A fire pump controller (also called a fire pump control panel) starts, runs and protects the fire pump. When a pressure drop shows that a sprinkler or hydrant is open, the controller starts the pump automatically. It can also be started by hand, and it records the events that matter for acceptance tests and weekly checks. Because the pump must run when everything else has failed, controllers are built to NFPA 20 and are listed for fire pump service (UL 218 / FM approved), which is different from an ordinary motor control panel.
Tekno Yangın supplies Tornatech fire pump controllers in Turkey and selects the model together with the pump, driver and project requirements.
Types of fire pump controllers
| Type | Used for | Tornatech range |
|---|---|---|
| Electric fire pump controller | Electric motors, 208–600 V, 5–500 HP | GPx series |
| Diesel fire pump controller | Diesel engine driven pumps | GPD model |
| Medium voltage controller | Very large electric motors, 2200–6900 V, 100–4500 HP | MPA model |
| Jockey (pressure maintenance) pump controller | Small auxiliary pump that holds system pressure | Jockey pump controllers |
For model details, see the Tornatech brand page.
Starting methods for electric controllers
The starting method depends on the motor, the supply and the allowed starting current:
- Across-the-line (direct on line)
- Wye-delta (star-delta), open or closed transition
- Part winding
- Autotransformer
- Soft start (solid state)
- Automatic transfer switch for generator or second utility supply
How to choose a fire pump controller
- Driver type: electric, diesel or medium voltage.
- Motor voltage and horsepower, taken from the pump selection.
- Starting method: set by the supply, the generator size and the local utility.
- Power supply arrangement: single supply, generator with transfer switch, or second utility.
- Enclosure: standard indoor (NEMA/UL Type 2) or a special type for wet, dusty or corrosive rooms.
- Approvals required by the project: UL, FM, CE, and the local authority.
- Monitoring: alarm contacts, remote monitoring and data logging.
You do not have to work this out alone. Send us the pump data (flow, pressure, driver) and we will propose the controller. If you need the pump too, see fire pumps, the Pumpsense fire pump selector and the 2500 gpm fire pump packages, which include controllers.
FAQ
What does a fire pump controller do?
It starts the fire pump automatically when system pressure drops, lets an operator start and stop it by hand, protects the circuit and records starts, alarms and test results. It is the link between the sensor, the driver and the pump.
Is a fire pump controller the same as a motor starter panel?
No. A fire pump controller is built to NFPA 20 and listed for fire pump service. It keeps the pump running in an emergency even under fault conditions, whereas an ordinary motor panel is designed to trip and protect the motor.
Do I need separate controllers for the main pump and the jockey pump?
Yes. The main fire pump and the jockey pump each have their own controller, because the jockey pump only makes up small pressure losses and is not part of the fire flow.
Can a fire pump controller be monitored remotely?
Yes. Tornatech controllers provide alarm outputs and communication options for remote monitoring, event logging and automatic weekly test records.
Which standards apply to fire pump controllers?
NFPA 20 for installation and performance, UL 218 and FM approval for the controller itself, and CE marking for the European market. Local fire regulations in Turkey refer to these standards.
Do you supply the controller with the pump?
Yes. We can supply the controller alone, or as part of a skid-mounted or containerized fire pump package with pumps, drivers and piping.
Contact us with your pump data and we will propose the right controller.