on-site power production facility.
The source facility shall be located and protected to minimize
the possibility of damage by fire. [20:9.2.2(3)]
On-site power production facilities are defined in 695.2 and are permitted
to be used as the sole power source for an electrically driven fire pump
motor. An on-site power production facility differs in normal application
from an on-site standby generator in that it is the normal source of elec-
trical supply for a structure and is not a utility-owned generating facility.
For some small installations, the normal use of the generator is the fea-
ture that determines whether the equipment is defined as an on-site
power production facility or an on-site standby generator. Exhibit 695.3
illustrates generating equipment that is the normal source of power for
the premises wiring system and meets the definition of on-site power
production facility. On-site power production is not restricted to a
generator.
(3)  Dedicated Feeder.  A dedicated feeder shall be permitted
where it is derived from a service connection as described in
695.3(A)(1). [20:9.2.2(3)]
(B)  Multiple Sources.  If reliable power cannot be obtained
from a source described in 695.3(A), power shall be supplied
by one of the following: [20:9.3.2]
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.3
On-site power production facility
located where it is protected from
fire, such as outdoors or in a
Fire pump room of fire-rated construction
controller
Fire pump supply conductors
EXHIBIT 695.3  On-site power production facility as a power source for a
fire pump installation.
(1)  Individual Sources.  An approved combination of two or
more of the sources from 695.3(A).
(2)  Individual Source and On-site Standby Generator.  An
approved combination of one or more of the sources in 695.3(A)
and an on-site standby generator complying with 695.3(D).
[20:9.3.4]
Exception to (B)(1) and (B)(2):  An alternate source of power
shall not be required where a back-up engine-driven or back-up
steam turbine-driven fire pump is installed. [20:9.3.3]
D60B 5-B2 4-4C42
If none of the power supply sources specified in 695.3(A)(1) through A)(3)
can individually provide reliable power with adequate capacity, 695.3(B)
permits an approved combination (two or more) of these sources or a
combination of one or more of these sources with an on-site standby
generator.
In lieu of installing an on-site standby generator, an engine- or
steam turbine–driven fire pump may be provided as backup for an elec-
tric fire pump. In this instance, the electric fire pump is permitted to be
supplied by only a single power source. This allowance provides some
design options for augmenting an electric fire pump that is supplied by
an unreliable source.
(C)  Multibuilding Campus-Style Complexes.  If the sources
in 695.3(A) are not practicable and the installation is part of a
multibuilding campus-style complex, feeder sources shall be
permitted if approved by the authority having jurisdiction and
installed in accordance with either (C)(1) and (C)(3) or (C)(2)
and (C)(3).
(1)  Feeder Sources.  Two or more feeders shall be permitted
as more than one power source if such feeders are connected
to, or derived from, separate utility services. The connection(s),
overcurrent protective device(s), and disconnecting means for
such feeders shall meet the requirements of 695.4(B)(1)(b).
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(2)  Feeder and Alternate Source.  A feeder shall be permit-
ted as a normal source of power if an alternate source of power
independent from the feeder is provided. The connection(s),
overcurrent protective device(s), and disconnecting means for
such feeders shall meet the requirements of 695.4(B)(1)(b).
(3) Selective Coordination. The overcurrent protective
device(s) in each disconnecting means shall be selectively coordi-
nated with any other supply-side overcurrent protective device(s).
A fire pump supplied by a radial loop type of distribution system (com-
monly used for medium- and high-voltage distribution) where the two
feeders originate from a single substation has to be augmented by an
on-site standby generator. In the system shown in Exhibit 695.4, the two
feeders originate from different utility substations, a distribution
arrangement that allows the two feeders, without an on-site standby
generator, to be multiple sources for the electric fire pump as permitted
by 695.3(C)(1).
Section 695.3(C) allows for fire pumps to be supplied by feeder cir-
cuits that are part of a medium- or high-voltage premises wiring system.
This distribution arrangement is common in industrial and institutional
campus settings. The conductors supplied by the higher voltage level
distribution systems are not service conductors, because the service
point and service-disconnecting means is generally located at a campus
distribution switchyard or distribution building. Also, all of the distribu-
tion conductors on the load side of the service equipment, even though
they resemble electric utility–type distribution, are considered to be
feeders or — in some cases where the circuit supplies a single piece of
utilization equipment — branch circuits.
Where more than one overcurrent device is in series with the fire
pump supply, 695.3(C)(3) requires each device to be selectively coordi-
nated with supply-side OCPDs See the commentary for and definition
F2C-E8840C0B7
of the term selective coordination n Article 100.
(D)  On-Site Standby Generator as Alternate Source.  An
on-site standby generator(s) used as an alternate source of power
shall comply with (D)(1) through (D)(3). [20:9.6.2.1]
(1) Capacity. The generator shall have sufficient capacity to
allow normal starting and running of the motor(s) driving the
fire pump(s) while supplying all other simultaneously operated
load(s). [20:9.6.1.1]
Automatic shedding of one or more optional standby loads in
order to comply with this capacity requirement shall be permitted.
Only the sources specified in 695.3(A)(1) through (A)(3) are required to
be capable of indefinitely carrying the locked-rotor current of the fire
pump motor. On-site standby generators are required only to be capa-
ble of carrying the starting and running current of the fire pump motor.
The generator disconnecting means and the OCPD(s) for the electric-
driven fire pump are not required to be sized for locked-rotor current of
the fire pump motor(s).
(2) Connection. A tap ahead of the generator disconnecting
means shall not be required. [20:9.6.1.2]
(3)  Adjacent Disconnects.  The requirements of 430.113 shall
not apply.
695.3 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
EXHIBIT 695.4  Multiple feeder sources for campus-
style application.
13.8-kV
utility service
No. 1
13.8 kV
to
480Y/277 volt
(E) Arrangement. All power supplies shall be located and
arranged to protect against damage by fire from within the prem-
E7D60B 5-
ises and exposing hazards. [20:9.1 4]
Multiple power sources shall be arranged so that a fire at
one source does not cause an interruption at the other source.
Determining compliance of the installation requires review of individual
building or structure characteristics. The type of construction, type of
