A fire pump controller is the listed control panel that starts, runs, and monitors a fire pump. It senses a drop in fire protection system pressure, starts the pump's electric motor or diesel engine automatically, and signals alarms for faults such as power loss or failure to start. Controllers are installed under NFPA 20 and listed to UL 218.
Unlike an ordinary motor starter, a fire pump controller is designed around one priority: keeping the pump available when the sprinkler or standpipe system calls for water. This guide explains what a fire pump controller does, how it works, the main types, and how to choose one.
What Does a Fire Pump Controller Do?
A fire pump controller does three jobs. It watches system pressure, starts and runs the pump when pressure drops, and reports the condition of the pump and its power supply to the people responsible for the system.
- Pressure sensing: it monitors fire protection system pressure through a sensing line and compares it with programmed start and stop points.
- Starting and running the pump: it starts the driver automatically on a pressure drop, and it also allows manual starting at the controller.
- Alarms and supervision: it signals conditions such as power or phase failure, phase reversal, pump running, and failure to start, locally and to the building's fire alarm system.
- Testing: it supports routine pump tests. Eaton's EPCT Fire full-service electric controllers, for example, include a weekly test timer and a drain valve solenoid for manual or automatic motor tests.
The design priority is what separates a fire pump controller from industrial motor control. A standard starter shuts a motor down to protect it. A fire pump controller is built to keep the pump available. On Eaton's EPCT Fire controllers, motor overload is a programmable alarm point rather than a trip, and the circuit breaker provides locked-rotor protection.
How Does a Fire Pump Controller Work?
A fire pump controller works by comparing system pressure with a programmed start point. When a sprinkler opens, a hose valve is used, or pressure otherwise falls below that point, the controller starts the pump automatically. Here's the typical sequence on an electric controller:
- Standby. The pressure sensor reports system pressure continuously. Eaton's EPCT Fire uses a solid-state 4–20 mA pressure transducer, with start and stop points adjustable in 1 psi steps.
- Pressure drop. Pressure falls below the start setting.
- Start. The controller energizes the motor contactor or contactors using its starting method, such as across-the-line or a reduced-voltage method. A diesel controller cranks the engine instead.
- Run and supervise. The pump runs while the controller displays pressure, voltage, and current and signals pump-running and any alarm conditions.
- Stop. The pump is stopped manually, or automatically after a minimum run time where that's permitted. Eaton controllers include a minimum run timer and an automatic shutdown setting that can be enabled when the authority having jurisdiction allows it.
Electric controllers also provide a mechanical backup. On Eaton's EPCT Fire controllers, an emergency start handle closes the motor contactors mechanically, independent of the electrical control circuits.
Setpoints, shutdown settings, and testing schedules are site-specific. They're set at commissioning under NFPA 20, the manufacturer's instructions, and the authority having jurisdiction. Leave changes to qualified personnel.
What Are the Main Types of Fire Pump Controllers?
Fire pump controllers are grouped by the driver they control and the service they're listed for. UL lists most types under its "Pump Controllers, Fire" category (QYZS). High-voltage and residential controllers have their own categories.
| Type | Used for | UL category | Eaton examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service electric | Electric-driven centrifugal fire pumps; the most common type | QYZS | FD30–FD90, FT30–FT90 |
| Limited-service electric | Across-the-line squirrel-cage motors, 30 HP or less, 600 V or less | QYZS | FD20, FT20 |
| High (medium) voltage | Squirrel-cage motors rated 2.2–7.2 kV | QZGR | FDM30 (up to 6.9 kV) |
| Diesel engine | Engine-driven fire pumps | QYZS | FD140 (DPCT Fire), FD120 |
| Residential | Single-phase motors, 250 V or less | QZKE | FDR |
| Additive (foam) | Additive pump motors, formerly called foam-concentrate pump controllers | QYZS | FDF20, FTF20 |
Source: UL Code Authorities, Understanding Fire Pump Controller Applications
What Is the Difference Between Electric and Diesel Fire Pump Controllers?
The difference comes down to the driver. An electric controller switches power to a motor. A diesel controller starts and supervises an engine that runs on its own fuel and battery power, independent of the building's electrical supply.
Electric controllers connect the motor to its power source through a starting method. Across-the-line starting applies full voltage at once. Part winding, autotransformer, wye-delta, and soft start reduce the inrush current drawn from the utility or generator. Electric controllers monitor voltage, phase, and motor current.
Diesel controllers crank the engine from two separate battery sets, charge and monitor those batteries, and supervise engine alarms such as low oil pressure, high coolant temperature, overspeed, and failure to start. Eaton's DPCT Fire diesel controllers are designed for 12-volt or 24-volt fire pump engines. Shop FD140 diesel engine fire pump controllers.
Because the batteries are the engine's only means of starting, the charger is a critical component. If you're replacing one, review the Eaton 4A55505H01 fire pump controller battery charger and confirm the fit for your controller before ordering.
What Is the Difference Between Full-Service and Limited-Service Controllers?
