FBFS online catalogue
Configurations and technical references for the line.
View catalogueElectric System — FB Bombas Fire Fighting System — NFPA 20 · ABNT NBR 16704 — Manufacturer since 1944
100%Brazilian company
FBFS Electric System
Electric main pump, jockey pump and automatic controls.
The arrangement in detail.
Review the drive and the points to define in the project.
Reference photograph of the drive assembly. Accessories and the supplied layout are defined by the project.
Fire pump system with an electric motor-driven main centrifugal pump, a jockey pump for pressure maintenance and automatic controls. Pump, motor, controller and interfaces are defined from the hydraulic demand and power supply specified by the project.
For projects specifying an electric main pump. Available power and its requirements need to be assessed with the fire protection design.
Useful if available
- Voltage, frequency and available electrical power
- Main and alternative power supply requirements
- Pump room conditions and controller interfaces
Final selection depends on the fire protection project and installation requirements. A configuration alone does not determine flow, pressure or installation approval.
Series rating Fire Fighting Systems: 4.9/5 · 52 customer ratings
Source and scope
Consolidated figures supplied by FB Bombas from its customer ratings spreadsheet. The score and count refer to the series; they are not independent counts for each model or configuration.
Composition, item by item.
What makes up the Electric System and what each item must meet. Each card shows its source: the FBCN manual, São Paulo IT 22 or NFPA 20, where the contract adopts it.
FBCN main pump
FBCN series centrifugal pump, selected from its curve for the project flow and pressure. Per the series manual, the spiral casing is cast in one piece, the impeller is a single-suction radial design, construction is back-pull-out and sealing is by packing or mechanical seal.
Source: FBCN manual MTEC-03/00, p.1 and p.7Electric motor
Drives the main pump and is checked against its nameplate: manufacturer, type, model, serial number, power in CV, speed, voltage, current and frequency (IT 22, C.2.16). Where the contract adopts NFPA 20, the motor complies with NEMA MG-1, is marked as NEMA Design B when three-phase and is specifically listed for fire pump service (9.5.1.1).
Source: IT 22 SP · NFPA 20, ch. 9Power supply
In São Paulo, IT 22 requires a supply independent of general consumption and the switch marked “ALIMENTAÇÃO DA BOMBA DE INCÊNDIO – NÃO DESLIGUE” (fire pump supply – do not switch off) (C.2.7 and C.2.11). Where the contract adopts NFPA 20,an alternate source is required when the normal source is not reliable or when the power is for a high-rise building, and it is not required when a backup diesel engine, steam turbine or electric pump with an independent source is installed (9.3.1 and 9.3.2).
Source: IT 22 SP · NFPA 20, 9.3Jockey pump
Keeps the network pressurised within preset limits while there is no flow and makes up small losses, without replacing the main pump. In São Paulo, networks with more than six outlets use a jockey of no more than 20 L/min, unless there is an elevated tank, and its maximum pressure is the main pump shutoff (IT 22, C.1.15 and C.1.15.1). Where the contract adopts NFPA 20,the jockey pump need not be listed but must be approved, and its controller is listed, though not for fire pump service (4.27.2 and 4.27.8).
Source: IT 22 SP · NFPA 20, 4.27Electric pump controller
Selected by motor power in CV, with magnetic starting and acceleration of no more than 10 seconds, it is installed as close as possible to the motor, protected against splashes and dust. It is supplied with dimensional drawings, layout, wiring diagram, terminal strip, internal diagram and bill of materials (IT 22, C.2.17 and C.2.18).
Source: IT 22 SP, C.2.17–C.2.18Pressure switches and sensing line
On the automation manifold, pressure switches start and stop the jockey pump and only start the main pump, wired to the controllers and starters of each pump (IT 22, C.1.15.2). Where the contract adopts NFPA 20,each controller has its own sensing line, between the check valve and the discharge isolation valve of its pump, in brass, rigid copper type K, L or M or series 300 stainless steel, with 1/2″ (15 mm) fittings (4.32.1 to 4.32.3).
Source: IT 22 SP · NFPA 20, 4.32Gauges and valves
A pressure gauge on the discharge and, with suction lift, a compound gauge on the suction (IT 22, C.1.17); the FBCN manual provides 1/4″ NPT tappings for both (p.12). Where the contract adopts NFPA 20, each pump has a circulation relief valve ahead of the check valve, 3/4″ up to 2,500 gpm and 1″ from 3,000 to 5,000 gpm, not required on a diesel pump whose engine cooling water comes from its own discharge (4.13 and 4.13.1.2).