content, proximity of the building to other hazard exposures, and the
location of the primary and alternate power sources for the fire pump
should be considered.
(F)  Transfer of Power.  Transfer of power to the fire pump
controller between the individual source and one alternate source
shall take place within the pump room. [20:9.6.4]
(G)  Power Source Selection.  Selection of power source shall
be performed by a transfer switch listed for fire pump service.
[20:10.8.1.3.1]
Transfer switches specifically listed for fire pump service must meet
additional requirements in the product standards, such as the
following:
• They must be electrically operated and mechanically held. This
eliminates contactor-type transfer switches or schemes that do not
include a mechanical latching mechanism.
• They must be horsepower or ampere rated. Where rated in horse-
power, the transfer switch shall have a horsepower rating at least
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13.8-kV
utility service
No. 2
Multibuilding campus-style complex
13.8 kV
to
480Y/277 volt
Feeder 1 Feeder 2
To fire pump controller
equal to the motor horsepower. The listing requirements for short-
circuit current rating of transfer switches is a function of the over-
F E884 C0B7 94
current protective device installed ahead of the switch. Because
the overcurrent protective device must be sized to at least 600 per-
cent of the full-load current of the fire pump motor(s), the switch
must be sized to coordinate with this overcurrent protective device
rating.
(H)  Overcurrent Device Selection.  An instantaneous trip cir-
cuit breaker shall be permitted in lieu of the overcurrent devices
specified in 695.4(B)(2)(a)(1), provided that it is part of a transfer
switch assembly listed for fire pump service that complies with
695.4(B)(2)(a)(2).
A listed fire pump transfer switch with a factory-installed instantaneous
circuit breaker provides ground-fault and short-circuit protection. Over-
load protection is provided by the circuit breaker in the fire pump con-
troller. Selective coordination of the breakers is accomplished as part
the equipment evaluation.
(I)  Phase Converters.  Phase converters shall not be permitted
to be used for fire pump service. [20:9.1.7]
A phase converter used in a fire pump circuit would be in continuous
operation, because the controller has to be constantly powered. Voltage
imbalance between phases under unloaded or lightly loaded conditions
could adversely affect electronics integral to the controller. This is the
reason phase converters are not permitted for fire pump service.
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.4
695.4  Continuity of Power.
Circuits that supply electric motor–driven fire pumps shall
be supervised from inadvertent disconnection as covered in
695.4(A) or (B).
(A)  Direct Connection.  The supply conductors shall directly
connect the power source to a listed fire pump controller, a listed
combination fire pump controller and power transfer switch, or
a listed fire pump power transfer switch.
(B)  Connection Through Disconnecting Means
and Overcurrent Device.
Section 695.4(B) permits, but does not require, the installation of a dis-
connecting means and associated overcurrent protection between a
power source and the fire pump control devices described in 695.4(B)(1).
Other NEC requirements — such as 230.70 and 225.31 — may necessi-
tate the installation of the disconnecting means and overcurrent protec-
tion covered in the requirements of 695.4(B). While not always possible,
the best method to provide continuity of power is the direct connection
of the source to the fire pump control equipment in accordance with
695.4(A).
(1)  Number of Disconnecting Means.
(a) General.  A single disconnecting means and associated
overcurrent protective device(s) shall be permitted to be installed
between the fire pump power source(s) and one of the follow-
ing: [20:9.1.2]
(1) A listed fire pump controller
(2) A listed fire pump power transfer switch
(3) A listed combination fire pump controller and power trans-
7D60B35 B2F4 4C 2
fer switch
(b)  Feeder Sources.  For systems installed under the provi-
sions of 695.3(C) only, additional disconnecting means and the
associated overcurrent protective device(s) shall be permitted.
(c)  On-Site Standby Generator.  Where an on-site standby
generator is used to supply a fire pump, an additional discon-
necting means and an associated overcurrent protective device(s)
shall be permitted.
An on-site standby generator equipped with an integral disconnecting
means and overcurrent protection is allowed in addition to a discon-
necting means and overcurrent protection installed elsewhere in the
alternate supply circuit to the fire pump. The second disconnecting
means and overcurrent device could be located in distribution equip-
ment and is required to comply with the requirements of 695.4(B)(2)(b)
and 695.4(B)(3)(b) through (3)(e).
(2)  Overcurrent Device Selection.  Overcurrent devices shall
comply with 695.4(B)(2)(a) or (b).
(a)  Individual Sources.  Overcurrent protection for indi-
vidual sources shall comply with 695.4(B)(2)(a)(1) or (2).
(1) Overcurrent protective device(s) shall be rated to carry
indefinitely the sum of the locked-rotor current of the
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National Electrical Code Handbook   2017 947
largest fire pump motor and the pressure maintenance
pump motor(s) and the full-load current of all of the other
pump motors and associated fire pump accessory equip-
ment when connected to this power supply. Where the
locked-rotor current value does not correspond to a stan-
dard overcurrent device size, the next standard overcurrent
device size shall be used in accordance with 240.6. The
requirement to carry the locked-rotor currents indefinitely
shall not apply to conductors or devices other than overcur-
rent devices in the fire pump motor circuit(s). The require-
ment to carry the locked rotor currents indefinitely shall
not apply to feeder overcurrent protective devices installed
in accordance with 695.3(C). [20:9.2.3.4]
A key factor in the reliable power source equation is sizing the overcur-
rent protection in a supervised fire pump disconnecting means so it is
able to carry locked-rotor current (LRC) indefinitely. Opening of the cir-
cuit by an overcurrent device installed in a fire pump circuit cannot be
tolerated, except under short circuits or ground faults. The circuit has to
perform as if a direct connection exists to the power source. Sizing for
LRC applies only to OCPDs and not to the conductors or other devices in
the fire pump motor circuit. Similar requirements are contained in
695.5(B) and 695.5(C)(2). Alternately, a listed fire pump assembly com-
plying with 695.4(B)(2) is permitted.
It is unlikely that all fire pumps on a circuit will be under simultane-
ous locked-rotor conditions. Therefore, only the LRC of largest fire pump
and maintenance pump is required. Full-load current is used for all other
pumps.
(2) Overcurrent protection shall be provided by an assem-
bly listed for fire pump service and complying with the
following:
C
