Does Automist require battery backup?
All electrical supplies to the Automist pump and controller should be installed in accordance with the regulations and requirements specific to your local jurisdiction. It is a requirement to install Automist on a separate circuit to the protected room and its contents. The fire detection and alarm system may use this circuit, as all must remain powered in the event of a fire.
As per NFPA 750:
6.9 Pump Systems.
6.9.1 Pumps.
6.9.1.2 Installation Standard. Pumps for water mist systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 20 and this standard.
As per NFPA 20:
Chapter 9 Electric Drive for Pumps
9.1 General.
9.1.1 This chapter covers the minimum performance and testing requirements of the sources and transmission of electrical power to motors driving fire pumps.
9.2 Normal Power.*
9.2.1 An electric motor–driven fire pump shall be provided with a normal source of power as a continually available source.
9.2.2 The normal source of power required in 9.2.1 and its routing shall be arranged in accordance with one of the following:
a. Service connection dedicated to the fire pump installation
b. On-site power production facility connection dedicated to the fire pump installation
c. Dedicated feeder connection derived directly from the dedicated service to the fire pump installation
d. As a feeder connection where all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The protected facility is part of a multibuilding campus-style arrangement.
(b) A backup source of power is provided from a source independent of the normal source of power.
(c) It is impractical to supply the normal source of power through the arrangement in 9.2.2(1), 9.2.2(2), or 9.2.2(3).
(d) The arrangement is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
(e) The overcurrent protection device(s) in each disconnecting means is selectively co-ordinated with any other supply side overcurrent protection device(s).
9.3 Alternate Power.
9.3.1 Unless there is an installed power arrangement as described in 9.3.2, at least one alternative source of power shall be provided when either of the following conditions exist:
a. Where the normal source of power is not reliable.
b. Where the power is for a high-rise building.
9.3.2 An alternate source of power for the primary fire pump shall not be required where a backup engine-driven fire pump, backup steam turbine-driven fire pump, or backup electric motor-driven fire pump with independent power source meeting 9.2.2 is installed in accordance with this standard.9.3.3 Where provided, the alternate source of power shall be supplied from one of the following sources:
a. A generator installed in accordance with Section 9.6.
b. One of the sources identified in 9.2.2(1), 9.2.2(2), 9.2.2(3), or 9.2.2(5) where the power is provided independent of the normal source of power.
9.3.3.1 For fire pump installations using the arrangement in 9.2.2(1), 9.2.2(2), 9.2.2(3), or 9.2.2(5) for the alternate source of power, no more than one disconnecting means and associated overcurrent protection device shall be installed in the power supply to the fire pump controller in accordance with 9.2.3.1 through 9.2.3.4.1.
9.3.4 Where provided, the alternate supply shall be arranged so that the power to the fire pump is not disrupted when overhead lines are de-energized for fire department operations.
To enhance system robustness when the power supply is unreliable, a battery backup or remote monitoring option can be added. Each controller comes equipped with a default battery backup that provides up to 24 hours of power. In the event of an activation, this backup will power the sounder/horn and strobe. Additionally, the output can be configured to signal third-party equipment, indicating that AC power to the system has been lost. Each Automist pump takes approximately 11.4Amp at 240V A.C/60Hz (i.e. 2400 W) when pumping and will run for 30 minutes. Many suppliers offer a cost-effective UPS system, which can be used to power Automist in case of a power shortage.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to all of the aspects of the building/fire code but rather a useful source of background information. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the contents of this post are correct at the time of publication, it should never be used as any form of substitution for the full NFPA® codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides. It should be noted that there may be specific additional requirements dependent upon the Authority Having Jurisidiction (AHJ).
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