Source: IT 22 SP · FBCN manual, p.12 · NFPA 20, 4.13Baseplate and coupling
The FBCN pump set includes the driver, coupling, coupling guard and baseplate (manual MTEC-03/00, p.8). The main pump is coupled directly by a flexible sleeve coupling, without belts or chains (IT 22, C.1.5), and alignment follows the coupling and pump manufacturers and, where the contract adopts NFPA 20, ANSI/HI 1.4 (6.5.2). Check the alignment on site, after transport and anchoring.
Source: FBCN manual, p.8 · IT 22 SP, C.1.5 · NFPA 20, 6.5
IT 22 applies in São Paulo; other Brazilian states have their own rules. Engine and controller manufacturers, final composition and supply scope are defined in the technical proposal.
The three configurations side by side
FBFS| Component | Electric | Diesel | Electric + diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBCN main pump | Included | Included | 2 pumps |
| Electric motor | Included | Not applicable | Included |
| Power supply | Included | Not applicable | Included |
| Diesel engine | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Jockey pump | Included | Included | Included |
| Electric pump controller | Included | Not applicable | Included |
| Diesel engine controller | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Pressure switches and sensing line | Included | Included | Included |
| Gauges and valves | Included | Included | Included |
| Starting batteries | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Fuel tank | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Cooling and air | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Exhaust | Not applicable | Included | Included |
| Baseplate and coupling | Included | Included | Included |
From pressure drop to manual stop.
How the jockey and main pumps come into operation: the settings proposed in the NFPA 20 annex and the São Paulo IT 22 sequence.
Pressure switch settings
NFPA 20 annexAnnex example: 1,000 gpm, 100 psi pump with a 115 psi churn pressure and a city supply with 50 psi minimum and 60 psi maximum static pressure (1 psi = 0.0689 bar).
- 175 psi · 12.1 barFire pump maximum churnChurn plus maximum static pressure (115 + 60 psi).
- 165 psi · 11.4 barJockey pump stopMain pump churn plus minimum static pressure (115 + 50 psi).
- 155 psi · 10.7 barJockey pump startAt least 10 psi (0.69 bar) below the jockey stop point.
- 150 psi · 10.3 barMain pump start5 psi (0.34 bar) below the jockey start point.
- Main pump stopManual only, at the pump house panel, where the rule requires it, as IT 22 does (C.1.6).
Final settings come from the pressures read on the test gauges. In São Paulo, IT 22 recommends a differential of approximately 10 m of water (100 kPa) between sequential starts (C.1.15.1).
Operating sequence
IT 22 SP, annex CSmall loss
The manifold pressure switches start and stop the jockey pump automatically (C.1.15.2).
Fire demand
Opening any hydrant point starts automatic operation, and the pressure switch only starts the main pump (C.1.8 and C.1.15.2).
Full speed
The pump reaches full speed in about 30 seconds; with an electric motor, acceleration takes up to 10 seconds (C.1.9 and C.2.18).
Stopping
Manual only, at its own panel in the pump house, with at least one manual start point in a safe, accessible location (C.1.6 and C.1.7).
FBCN main pump and the curve envelope.
Construction data for the centrifugal pump fitted to the FBFS, from the series manual, and the curve limits the project checks when it adopts NFPA 20.
FBCN series per the manual
MTEC-03/00, p.1, p.5, p.7 and p.12- Series range
- DN25 to DN300
- Series flow
- up to 2,200 m³/h
- Series head
- up to 135 m
- Construction
- back-pull-out
- Impeller
- radial, single suction
- Casing
- spiral, cast in one piece
- Sealing
- packing or mechanical seal
- Cast iron flanges
- ANSI B16.1 · 125 or 250 lb FF
- Gauge tappings
- 1/4″ NPT
Series limits, which do not apply at the same time: the fire duty point comes from the curve selected for the project. In São Paulo, IT 22 does not recommend pumps above 100 m of water column (1 MPa) (C.1.13 and C.1.14).
Fire pump curve envelope
NFPA 20, 6.2.1 and 6.2.2Where the contract adopts NFPA 20, the centrifugal pump delivers at least 65% of rated pressure at 150% of rated flow, and shutoff is no more than 140% of rated pressure (6.2.1 and 6.2.2). For the field acceptance test, the annex lists shutoff, rated flow and 150% of rated flow as the important points (A.14.2.6.3). The chart shows limits, not the curve of a model.
Documentation for a clear specification.
Consult the online catalogue and state the project standards. Supplied assembly documents should match the agreed configuration.
FBCN series manual
Centrifugal pump documentation. Also consult the motor and controller manuals for the supplied assembly.
View manualDeliverables defined per project
The list for each supply is agreed in the proposal. Purchasing the assembly does not automatically approve the installation.