a. The overcurrent protective device shall not open within
2 minutes at 600 percent of the full-load current of the
fire pump motor(s).
b. The overcurrent protective device shall not open with
a re-start transient of 24 times the full-load current of
the fire pump motor(s).
c. The overcurrent protective device shall not open within
10 minutes at 300 percent of the full-load current of the
fire pump motor(s).
d. The trip point for circuit breakers shall not be field
adjustable. [20:9.2.3.4.1]
(b)  On-Site Standby Generators.  Overcurrent protective
devices between an on-site standby generator and a fire pump
controller shall be selected and sized to allow for instantaneous
pickup of the full pump room load, but shall not be larger than
the value selected to comply with 430.62 to provide short-circuit
protection only. [20:9.6.1.1]
This requirement correlates with 695.3(D)(1) covering the required
capacity of an on-site standby generator. OCPDs supplied by an on-site
standby generator are not required to be sized to carry the locked-rotor
current of the fire pump(s) indefinitely. The on-site standby generator is
not limited to supplying only the fire pump. Where other pump room
695.4 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
loads such as lights or fans are supplied, the generator must have suffi-
cient capacity to instantaneously carry the entire load supplied. The
OCPDs are not required to provide overload protection and are required
to be sized per 430.62.
See also
430.62, which covers devices supplying multiple motors or motors
and other loads
(3)  Disconnecting Means.  All disconnecting devices that are
unique to the fire pump loads shall comply with items (a) through (e).
(a)  Features and Location — Normal Power Source. The
disconnecting means for the normal power source shall comply
with all of the following: [20:9.2.3.1]
(1) Be identified as suitable for use as service equipment.
(2) Be lockable in the closed position. The provision for lock-
ing or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be
installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the
disconnecting means and shall remain in place with or
without the lock installed.
(3) Not be located within the same enclosure, panelboard,
switchboard, switchgear, or motor control center, with or
without common bus, that supplies loads other than the
fire pump.
(4) Be located sufficiently remote from other building or other
fire pump source disconnecting means such that inadver-
tent operation at the same time would be unlikely.
Exception to 695.4(B)(3)(a):  For a multibuilding campus-style
complex(s) installed under the provisions of 695.3(C), only the
requirements in 695.4(B)(3)(a)(2) shall apply for normal power
E7D6 B35 B2F 4C
source disconnects.
A disconnecting means supplied by one of the individual sources speci-
fied in 695.3(A) cannot be installed in distribution equipment that sup-
plies other than fire pump loads. “Sufficiently remote” also cannot be
interpreted as permitting the fire pump disconnecting means to be
located in a separate switchboard section of equipment that supplies
other than fire pump loads.
(b)  Features and Location — On-Site Standby Generator.  owner [20:9.2.3.3]
The disconnecting means for an on-site standby generator(s) used
as the alternate power source shall be installed in accordance with
700.10(B)(5) for emergency circuits and shall be lockable in the
closed position. The provision for locking or adding a lock to
the disconnecting means shall be installed on or at the switch or
circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means and shall remain
in place with or without the lock installed.
A disconnecting means supplied by an on-site standby generator is per-
mitted to be installed in equipment that supplies other loads. However,
compliance with 700.10(B)(5) is required. The effect of this requirement
is that a fire pump feeder cannot be supplied from equipment in which
the fire pump conductors are installed in the same enclosure or vertical
switchboard section with conductors supplying loads that are
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948 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
designated or classed as legally required standby (Article 701) or
optional standby (Article 702) loads. To help minimize inadvertent open-
ing of the fire pump circuit, the disconnecting means is required to be
capable of being locked in the closed (on) position.
(c)  Disconnect Marking.  The disconnecting means shall be
marked “Fire Pump Disconnecting Means.” The letters shall be
at least 25 mm (1 in.) in height, and they shall be visible without
opening enclosure doors or covers. [20:9.2.3.1(5)]
(d)  Controller Marking.  A placard shall be placed adjacent
to the fire pump controller, stating the location of this discon-
necting means and the location of the key (if the disconnecting
means is locked). [20:9.2.3.2]
(e) Supervision.  The disconnecting means shall be super-
vised in the closed position by one of the following methods:
(1) Central station, proprietary, or remote station signal device
(2) Local signaling service that causes the sounding of an
audible signal at a constantly attended point
(3) Locking the disconnecting means in the closed position
Supervision of the disconnecting means is required to assure continued
operation of the fire pump. Ideally, power supply conductors are run
directly to the listed fire pump control and/or transfer equipment with-
out the need for an additional service disconnecting means and over-
current protection. However, this arrangement is not always possible;
therefore, the single disconnecting means in 695.4(B) is permitted, pro-
vided it is monitored to be in the closed position.
Supervision of the disconnecting means by a local (protected
premises) fire alarm system, central station, proprietary supervising sta-
tion, or remote supervising station requires a connection to the prem-
ises fire alarm system. A fire alarm system initiating device circuit is
-AF2C E8840C B7294
programmed to generate a supervisory signal at the fire alarm control
unit on loss of voltage to the fire pump controller. A supervisory signal
indicates that the suppression system is “off-normal.” For more informa-
tion on this interface with the fire alarm system, see NFPA 72®, National
Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.
(f)  Sealing of disconnecting means and approved weekly
recorded inspections when the disconnecting means are located
within fenced enclosures or in buildings under the control of the
Calculation Example
A fusible service disconnect switch supplies power to a 100-hp, 460-V,
3-phase fire pump and to a 11⁄2-hp, 460-V, 3-phase jockey pump. Deter-
mine the sizes of the disconnecting means and OCPD for the system.
Also determine the minimum ampacity of the feeder conductors.
Solution
Step 1. Determine the minimum ratings of the disconnecting means
and the OCPD.
According to the motor nameplates, the locked-rotor current
(LRC) is 725 A for the 100-hp motor and 20 A for the 11⁄2-hp motor. If
the locked-rotor amperes are not on the nameplates, the LRCs found
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.5

