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Fire Pump Controller Glossary

Fire Pump Controller Glossary (Eaton-Focused)

A

  • Across-the-Line Start (FD30): A motor starting method where full voltage is applied directly to the motor terminals, resulting in high starting torque and current.

  • Alarm LED: Light indicators on the controller panel that illuminate to signal specific alarm conditions, such as undervoltage, phase failure, or low suction pressure.

  • Auto Shutdown Enabled: A programmable feature that allows the controller to automatically stop the pump after certain conditions are met, enhancing safety and energy efficiency.

B

  • Buzzer: An audible alarm device mounted on the controller's logic board, activated during fault conditions like "Fail to Start" or "Phase Reversal."

C

  • Common Alarm Relay: A relay that consolidates multiple alarm conditions into a single output, facilitating remote monitoring and signaling.

  • Controller Types:

    • Electric Fire Pump Controller: Controls electric motor-driven fire pumps.

    • Diesel Engine Fire Pump Controller: Manages diesel engine-driven fire pumps.

    • Jockey Pump Controller: Maintains system pressure by controlling small auxiliary pumps.

    • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Controller: Automatically switches power sources to ensure continuous operation during power failures.

D

  • Deluge Valve: A valve controlled by the fire pump controller to release water in fire suppression systems, often triggered by fire detection systems.

  • Diesel Plus Controller: Eaton's advanced diesel engine fire pump controller featuring microprocessor-based control, real-time diagnostics, and compliance with global standards.

E

  • Embedded Web Page: A built-in web interface in some Eaton controllers (e.g., LMR Plus) that allows users to access diagnostics, history reports, and perform programming via a standard web browser.

  • Emergency Start: A manual or automatic initiation of the fire pump in response to emergency conditions, overriding normal start sequences.

F

  • Fail to Start: An alarm condition indicating the pump failed to start when commanded, possibly due to electrical or mechanical issues.

  • FPATS (Fire Pump Automatic Transfer Switch): A standalone device that ensures power continuity by switching between primary and backup power sources for fire pump operation.

H

  • High Room Temperature Alarm: An alert indicating the ambient temperature around the controller exceeds safe operating limits, potentially affecting performance.

I

  • Interlock On: A safety feature that prevents the pump from starting unless specific conditions are met, ensuring coordinated operation with other systems.

L

  • LMR Plus Controller: Eaton's microprocessor-based fire pump controller offering features like reduced voltage starting methods, programmable logic, and enhanced diagnostics.

  • Locked Rotor Trip: A protection mechanism that trips the controller if the motor rotor fails to turn, preventing damage due to excessive current draw.

M

  • Membrane Keypad: A sealed, touch-sensitive interface on the controller panel used for programming and manual control operations.

P

  • Phase Failure: A condition where one or more phases in a three-phase power supply are lost, triggering an alarm and preventing motor operation.

  • Phase Reversal: An alarm condition indicating the phase sequence is incorrect, which can cause motors to run in reverse, potentially damaging the pump.

  • Power On Indicator: An LED that illuminates when the controller is energized and ready for operation.

  • Programmable Inputs/Outputs: Configurable terminals on the controller that can be assigned specific functions to suit various application requirements.

R

  • Remote Start: The capability to initiate pump operation from a location separate from the controller, often used in integrated fire protection systems.

  • Run Period Timer (RPT): A timer that defines how long the pump should run after starting, ensuring adequate system pressure and preventing short cycling.

S

  • Sequential Start Timer (SST): A feature that staggers the starting of multiple pumps to prevent simultaneous inrush currents, protecting the electrical system.

  • Soft Start (FD90): A motor starting method that gradually increases voltage to the motor, reducing mechanical stress and electrical demand during startup.

  • Status LEDs: Indicators on the controller panel that display the current operational status of the system, such as "Pump Running" or "Local Start."

T

  • Test Mode: A function that allows simulation of operating conditions to verify system performance without activating the entire fire suppression system.

  • Transfer Switch: A device that automatically transfers power supply from the primary source to a backup source in case of power failure, ensuring continuous pump operation.

U

  • Undervoltage/Overvoltage Alarm: Alerts indicating that the supply voltage is outside acceptable limits, which can affect pump performance and safety.

  • USB Port: A connection interface on the controller allowing data transfer, firmware updates, and configuration uploads/downloads via USB devices.

W

  • Wye-Delta Start (FD70/FD80): A reduced voltage starting method where the motor initially starts in a wye (star) configuration and then switches to a delta configuration for normal operation, reducing starting current and torque.

This glossary aims to provide clarity on key terms associated with Eaton fire pump controllers. For more detailed information, please refer to Eaton's official manuals and product documentation.