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#1
Start by
Mike Trumbature
01-17-2014 08:17 PM

FIRE PUMP CONTROLLER POTENTIAL VFD PROBLEMS

Here is an update from an older discussion with a little more technical support (links)
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9pew3stVxc1RWVQX3liM3Fhg
01-17-2014 10:42 PM
Top #2
Mike Trumbature
01-17-2014 10:42 PM
New installations should not have motor and shaft critical peed problems if everyone did their homework, leaving the wiring problems. Retrofit controller jobs (upgrade to VFD) on existing pumps and motors can have all of the above if not checked into.

The Lincoln fire pump motors have "encapsulated" windings, like a giant molded coil, and cannot get rid of the excess heat with an unfiltered drive.
http://www.leeson.com/Contact/LincolnAboutUs.html

Here is one that got hosed and the windings meg "fair" 50 M ohms
https://www.box.com/s/ed5b869e8ca3d5d21833
01-18-2014 01:40 AM
Top #3
James S. Nasby
01-18-2014 01:40 AM
As noted in another thread, VFD controller inlet conductor sizing must be no less than 1.414 times FLA unless line reactors are used. NFPA-20 requires a minimum of a 5% line reactor; but, some vendors are using "swinging chokes", like what used to be used in radio power supplies. As a result, the wiring requirements of the controller must be according to the requirements or recommendations of the VFD manufacturer and/or the fire pump controller manufacturer.
01-18-2014 03:53 AM
Top #4
Mike Trumbature
01-18-2014 03:53 AM
I based the 125% in the article on the line reactor that NFPA 20, 10.10.6.1 requires. That all presupposes that the incoming power is clean and not trashed out from other sources mentioned in earlier - other VFDs unfiltered power factor correction caps etc.

10.10.6.3 establishes requirements for longer motor feeder lengths than 100'
01-18-2014 06:23 AM
Top #5
Mike Trumbature
01-18-2014 06:23 AM
Since NFPA 20 requires the reactors it did not mention anything other than the the standard requirements for NEC 430, 125% minimum in A.9.4. The only thing NEC 695.7 addresses is the same thing NFPA 20 9.4 addresses about voltage starting dips.
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