locked-rotor currents indefinitely shall not apply to conduc-

in Table 430.251(B) must be used. Calculate the size by summing the
tors or devices other than overcurrent devices in the fire pump
LRC of both motors and then going to the next larger standard-size
OCPD, as follows:
motor circuit(s).

100-hp, 3-phase LRC = 725 A The sizing of dedicated transformers and overcurrent protection can be
1 ⁄2-hp, 3-phase LRC =   20 A
1 broken down into three basic requirements. Generally stated, they are
Total LRC = 745 A as follows:

The next larger standard-size disconnect switch and overcurrent
device is 800 A. An adjustable-trip circuit breaker of 750 A is also per-
mitted, because it, too, will carry the LRC indefinitely.
Step 2. Determine the minimum ampacity for the fire pump feeder
conductor.
Even though the disconnect switch and overcurrent device are
sized according to LRCs, the feeder conductors to the fire pump and
associated equipment are required to have an ampacity not less
than 125 percent of the full-load current (FLC) rating of the fire pump
motor(s) and pressure maintenance pump motor(s), plus 100 per-
cent of associated accessory equipment. Calculate the size of the
feeder to the fire pump controller using 430.6(A)(1) and
Table 430.250 for the FLC of the motors:
1. The transformer must be sized to at least 125 percent of the sum of
the loads.
2. The transformer primary overcurrent device must be the sum of
LRC of the fire pump motor(s) and pressure maintenance pump
motor(s) and the FLC of the associated fire pump accessory
equipment.
3. The transformer secondary must not contain any overcurrent
devices whatsoever.
See Exhibit 695.5 for a simple one-line diagram on applying the
dedicated fire pump transformer overcurrent protection requirements.
The jockey pump could alternately be supplied by a separate
panelboard.

100-hp, 3-phase FLC

124 A × 1.25 = 155.0 A
11⁄2-hp, 3-phase FLC
Primary overcurrent
3 A × 1.25 =    3.75 A protection only
Total FLC = 158.75 A or 159 A
Dedicated
Thus, the minimum ampacity for the feeder conductors is 159 A. transformer
Using the 75ºC column, per 110.14(C)(1)(b), from Table 310.15(B)(16),
a 2/0 copper conductor is the minimum size required. Secondary conductors,
Supply also overcurrent protection

695.5 Transformers.  Where the service or system voltage is

2C-
permitted from
separate panelboard 0C0B 2
NOT permitted
Jockey pump and
auxiliary equipment
different from the utilization voltage of the fire pump motor, tap conductors

transformer(s) protected by disconnecting means and overcurrent Tap not permitted Listed Jockey pump
fire pump disconnect,
protective devices shall be permitted to be installed between the within fire pump
controller overcurrent
controller
system supply and the fire pump controller in accordance with protection,
695.5(A) and (B), or with (C). Only transformers covered in and motor
controller
695.5(C) shall be permitted to supply loads not directly associ-
ated with the fire pump system. M Fire pump M Jockey pump

(A) Size. Where a transformer supplies an electric motor driven

fire pump, it shall be rated at a minimum of 125 percent of the
sum of the fire pump motor(s) and pressure maintenance pump(s) EXHIBIT 695.5  Overcurrent protection for a transformer supplying a fire
motor loads, and 100 percent of the associated fire pump acces- pump and associated equipment. The device must be capable of carrying
sory equipment supplied by the transformer. LRCs of fire pump motor and jockey pump motor indefinitely.

(B)  Overcurrent Protection.  The primary overcurrent pro-

tective device(s) shall be selected or set to carry indefinitely
the sum of the locked-rotor current of the fire pump motor(s)
and the pressure maintenance pump motor(s) and the full-
load current of the associated fire pump accessory equipment
when connected to this power supply. Secondary overcurrent
protection shall not be permitted. The requirement to carry the
Calculation Example
A 4160/480-V, 3-phase, dedicated transformer supplies power to a
100-hp, 460-V, 3-phase, code letter G fire pump and to a 11⁄2-hp, 460-V,
3-phase, code letter H jockey pump. Determine the sizes of the dedi-
cated transformer and its primary overcurrent protection.