Full-service controllers are the standard choice for electric fire pumps. They serve squirrel-cage or wound-rotor motors rated 600 V or less and are available with full-voltage or reduced-voltage starting. Eaton's full-service lineup runs from the FD30 across-the-line controller through the FD90 soft start.
Limited-service controllers are narrower. UL restricts them to across-the-line starting of squirrel-cage motors rated 30 HP or less and 600 V or less. UL also notes that NFPA 13 limits where and how they may be used, so check with the authority having jurisdiction before you specify one. Eaton's limited-service models are the FD20 and FT20.
Do You Need a Fire Pump Controller With a Transfer Switch?
You need one when the fire pump has an alternate power source, such as an on-site generator or a second utility feed, that the pump must switch to if normal power fails. In that case, the controller is paired with a fire-pump-rated automatic transfer switch.
- Integrated: Eaton's FT series combines the fire pump controller and transfer switch. On EPCT Fire models, a single touchscreen runs both.
- Stand-alone: a separate fire-pump-rated transfer switch, such as Eaton's FPATS, feeds a controller that doesn't have one built in.
Eaton's EPCT Fire controllers are listed to UL 218 for the controller and UL 1008 for the transfer switch. Compare options in our collection of fire pump automatic transfer switches.
Why Does a Fire Pump Controller Need a UL 218 Listing?
UL 218 is the safety standard for fire pump controllers, and NFPA 20 calls for controllers listed for fire pump service. UL evaluates standard fire pump controllers to UL 218 together with UL 508 for industrial control equipment. High-voltage controllers are also evaluated to UL 347. A general-purpose motor starter isn't a substitute, even if it's rated for the same motor.
Is a Jockey Pump Controller a Fire Pump Controller?
No. A jockey pump is a small pump that keeps system pressure up against minor leakage, so the main fire pump doesn't start for small pressure losses. Its controller is a separate unit with its own start and stop settings. Eaton's jockey pump lineup includes the XTJP, the XTJY wye-delta, and the XTJL Jockey Lite. Browse Eaton XTJP jockey pump controllers.
How Do You Choose a Fire Pump Controller?
Controller selection is part of the fire pump system design. The project's engineer of record makes it under NFPA 20 and with the authority having jurisdiction. Expect the specification to settle these points:
- Driver: electric motor or diesel engine.
- Motor or engine rating: horsepower and voltage for electric pumps; engine and battery voltage for diesel.
- Service type: full-service, limited-service, medium-voltage, or residential.
- Starting method: across-the-line or a reduced-voltage method, based on the power supply and the motor's design.
- Power sources: whether an alternate source calls for an integrated or stand-alone transfer switch.
- Enclosure: Eaton's EPCT Fire controllers ship in a Type 2 drip-proof enclosure as standard, with Type 3, 3R, 4, 4X, and 12 options.
This guide doesn't cover installation or wiring. Follow Eaton's documentation and use qualified professionals for that work.
Fire Pump Controller FAQs
What is a fire pump controller?
A fire pump controller is a listed control panel that starts, runs, and monitors a fire pump. It senses a drop in fire protection system pressure, starts the electric motor or diesel engine automatically, and signals alarms for problems such as power failure, phase reversal, or failure to start. Fire pump controllers are installed under NFPA 20 and listed to UL 218.
How does a fire pump controller know when to start?
The controller monitors system pressure through a pressure sensor connected to the fire protection piping. When pressure falls below the programmed start point, for example because a sprinkler opens, the controller starts the pump automatically. Start and stop points are set at commissioning. On Eaton's EPCT Fire, they're adjustable in 1 psi increments.
What are the main types of fire pump controllers?
The main types are full-service electric, limited-service electric, high-voltage electric, diesel engine, residential, and additive (foam) controllers. Electric controllers are further divided by starting method, and many are available with an integrated automatic transfer switch. In Eaton's lineup, FD models have no transfer switch and FT models include one.
What is a limited-service fire pump controller?
A limited-service controller is a simpler electric fire pump controller for small motors. UL restricts it to across-the-line starting of squirrel-cage motors rated 30 HP or less and 600 V or less. NFPA 13 limits where it can be used, so the authority having jurisdiction should be consulted first. Eaton's limited-service models are the FD20 and FT20.
Can a regular motor starter be used for a fire pump?
No. Fire pumps require a controller listed for fire pump service under UL 218. A fire pump controller is built to keep the pump available, with alarms, supervision, and emergency starting that general-purpose starters don't provide. On Eaton's EPCT Fire, for example, overload is an alarm point rather than a trip.
What is the difference between a fire pump controller and a jockey pump controller?
A fire pump controller runs the main fire pump, which delivers water when the system calls for it. A jockey pump controller runs a small pressure-maintenance pump that makes up for minor leakage, so the main pump doesn't start unnecessarily. They're separate controllers with separate settings. Eaton's jockey controllers include the XTJP, XTJY, and XTJL.
Shop Eaton Fire Pump Controllers
Browse our Eaton fire pump controllers, including electric controllers with and without transfer switches, medium-voltage and diesel models, and jockey pump controllers, with ready-to-ship stock on many items.
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