The diesel engine may be able to operate at 130 -140 deg (F) but your controller may not function at that temp. So, whichever part of the system has the lower failure temp, that is what will dictate the maximum allowable room temp. Could the controllers operate at more than 120(F), maybe, but do you want to roll the dice on that gamble?
AC is the only option if outside air temps exceed the maximum allowable room temp. but remember, it doesn't have to be to human comfort levels (72F) and you could use whatever method of cooling is available at the facility whether that be DX or CW or evaporative cooling. Sometimes a small mini-split system will work other times if the temps are extreme you'll have to provide a more robust system. Craig Prahl | Jacobs | Group Lead - Fire Protection | 864.676.5252 | [email protected] | www.jacobs.com<http://www.jacobs.com/> From: Sprinklerforum <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Sean.VanGaal Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 1:21 PM To: '[email protected]' <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Maximum temperature in Fire Pump rooms NFPA 20 lists 120F as the maximum temperature of the room for Diesel Fire Pumps. I am wondering where this number came from. Was it just a dart throw or was there testing behind it? I ask because the high temperature in Arizona is 122F. NFPA 20 states you have to properly ventilate the room with no clear guidance beyond this. Since fan only ventilation is impossible in our extreme situation than some sort of Air Conditioning would be required to maintain the 120F. I have dug around and found pump controllers are rated for 40C (104F) and 50C (122F). Electric motors carry similar temperature ratings as controllers. Diesel engines can have air intake as high as 130F per their manufacturer's datasheet (not per NFPA 20). So I am wondering if this is one of those scenarios where the line in the sand was drawn, and then all the manufacturers had their equipment tested/listed to comply with this line. Can these components actually operate without failure at higher temperatures such as 130F or 140F. Obviously you would want to properly de-rate pump performance accordingly. Have any of you dealt with similar issues? Were there any accepted solutions besides Air Conditioning? Thanks, Sean VG ________________________________________________________________________________________ NOTICE - This communication may contain confidential and privileged information that is for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any viewing, copying or distribution of, or reliance on this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.
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