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National Electrical Code Handbook   2017 949
695.6 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps

Solution Now, calculate the equivalent LRC on the primary side of the trans-
Step 1. Determine the minimum standard-size transformer. First, to former, based on the calculated LRC of the secondary of the trans-
determine the minimum current value for use in the 3-phase power former, as follows:
calculation, add the full-load currents (FLCs) of the fire pump secondary voltage
LRCprimary = × LRCsecondary
motor(s) and jockey pump motor(s). The FLCs of the two motors, primary voltage
using the FLC values from Table 430.250, are as follows:
480 V
= × 803 A
100-hp, 3-phase FLC = 124 A 4160 V
11⁄2-hp, 3-phase FLC =    3 A = 92.65 A or 93 A
Total FLC = 127 A
This 93 A represents the secondary LRC reflected to the primary
Now, increase the sum of the fire pump motor and the jockey pump side of the transformer. Because this value is the absolute smallest OCPD
motor to 125 percent: permitted, the next larger standard size, according to 240.6, is 100 A.

127 A × 1.25 = 158.75 A Conclusion.

Then, size the transformer as follows:
volts × amperes × √3
Transformer kVA =
1000
480 × 158.75 × √3
=
1000
= 131.98 kVA
The minimum-size transformer permitted is 131.98 kVA. The next
larger standard-size transformer available is 150 kVA, but any larger
size is permitted.
Step 2. Calculate the minimum-size primary OCPD permitted for
this transformer. According to 695.5(B), the minimum primary
OCPD must allow the transformer secondary to supply the locked-
rotor current (LRC) to the fire pump and in this case, the jockey
E7D60B3 -B2F4-4C
pump. The LRC of each motor must be ndividually calculated if it
is not available on the motor nameplate. In this example, however,
only the kVA code letters are assumed to be available. According
to 430.7(B) and using the maximum values for the individual code
letters per Table 430.7(B), calculate the maximum LRCs, as
follows.
For the 100-hp motor, code letter G:
LRC = motor hp × max. code letter value
× 1000
motor voltage × 3-phase factor
= 100 hp × 6.29 kVA × 1000 = 789.49 A
hp 460 × √3
1. The smallest standard-size transformer that is permitted is 150 kVA.
2. The smallest standard-size OCPD permitted on the primary of
the transformer is 100 A.
3. A secondary OCPD is not permitted.
(C)  Feeder Source.  Where a feeder source is provided in accor-
dance with 695.3(C), transformers supplying the fire pump sys-
tem shall be permitted to supply other loads. All other loads shall
be calculated in accordance with Article 220, including demand
factors as applicable.
(1) Size. Transformers shall be rated at a minimum of 125 per-
cent of the sum of the fire pump motor(s) and pressure mainte-
nance pump(s) motor loads, and 100 percent of the remaining
load supplied by the transformer.
(2)  Overcurrent Protection.  The transformer size, the feeder
-AF -E8840 B7 94
size, and the overcurrent protective device(s) shall be coor-
dinated such that overcurrent protection is provided for the
transformer in accordance with 450.3 and for the feeder in
accordance with 215.3, and such that the overcurrent protec-
tive device(s) is selected or set to carry indefinitely the sum of
the locked-rotor current of the fire pump motor(s), the pressure
maintenance pump motor(s), the full-load current of the asso-
ciated fire pump accessory equipment, and 100 percent of the
remaining loads supplied by the transformer. The requirement
to carry the locked-rotor currents indefinitely shall not apply to
conductors or devices other than overcurrent devices in the fire
pump motor circuit(s).

For the 11⁄2-hp motor, code letter H (using the same formula): 695.6  Power Wiring.  Power circuits and wiring methods shall
comply with the requirements in 695.6(A) through (J), and as
LCR = 11⁄2 hp ×
7.09 kVA
×
1000
= 13.35 A
permitted in 230.90(A), Exception No. 4; 230.94, Exception
hp 460 × √3 No. 4; 240.13; 230.208; 240.4(A); and 430.31.
For the total LRC: (A)  Supply Conductors.

100-hp LRC = 789.49 A (1)  Services and On-Site Power Production Facilities.  Ser-
1 ⁄2-hp LRC =   13.35 A
1 vice conductors and conductors supplied by on-site power
production facilities shall be physically routed outside a
Total LRC = 802.84 A or 803 A
building(s) and shall be installed as service-entrance conductors

