Where to Find Fire Pumps and Emergency/Standby Systems in the Code
ARTICLE 695 Fire Pumps
This article provides requirements for installation of electric power sources and interconnecting circuits and switching and control equipment dedicated to fire pump drivers. The article does not cover the internal wiring in fire pumps. The requirements of Article 695 are independent of those in Article 700 unless otherwise mandated by the authority having jurisdiction.
ARTICLE 700 Emergency Systems
This article provides requirements for emergency systems that are essential for life safety and are legally required by state, federal, or municipal regulations in the event of a loss of normal power. Essential life safety systems supplied by emergency power include exit lighting and fire alarms. Article 700 covers such emergency systems, their capacity and rating, the transfer switches and power sources necessary to these systems, and their overcurrent protection.
I. General (700.1 through 700.8)
This part covers the testing and maintenance of emergency systems, which are defined as those intended to supply illumination or power when normal electrical supply is interrupted. Also covered are transfer switches and signage for these systems.
II. Circuit Wiring (700.9)
This part gives requirements for the wiring of emergency system circuits, including the location, installation, and identification of the cables for the use.
III. Sources of Power (700.12)
The requirements in this part mandate that in the event of a failure of normal power, an emergency system must be activated within 10 seconds.
IV. Emergency System Circuits for Lighting and Power (700.15 Though 700.18)
This part provides requirements for the loads on branch circuits specifically used for lighting means of egress and providing power in an emergency.
V. Control — Emergency Lighting Circuits (700.20 Though 700.23)
This part specifies where emergency lighting and lighting switches can be located, and who should service such systems.
VI. Overcurrent Protection (700.25 Though 700.27)
Ground-fault indication of circuits is mandated by this part for emergency systems, and disconnecting means must be available.
ARTICLE 701 Legally Required Standby Systems
This article contains requirements for standby systems that are legally required by federal, state, or municipal government regulations but are not classified as “emergency.” When normal power is lost, these systems must be able to supply backup power within 60 seconds. This article covers capacity and rating, transfer switches, and generators or other power sources that allow automatic supply of power in these instances.
I. General (701.1 through 701.9)
II. Circuit Wiring (701.10)
III. Sources of Power (701.11)
IV. Overcurrent Protection (701.15 Through 701.18)
ARTICLE 702 Optional Standby Systems
This article contains requirements for standby systems that are not legally required and where life safety does not depend on performance of the system, but failure of normal supply might cause physical discomfort or serious interruption of an industrial process, damage to the process equipment, or disruption of business. Covered are permanently installed and portable generators that can be connected to an optional standby system, and the capacity, rating, grounding, wiring, and signage necessary to these systems.
I. General (702.1 through 702.8)
II. Circuit Wiring (702.9)
III. Grounding (702.10)
IV. Sources of Power (701.11)
Additional Locations
Fire Pumps
Connection at services 230.72(A) Ex., 230.82(5), 230.94, Ex. 4
Grounding 250.112(L), 250.112(M)
Overcurrent protection of motors 430.31 FPN
Remote Control circuits 430.72(B) Ex 1
Service Equipment overcurrent protection 230.90(A)
Services 230.2(A)(1)
Emergency Systems
Health Care Facilities 517.26
Service Disconnecting Means 230.72(B)
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