- 2 -
PART I: GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The basic function of the Fire Pump Controller is to start the pump motor to maintain the water system pressure. This
may be accomplished in automatic controllers, Series M300, M400 and M420, by automatically starting the pump
motor upon drop in pressure in the water main or from a number of other demand signals. Manual controllers, Series
M100, M200 and M220 must be started manually while the automatic controller can be started automatically or
manually. All can be started by remote manual means, but cannot be stopped remotely. The automatic controller can
be set to stop automatically or require manual stop after an automatic start.
PART II: FUNCTIONS
A. Automatic Starting From:
1. Drop in water line pressure
2. Deluge Valve operation, Option D
3. Loss of remote alarm power, Option P
B. Alarm and Signals:
1. Remote indication of pump operation: One (1) set of normally open (N.O.) and normally closed
(N.C.) contacts located in the controller operate when the pump is running.
2. Loss of power to the controller: One (1) Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) contact located in the
controller operates for loss of power, loss of phase, or low voltage.
3. Phase reversal of power to controller: One (1) SPDT contact located in the controller operates for
phase reversal of the power to the controller.
4. Motor current exceeds 125% of normal : One (1) SPDT contact located in the controller operates
when the motor current exceeds 125% of normal.
5. Power On pilot light on controller: This light is on whenever both the isolation switch and circuit
breaker of the controller are closed indicating that power is available and the controller is set for
operation.
6. Phase reversal pilot light: This pilot light is on whenever there is a phase reversal of the power to
the controller.
7. Engine Lockout (Option E) : When an engine drive system is used as a backup a N.O. auxiliary
contact on the motor contactor is provided to prevent the engine from starting if the electric motor
is running.
8. Electric Motor Lockout (Option M) : The electric motor lockout is generally used in conjunction
with engine lockout above. If the engine is running due to a power outage, or other reasons, the
electric motor can be locked out until the engine is stopped.
C. Sequential Starting (Option S): This optional feature is provided for multiple fire pump installations. This
provision times the start of the pump motors by a preset time interval so that all motors do not come on at
once.
D. Principal Components of Controller:
1.
Isolation Switch
2.
Circuit Breaker
3.
Overcurrent Monitor
4.
Contactor
5.
Pressure Switch
The incoming line is connected directly to the isolation switch. From there the power is fed to the circuit
breaker and then to the contactor. Both the isolation switch and circuit breaker are normally closed. The
contactor is operated either manually or automatically to start the motor.