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950 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.6
in accordance with 230.6, 230.9, and Parts III and IV of Article
230. Where supply conductors cannot be physically routed
outside of buildings, the conductors shall be permitted to be
routed through the building(s) where installed in accordance
with 230.6(1) or (2).
(2) Feeders. Fire pump supply conductors on the load side
of the final disconnecting means and overcurrent device(s)
permitted by 695.4(B), or conductors that connect directly
to an on-site standby generator, shall comply with all of the
following:
(a)  Independent Routing.  The conductors shall be kept
entirely independent of all other wiring.
(b)  Associated Fire Pump Loads.  The conductors shall sup-
ply only loads that are directly associated with the fire pump
system.
(c)  Protection from Potential Damage.  The conductors
shall be protected from potential damage by fire, structural fail-
ure, or operational accident.
(d)  Inside of a Building.  Where routed through a building,
the conductors shall be protected from fire for 2 hours using one
of the following methods:
(1) The cable or raceway is encased in a minimum 50 mm
(2 in.) of concrete.
(2) The cable or raceway is a listed fire-resistive cable system.
Informational Note 1:  Fire-resistive cables are tested to ANSI/UL
2196, Tests for Fire Resistive Cables.
Informational Note 2:  The listing organization provides informa-
tion for fire-resistive cable systems on proper installation require-
ments to maintain the fire rating.
E7D60B35
(3) The cable or raceway is a listed electrical circuit protective F2C E8840C0B7294
system.
Informational Note 1:  Electrical circuit protective systems could
include, but are not limited to, thermal barriers or a protective
shaft and are tested in accordance with UL 1724, Fire Tests for
Electrical Circuit Protection Systems.
Informational Note 2:  The listing organization provides informa-
tion for electrical circuit protective systems on proper installation
requirements to maintain the fire rating.
Exception to (A)(2)(d):  The supply conductors located in the
electrical equipment room where they originate and in the fire
pump room shall not be required to have the minimum 2-hour
fire separation or fire-resistance rating, unless otherwise
required by 700.10(D) of this Code.
• The pump motor and controller are configured for a wye-start, delta-
Feeder conductors are those that are installed from the load side of the
supervised disconnecting means permitted by 695.4(B)(1)(a), (b), or (c).
In addition, conductors directly connected to the output of an on-site
standby generator are also covered by 695.6(A)(2). Unlike service con-
ductors, feeder conductors are not required to be installed on the out-
side of a building or structure. However, if the feeder conductors are run
through a building, they are required to be protected from damage by
fire to ensure that power to the fire pump is not interrupted.
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National Electrical Code Handbook   2017 951
The difference between a 2-hour fire rating of an electrical circuit,
such as a conduit with wires, and a 2-hour fire resistance rating of a
structural member, such as a wall, is that at the end of a 2-hour fire test
on an electrical conduit with wires, the circuit must function electrically
(no short circuits, grounds, or opens are permitted) and its insulation
must be intact. A wall subjected to a 2-hour fire resistance test must only
prevent a fire from passing through or past the wall, without regard to
damage to the wall. All fire ratings and fire resistance ratings are based
on the assumption that the structural supports for the assembly are not
impaired by the effects of the fire.
The UL Fire Resistance Directory, Volume 2, describes three catego-
ries of products that can be used in the fire protection of electrical cir-
cuits for fire pumps: electrical circuit integrity systems (FHIT), electrical
circuit protective materials (FHIY), and fire-resistive cables (FHJR). (The
four-letter codes in parentheses are the UL product category guide des-
ignations.) For information on electrical circuit protective systems, see
UL 1724, Fire Tests for Electrical Circuit Protective Systems.
(B)  Conductor Size.
(1)  Fire Pump Motors and Other Equipment.  Conductors
supplying a fire pump motor(s), pressure maintenance pumps,
and associated fire pump accessory equipment shall have a rating
not less than 125 percent of the sum of the fire pump motor(s) and
pressure maintenance motor(s) full-load current(s), and 100 per-
cent of the associated fire pump accessory equipment.
(2)  Fire Pump Motors Only.  Conductors supplying only a
fire pump motor shall have a minimum ampacity in accordance
with 430.22 and shall comply with the voltage drop require-
ments in 695.7.
Listed fire pump cont oller and pump combinations are available in a
wye-start, delta-run configurat on as well as variable speed dr ve con-
figurations. In the wye-delta configuration, six circuit conductors are run
from the controller to the motor; when the motor is in the run mode, the
conductors that supply each winding are connected in parallel.
See also
430.22(C) and its commentary for wye-start, delta-run operation
The minimum conductor ampacity for the controller and for each
of the six leads between the controller and the motor is calculated as
shown in the following example.
Calculation Example
Determine the minimum size for the line- and load-side conductors
of a controller with a fire pump with a 50-hp, 3-phase, 460-V motor.
run operation.
• Table 430.250 specifies full-load current (FLC) for 50-hp motor
as 65 A.
• Section 430.22(C) requires a controller line-side minimum con-
ductor ampacity based on 125 percent of motor FLC.
• Section 430.22(C) requires a controller load-side minimum con-
ductor ampacity based on 72 percent of motor FLC.
695.6 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
Solution
Step 1. Determine minimum conductor ampacity.
(a) Load side: 65 A × 0.72 = 47 A
(b) Line side: 65 A × 1.25 = 81 A
Step 2. Determine Type THWN copper conductor minimum size
using Table 310.15(B)(16) and assuming 75ºC terminations in the
controller.
(a) Load side: 50 A requires 8 AWG conductors. The combined
ampacity of the two 8 AWG circuit conductors connected in
parallel to each winding in the run mode is 100 A.
(b) Line side: 81 A requires 4 AWG conductors. The minimum size
for the conductors may have to be increased to comply with the
mandatory voltage-drop performance requirements in 695.7.
(C)  Overload Protection.  Power circuits shall not have auto-
matic protection against overloads. Except for protection of
transformer primaries provided in 695.5(C)(2), branch-circuit
and feeder conductors shall be protected against short circuit
only. Where a tap is made to supply a fire pump, the wiring shall
be treated as service conductors in accordance with 230.6. The
applicable distance and size restrictions in 240.21 shall not apply.
Exception No. 1:  Conductors between storage batteries and
the engine shall not require overcurrent protection or discon-
necting means.
Exception No. 2:  For an on-site standby generator(s) rated to
produce continuous current in excess of 225 percent of the full-
load amperes of the fire pump motor, the conductors between
the on site generator(s) and the combination fire pump transfer
E7D60B35-B2F4-4C4 (AF2C E884 C0
switch controller or separately mounted transfer switch shall
2) Where required by the manufacturer of a listed electrical
be installed in accordance with 695.6(A)(2).
The protection provided shall be in accordance with the
short-circuit current rating of the combination fire pump trans-
fer switch controller or separately mounted transfer switch.
(D)  Pump Wiring.  All wiring from the controllers to the pump
motors shall be in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal con-
duit, electrical metallic tubing, liquidtight flexible metal conduit,
or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, listed Type MC cable
with an impervious covering, or Type MI cable. Electrical con-
nections at motor terminal boxes shall be made with a listed
means of connection. Twist-on, insulation-piercing–type, and
soldered wire connectors shall not be permitted to be used for
this purpose.
(E)  Loads Supplied by Controllers and Transfer Switches.  A
fire pump controller and fire pump power transfer switch, if
provided, shall not serve any load other than the fire pump for
which it is intended.
(F)  Mechanical Protection.  All wiring from engine control-
lers and batteries shall be protected against physical damage and
shall be installed in accordance with the controller and engine
manufacturer’s instructions.
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952 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
(G)  Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment.  Ground-fault
protection of equipment shall not be installed in any fire pump
power circuit. [20:9.1.8.1]
Although ground-fault protection of equipment is a major safety con-
cern elsewhere in the NEC, the continued operation of the fire pumps
until the fire is extinguished is essential. Ground-fault protection of
equipment is not permitted to be used to protect components of a fire
pump installation. The function of ground-fault protection of equip-
ment protection should not be confused with the function of GFCI pro-
tection for personnel. See 240.13(3). Ground-fault detection that
provides an alarm only is not prohibited by this requirement.
(H)  Listed Electrical Circuit Protective System to Controller
Wiring.  Electrical circuit protective system installation shall
comply with any restrictions provided in the listing of the electri-
cal circuit protective system used, and the following also shall
apply:
(1) A junction box shall be installed ahead of the fire pump
controller a minimum of 300 mm (12 in.) beyond the fire-
rated wall or floor bounding the fire zone.
The required junction box allows for a transition between solid conduc-
tors that are used in some electrical circuit protective systems (Type MI
cable, for example) and stranded conductors that are required at the
supply terminals of the controller by the controller manufacturer and its
listing, without having to make the splice in the controller enclosure. In
addition, where an electrical circuit protective system employs single
conductor cables, such as Type MI cable, the necessity to modify enclo-
sures to prevent inductive heating can result in a compromise of the
controller enclosure’s resistance to water infiltration.
circuit protective system or by the listing, or as required
elsewhere in this Code, the raceway between a junction box
and the fire pump controller shall be sealed at the junction
box end as required and in accordance with the instructions
of the manufacturer. [20:9.8.2]
Sealing of the raceway between the junction box and the enclosure may
be required by manufacturers of some electrical circuit protective sys-
tems. Sealing prevents any conductive material or gases that emanate in
the electrical circuit protective system from entering the controller
enclosure and compromising the controller operation.
(3) Standard wiring between the junction box and the control-
ler shall be permitted. [20:9.8.3]
(I)  Junction Boxes.  Where fire pump wiring to or from a fire
pump controller is routed through a junction box, the following
requirements shall be met:
(1) The junction box shall be securely mounted. [20:9.7(1)]
(2) Mounting and installing of a junction box shall not violate
the enclosure type rating of the fire pump controller(s).
[20:9.7(2)]
 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps 695.12

