Stage 3 — Electrical acceptance
Controller and transfer-switch acceptance. Performed in the field after controller is installed and energized.
3.1 Controller listing — NFPA 20 §10.1.2 / NBR 16704 §10.2
- Controller listed UL 218 (Standard for Fire Pump Controllers) or FM 1321
- Listing label visible on controller front
- Listing certificate in documentation package
- For NBR 16704: cross-recognition by INMETRO-recognized lab
3.2 Power source — NFPA 20 §9.2 / NBR 16704 §9.2
- Primary source: dedicated feeder from utility transformer
- Secondary source (if required): on-site generator OR second utility feed from independent substation
- Service disconnect labeled “FIRE PUMP — DO NOT OPERATE EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY” (Portuguese: “BOMBA DE INCÊNDIO — NÃO OPERAR EXCETO EM EMERGÊNCIA”)
3.3 Automatic transfer switch — NFPA 20 §10.8 / NBR 16704 §10.8
| Item | Verified |
|---|---|
| ATS listed UL 1008 | ☐ |
| Transfer time ≤ 6 s normal-to-emergency | ☐ |
| Transfer time ≤ 6 s emergency-to-normal | ☐ |
| Re-transfer delay 5-30 min adjustable | ☐ |
| Phase-loss detection on both sources | ☐ |
| Engine-start contact wired to diesel controller (where applicable) | ☐ |
3.4 Phase loss / phase reversal — NFPA 20 §10.4.4 / NBR 16704 §10.4
Functional test:
- Open one phase at controller input → controller does NOT lock out, alarms only
- Reverse phase rotation → controller locks out before motor starts
- Both fault states: visual + audible alarm at controller front
Per NFPA 20 §10.4.4, phase loss must alarm but not prevent the controller from running on remaining phases — this is deliberate: in a fire, single-phase running for limited time is preferable to no pump at all.
3.5 Pressure switch / setpoints — NFPA 20 §10.5.2 / NBR 16704 §10.5
Standard cascade for a 100 psi (6.9 bar) rated pump:
| Setpoint | Pressure | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stop | 110% × churn | Main pump stops (if manual stop allowed) |
| Start, main | 90% × system pressure | Main pump starts |
| Stop, jockey | 95% × system pressure | Jockey stops |
| Start, jockey | 85% × system pressure | Jockey starts |
| Low-pressure alarm | 75% × system pressure | Alarm only |
NFPA 20 §10.5.2.1 mandates manual stop for electric pumps (operator must press a stop button after at least 1 minute of running). The controller may NOT auto-stop on pressure recovery alone.
3.6 Emergency-run mechanism — NFPA 20 §10.5.3 / NBR 16704 §10.5
Mechanical override for control-circuit failure:
- Emergency-run handle present on controller front
- Handle physically locks contactor closed
- Operator instruction in Portuguese on controller front
- Functional test: operate handle → motor runs at full voltage
3.7 Diesel controller specifics — NFPA 20 §12 / NBR 16704 §12
Where pump driver is diesel:
- Two battery banks (NFPA 20 §11.5.2)
- Each battery bank: 1 h cranking capacity at 32 °F (0 °C) — measured
- Battery chargers operational on both banks
- Battery low-voltage alarm functional on both banks
- Engine cooling water flow at idle and full load measured
- Fuel tank quantity ≥ 8 h continuous full-load running (NFPA 20 §11.4.2)
- Fuel level alarm at 2/3 full and 1/2 full
- Fuel-supply pump (where used) tested independently
3.8 Sign-off
| Field | Entry |
|---|---|
| Electrical contractor | _________ |
| Field engineer | _________ |
| Controller serial number | _________ |
| Date of test | _________ |
| Items 3.1-3.7 verified | ☐ Yes ☐ No (list exceptions) |
| Authorization for AHJ acceptance scheduling | ☐ Yes ☐ No |
Next stage: Documentation package review.