- Data sheet
- Q×H curve
- Dimensional drawing
- FAT plan
- Bench test certificate
Project references
NFPA 20 and ABNT NBR 16704 address pumping assemblies. Sprinklers and hydrants have their own references, depending on the specified system. A design standard is not a product certificate.
- NFPA 20
- NFPA standard for the selection and installation of stationary pumps supplying liquid for private fire protection. Its scope covers liquid supplies; suction, discharge and auxiliary equipment; power supplies; electric, diesel engine and steam turbine drive and control; and acceptance tests and operation. It does not cover system liquid supply capacity and pressure requirements, the installation wiring of fire pump units, or periodic inspection, testing and maintenance, which NFPA 25 covers.
- ABNT NBR 16704
- ABNT standard establishing the minimum requirements for selecting and installing stationary pump sets for automatic fire protection systems. Its subject is close to that of NFPA 20, but it is a different document from a different body, and no equivalence between the two is claimed; which one applies depends on what permitting and the contract cite.
- ABNT NBR 10897
- Automatic sprinkler systems.
- ABNT NBR 13714
- Hydrant and hose reel systems.
From specification to supply.
A well-prepared enquiry helps assess the assembly, installation conditions and documentation required by your project.
Gather the requirements
Provide flow, pressure, suction conditions, building type, planned drive and required project standards.
Define the assembly
Engineering reviews the pump, driver, controls and interfaces. Layout, power supply and installation conditions inform the proposal.
Review the documents
Agree on the assembly drawing, performance curve, test reports and manuals within the supply scope.
Assemble and test
The package is assembled on its base according to the scope. The pump undergoes a bench performance test per ANSI/HI 14.6 and a hydrostatic test; a certified curve and FAT are supplied when the order requires them.
Questions about fire pump systems.
Answers to help compare configurations and prepare your technical enquiry.
What is the FB Bombas Electric System?
Fire pump system with an electric motor-driven main centrifugal pump, a jockey pump for pressure maintenance and automatic controls. Pump, motor, controller and interfaces are defined from the hydraulic demand and power supply specified by the project.
How can I request a quote for the Electric System?
Provide the configuration of interest, required flow and pressure, suction conditions, available drive and installation location. Include the specification, layout and required standards if available. You can start the enquiry with the information you have and complete it with the team.
What does the jockey pump do?
The jockey pump maintains network pressure and compensates for small losses. It avoids unnecessary main pump starts but does not replace the pump responsible for fire fighting demand. Selection needs to account for installation conditions.
How are system flow and pressure determined?
Use the fire protection project demand, considering the served system, pipe network, suction conditions and pump duty point. An electric or diesel configuration does not have one fixed flow or pressure. Send these requirements to engineering for assembly selection.
Are NFPA 20 and NBR 16704 product certificates?
No. They are standards for fire pumping assemblies. NFPA 20 addresses stationary pump selection and installation; ABNT NBR 16704 addresses pump assemblies for fire protection. The project should specify applicable requirements. Supply test reports and installation approval are separate documents.
Which documents should be checked before supply?
Agree on the assembly drawing, performance curve, test reports and pump, driver and controller manuals in the proposal; FB defines deliverables per project, such as the data sheet, Q×H curve, dimensional drawing, FAT plan and bench test certificate. On the curve, check the envelope: at least 65% of rated pressure at 150% of rated flow and a shutoff of no more than 140% of rated pressure (Hydraulic Institute). For the field acceptance test, the NFPA 20 annex lists shutoff, rated flow and 150% of rated flow as the important test points, with speed and suction and discharge pressures recorded at each point (A.14.2.6.3). State the project, responsible engineer and local authority requirements before supply. Purchasing the assembly does not automatically approve the installation.
How should an existing system replacement be assessed?
Send the current assembly identification and documents, required duty point, connections, available space and power supply conditions. Engineering assesses the new supply against the project and existing interfaces.
Let’s review your project.
Send the information you already have. Your selected configuration stays with the enquiry so our team can follow up in context.
Useful if available
- Required flow and pressure
- Project specification or design report
- Available drives and power supply
- Layout and suction conditions
Compare the other drive options.
Review the other configurations before specifying the system.
Diesel System
Diesel main pump, jockey pump and dedicated controller.
A diesel engine drives the main pump without relying on an electric motor. Fuel, starting, ventilation and exhaust are part of the assembly specification.
Electric + Diesel System (Redundant)
Electric pump, diesel pump and jockey pump in one project.
Combines electric and diesel drives where this arrangement is specified. Each pump’s duty, controls and supply are defined by the project.
Photographs of FB Bombas equipment. The final scope is defined in the technical proposal.
Continue with the information you need.
Explore applications, installation or supply while keeping your fire protection project in context.