NFPA 20:
2013 to 2016 Major Changes
PENTAIR FIRE PUMP TRAININGNFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 3 – Definitions
– Added definitions for churn, discharge pressure, net pressure, peak load, rated pressure, and suction pressure
– Added definition for multistage multiport pump
• Chapter 4 – General Requirements
– Added requirements for multistage multiport pumps:
• Defined bypass location • Defined discharge piping
• Each discharge port shall have its own individual sensing line to the controller. • Defined circulation relief valve installation
– Circulation Relief Valve – Added clarification for minimum setting of circulation relief valve for variable speed pressure limiting controller.
– Defined Hazard Group 1 for electric fire pump room in sprinklered buildings – Defined emergency lighting intensity and duration.
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 4 – General Requirements
– Defined pressure relief valve setting for variable speed pressure limiting control.
– Added requirement that circulation relief valve actuate below the set point of the pressure relief valve when piped back to suction.
– Added requirement for visual indicator and audible alarm at controller for high cooling water temperature signal for diesel driven pump.
– Added requirement that all pumps that are part of series fire pump unit be located in same fire pump room unless following conditions are met:
• Each pump shall be arranged so that all pumps operating in series can be manually stopped or started from all pump rooms housing the series fire pumps.
• The suction and discharge pressures from all pumps operating in series shall be displayed in all pump rooms housing the series fire pumps.
• The alarms and signals shall be annunciated in the other pump rooms for all pumps that are a part of the series fire pump unit
• The interconnect control wiring between the controllers in different pump rooms shall comply with 4.20.2.7 and 4.20.2.8.
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 4 – General Requirements
– No more than 2 variable speed pumps shall be allowed to operate in series as part of a series fire pump unit.
– Added requirement that retroactive installation of backflow prevention device shall not reduce the suction pressure below what the standard permits and shall not result in a discharge pressure that does not meet maximum system demand.
– Clarified wording for seismic loading requirements for pumps, drivers, controllers, and
appurtenances. Requires seismic protection of any appurtenances that are required for post earthquake operation of the fire pump.
– Removed language for break tank requirements and refers to NFPA 22.
• Chapter 5 – Fire Pumps for High Rise Buildings
– Change auxiliary power requirement to either reliable emergency power source or a diesel engine back up fire pump
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 6 – Centrifugal Pumps
– Added requirements for multistage multiport pumps so each discharge port shall meet same hydraulic requirements of a single discharge pump.
• Chapter 8 – Positive Displacement pumps
– Changed requirements for piping of relief valves back to suction or tank return line.
• Chapter 9 – Electric Drive for Pumps
– Added single phase motors NEMA Design N or L standards.
– Updated locked rotor current table and added tables for single phase and 380V at 50Hz.
– Added requirement that single phase motor shall only be used in across the line applications. – Added requirement that circuit breakers shall have supervision by remote monitoring.
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 10 – Electric Drive Controllers and Accessories
– For multistage multiport pumps requires dedicated pressure actuated switch or pressure sensor and a dedicated pressure recorder for each discharge port as part of controller.
– Added requirements for controller monitoring of electronic pressure sensor conditions. – Added requirement for controller automatic no flow testing as required by NFPA 25 – Defined conditions for automatic shutdown after automatic start.
• Chapter 11 – Diesel Engine Drive
– Means provided for signaling high cooling water temperature with a visible and audible alarm on the controller. Means provided on engine for testing the operation of the high cooling water temperature signal to the controller.
– Added requirement that charging voltages of chargers are coordinated to meet requirements of specific batteries installed.
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 11 – Diesel Engine Drive
– Vent outlet shall terminate at least 12 ft above ground level.
– Vent piping from interstitial space of double wall tanks shall not be manifolded with vent from primary compartment of tank.
– Tank overfill prevention shall be required
– Allows for check valve in fuel return line when required by engine manufacturer
– Requires that exhaust piping is supported independently of engines flexible exhaust connector. – Added requirements for active fuel maintenance system where provided.
• Chapter 12 – Engine Drive Controllers
– For multistage multiport pumps requires dedicated pressure actuated switch or pressure sensor and a dedicated pressure recorder for each discharge port as part of controller.
– Added requirements for controller monitoring of electronic pressure sensor conditions. – Added requirement for controller automatic no flow testing as required by NFPA 25 – Defined conditions for automatic shutdown after automatic start.
NFPA 20: 2013 to 2016 Major Changes
• Chapter 14 – Acceptance Testing, Performance, and Maintenance
– Added requirement that all instrumentation used for measurement be calibrated within +/-1% at a minimum of annually.
– Added requirement for certified shop test data for each discharge port of a multistage multiport pump.
– Allows for voltage and current readings from controller to be used in lieu of calibrated volt/amp meters if controllers are factory calibrated and adjusted to +/-3%
– Fixed outlet flow devices shall be inspected for damage but do not require calibration.
– Requirement that each discharge port of multistage multiport pump be tested to this standard. – Revised Annex material to include new acceptance test form which is revised to meet current
requirements including variable speed and multi pump operation.
• Annex C – Fire Pump Controller Connectivity
– Annex C added for informational purposes
– Considerations relative to access of fire pump controllers including access methods, security considerations, use of information, and standardization.
