695.6(D) Fire Pump Wiring.
Code Change Summary: New requirements added which address fittings used between the fire pump controller and the fire pump.
The 2020 NEC® saw a new requirement in 695.6(J) for wiring methods terminating to a fire pump controller to have fittings listed and identified for use in wet locations.
In the 2023 NEC®, similar language was added to 695.6(D) for the fittings installed between the fire pump controller and the fire pump motor. Now, all fittings used between the controller and the pump motor shall be listed for use in wet locations.
Survivability and continuity of power is critical in fire pump installations. Making sure the fire pump and associated control equipment can endure through the harshest of potential conditions anticipated during a fire is most important.
Section 695.12 provides additional requirements to ensure survivability for the fire pump installation. These requirements include several preventative measures to keep the equipment as free as possible from water entering the wiring methods and enclosures associated with the fire pump and control equipment.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.
2020 Code Language:
695.6(D) Pump Wiring. All wiring from the controllers to the pump motors shall be in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit, listed Type MC cable with an impervious covering, or Type MI cable. Electrical connections at motor terminal boxes shall be made with a listed means of connection. Twist-on, insulation-piercing–type, and soldered wire connectors shall not be permitted to be used for this purpose.
2023 Code Language:
695.6(D) Pump Wiring.
(1) Wiring Methods. Wiring from the controller(s) to the pump motor shall be in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, liquidtight flexible metal conduit, or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit LFNC-B, listed Type MC cable with an impervious covering, or Type MI cable.
(2) Fittings. Fittings shall be listed for use in wet locations.
(3) Connections. Electrical connections at motor terminal boxes shall be made with a listed means of connection. Twist-on, insulation-piercing–type, and soldered wire connectors shall not be used for this purpose.