UL 218-BULLETINS:2002 pdf download Standards Technical Panel (STP) for Fire Pump Controllers, STP 218 Subscribers to UL’s Standards Service for Fire Pump Controllers Other Interested Parties
1. LIMITED SERVICE CONTROLLERS FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVEN FIRE PUMPS
RATIONALE
Upon evaluation of the September 5, 2001 revisions to UL 218 and the latest edition of NFPA 20, it wasdetermined that the revisions applied to all types of electric fire pump controllers, including limitedservice controllers. However, limited service controllers were specifically introduced to reduce the costof controllers for small fire pump systems (low horse power rating) while providing sufficient fireprotection. lntroducing any new, convenience related devices, such as current and voltage readingdevices on the exterior of the panel, or a pressure recorder, goes against this philosophy. Consideringthis and that limited service controllers may only be installed where aareed upon by the AuthorityHaving Jurisdiction, UL proposes revisions to limited service controllers to allow exception to thoserequirements. This proposal is also in agreement with a NFPA 20 proposal to allow exception to thoserequirements for limited service controllers.
IMPACT
f the proposal is adopted, no review of currently Listed fire pump controllers would be required as thechanges are optional in nature. Therefore, UL proposes that these revisions become efective uponthe date of publication.
PROPOSAL
34.1 Limited service controllers shall comply with the requirements specified in Sections 1 – 32
Exception No. 1: One method to achieve the motor overcurrent protection specified in 19.3 (b) and 20.1is to use an inverse time nonadjustable circuit breaker evaluated in accordance with the Standard forMolded-Case Circuit Breakers and Circuit Breaker Enclosures, UL 489. having a standard rating between150 percent and 250 percent of the motor full-load current.
Exception No. 2: The manually operated isolating switch specified in Section 18, solating Switches, is notrequired.
Exception No. 3: The means to read all line currents and all line voltaes on the exterior of the controlleras specified in 13. 1. is not required.
Exception No. 4: The pressure recording device specified in 24.2.1.1 is not required.
34.1 revised (date of publication)
RATIONALE
Based upon UL 218 revisions dated September 5, 2001, it was determined that the revisions applied toall types of electric fire pump controllers. As it is not intended to require current and voltage readingdevices on the exterior of the panel or pressure recorder for residential fire pump controllers, ULproposes revisions to allow exception to those requirements.
As the ratings and intended installations of residential fire pump controllers are considered to be morerestricted (less severe) than limited service controllers, UL is proposing to extend the exceptions givenfor limited service controllers to residential fire pump controllers.
IMPACT
if the proposals are adopted, no review of currently Listed fire pump controllers would be required asthe changes are optional in nature. Therefore, UL proposes that these revisions become effective uponthe date of publication.
PROPOSAL
36.2 A residential fire pump controller shall consist of an automatic and non-automatic across-the-linecontroller intending for starting, stopping and protecting squirrel-cage motors rated 240 V ac or lessResidential fire pump controllers are intended to be used in one or two family dwelling units. Thesecontrollers shall be rated for connection to a single phase alternating current source of supply.