(3) Mounting and installing of a junction box shall not violate

the integrity of the fire pump controller(s) and shall not
affect the short-circuit rating of the controller(s). [20:9.7(3)]
(4) As a minimum, a Type 2, drip-proof enclosure (junction
box) shall be used where installed in the fire pump room.
The enclosure shall be listed to match the fire pump con-
troller enclosure type rating. [20:9.7(4)]
These requirements maintain the controller enclosure’s environmental
rating. Use of conduit hubs having the same environmental rating as the
controller enclosure minimizes the entry of water or other liquids into
the enclosure.

(5) Terminals, junction blocks, wire connectors, and splices,

where used, shall be listed. [20:9.7(5)]
(6) A fire pump controller or fire pump power transfer switch,
where provided, shall not be used as a junction box to
supply other equipment, including a pressure maintenance
(jockey) pump(s). EXHIBIT 695.6  Listed fire pump controller and power transfer switch.

(J)  Raceway Terminations.  Where raceways are terminated
at a fire pump controller, the following requirements shall be
met: [20:9.9]
(1) Listed conduit hubs shall be used. [20:9.9.1]
(2) The type rating of the conduit hub(s) shall be at least equal
to that of the fire pump controller. [20:9.9.2]
(3) The installation instructions of the manufacturer of the fire
pump controller shall be followed. [20:9.9.3]
(4) Alterations to the fire pump controller, other than conduit
entry as allowed elsewhere in this Code, shall be approved
by the authority having jurisdiction [20:9.9.4]
695.12  Equipment Location.
(A)  Controllers and Transfer Switches.  Electric motor-driven
fire pump controllers and power transfer switches shall be located
as close as practicable to, and within sight of, the motors that
they control.
(B)  Engine-Drive Controllers.  Engine-drive fire pump control-
lers shall be located as close as is practical to, and within sight
of, the engines that they control.
(C)  Storage Batteries.  Storage batteries for fire pump engine
drives shall be supported above the floor, secured against dis-

695.7  Voltage Drop.

(A) Starting. The voltage at the fire pump controller line ter-
minals shall not drop more than 15 percent below normal (con-
troller-rated voltage) under motor starting conditions.
Exception:  This limitation shall not apply for emergency run
mechanical starting. [20:9.4.2]
(B) Running. The voltage at the load terminals of the fire pump
controller shall not drop more than 5 percent below the voltage
rating of the motor connected to those terminals when the motor is
operating at 115 percent of the full-load current rating of the motor.
695.10  Listed Equipment.  Diesel engine fire pump controllers,
electric fire pump controllers, electric motors, fire pump power
transfer switches, foam pump controllers, and limited service
controllers shall be listed for fire pump service. [20:9.5.1.1,
10.1.2.1, 12.1.3.1]
Prior to being shipped to the installation site, listed fire pump controllers
are matched with the listed electric motor(s) they will control, to ensure
compatibility of the individually listed components. The fire pump con-
troller and transfer switch shown in Exhibit 695.6 is an example of listed
equipment.
F2C-E8840C0B7294
placement, and located where they are not subject to physical
damage, flooding with water, excessive temperature, or exces-
sive vibration.
(D)  Energized Equipment.  All energized equipment parts shall
be located at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the floor level.
(E)  Protection Against Pump Water.  Fire pump controller
and power transfer switches shall be located or protected so that
they are not damaged by water escaping from pumps or pump
connections.
(F) Mounting. All fire pump control equipment shall be
mounted in a substantial manner on noncombustible supporting
structures.
NFPA 20 specifies a suitable space for fire pump equipment. This space
must be free from hazards that could impair the operation of the fire
pump. Neither the NEC nor NFPA 20 mandates a dedicated room for the
fire pump.
Even though 695.12(A) requires fire pump controllers and transfer
switches to be “as close as practicable” to their associated fire pump
motor, the minimum working space required by 110.26 must be
maintained.
Fire pump controllers are housed in enclosures suitable to protect
the contents against limited amounts of falling water and dirt. In

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National Electrical Code Handbook   2017 953
695.14 Article 695  ●  Fire Pumps
addition, all energized parts in the enclosure must be mounted at least
12 inches above the floor. Typically, the floor space for this area is
equipped with a floor drain.
Section 695.12(F) does not permit fire pump control equipment to
be mounted on combustible backboards (such as plywood).
695.14  Control Wiring.
(A)  Control Circuit Failures.  External control circuits that
extend outside the fire pump room shall be arranged so that fail-
ure of any external circuit (open or short circuit) shall not prevent
the operation of a pump(s) from all other internal or external
means. Breakage, disconnecting, shorting of the wires, or loss
of power to these circuits could cause continuous running of the
fire pump but shall not prevent the controller(s) from starting
the fire pump(s) due to causes other than these external control
circuits. All control conductors within the fire pump room that
are not fault tolerant shall be protected against physical damage.
[20:10.5.2.6, 12.5.2.5]
(B) Sensor Functioning. No undervoltage, phase-loss,
frequency-sensitive, or other sensor(s) shall be installed that
automatically or manually prohibits actuation of the motor
contactor. [20:10.4.5.6]
Exception:  A phase-loss sensor(s) shall be permitted only as
a part of a listed fire pump controller.
(C)  Remote Device(s).  No remote device(s) shall be installed
that will prevent automatic operation of the transfer switch.
[20:10.8.1.3]
(D)  Engine-Drive Control Wiring   All wiring between the
E7D60B35-B2F4-4C4 AF2C-E8840C
controller and the diesel engine shall be stranded and sized to
continuously carry the charging or control currents as required
by the controller manufacturer. Such wiring shall be protected
against physical damage. Controller manufacturer’s specifica-
tions for distance and wire size shall be followed. [20:12.3.5.1]
(E)  Electric Fire Pump Control Wiring Methods.  All electric
motor–driven fire pump control wiring shall be in rigid metal
conduit, intermediate metal conduit, liquidtight flexible metal N 695.15  Surge Protection.  A listed surge protection device shall
conduit, electrical metallic tubing, liquidtight flexible nonmetal- be installed in or on the fire pump controller.
lic conduit, listed Type MC cable with an impervious covering,
or Type MI cable.
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954 2017   National Electrical Code Handbook
The wiring methods described in 695.14(E) apply only to the control wir-
ing for electric motor–driven fire pumps. These methods do not apply to
the control wiring for engine-driven fire pumps.
(F)  Generator Control Wiring Methods.  Control conductors
installed between the fire pump power transfer switch and the
standby generator supplying the fire pump during normal power
loss shall be kept entirely independent of all other wiring. The
integrity of the generator control wiring shall be continuously
monitored. Loss of integrity of the remote start circuit(s) shall
initiate visual and audible annunciation of generator malfunc-
tion at the generator local and remote annunciator(s) and start
the generator(s).
Informational Note:  See NFPA 20-2013, Standard for the Instal-
lation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, Section 3.3.7.2,
for more information on fault-tolerant external control circuits.
The control conductors shall be protected to resist potential
damage by fire or structural failure. They shall be permitted to be
routed through a building(s) using one of the following methods:
(1) Be encased in a minimum 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.
(2) Be protected by a fire-rated assembly listed to achieve a
minimum fire rating of 2 hours and dedicated to the fire
pump circuits.
(3) Be a listed electrical circuit protective system with a mini-
mum 2-hour fire rating. The installation shall comply with
any restrictions provided in the listing of the electrical
circuit protective system used.
Informational Note:  The listing organization provides informa-
tion for electrical circuit protective systems on proper installation
requirements to maintain the fire rating.
7
Having the power wiring protected against fire damage is only one reli-
ability consideration. In order for the generator to provide power, it has
to receive the necessary signal to start. It is also critical to protect the
control circuit wiring between the fire pump transfer switch/controller
and the on-site standby generator. Otherwise, the fire pump is subject
to failure.