Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: March 2025
Electrical safety is a critical responsibility for everyone involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems. NFPA offers knowledge and training resources on three essential codes and standards—known as the Electrical Cycle of Safety™ (ECoS™)—to help ensure a safe, reliable, and effective approach to achieving comprehensive electrical safety.
When used collectively, these codes complete the Electrical Cycle of Safety. Where just one is missing, it could result in preventable incidents that put people, property, and critical processes at risk.
Let's see them one by one:
Install with NFPA 70 (NEC).
NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®): The benchmark for electrical design and installation for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The NEC is updated every three years—staying in sync with industry practices, emerging trends, and the development and introduction of new technologies—and sets the foundation for safe electrical design and installation to help protect people and property from electrical hazards.
Maintain with NFPA 70B
NFPA 70B, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance: Details preventive maintenance for electrical, electronic, and communications systems and equipment. NFPA 70B helps prevent electrical failures and contributes to electrical safety with guidance on establishing a condition of maintenance for electrical equipment and systems, which is required by NFPA 70E. When businesses apply the requirements in NFPA 70B—in conjunction with those in the NEC and NFPA 70E—they can help avoid preventable downtime of key electrical equipment, systems, and core processes, all while helping to ensure employees stay safe.
Protect with NFPA 70E
NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®: Provides safe work practices to help protect employees by reducing exposure to electrical risks. NFPA 70E is a key asset in helping to prevent injuries and assisting in safeguarding employees by working to mitigate hazards like shock, arc flash, and electrical fires. NFPA 70B and NFPA 70E are particularly interconnected through the "condition of maintenance" requirement in both, since electrical equipment that isn’t well maintained poses safety risks to employees and, in some cases, even the public.
Ensuring electrical safety is a fundamental responsibility that must be prioritized at every stage of an electrical system’s lifecycle, from initial design and installation to ongoing maintenance and operational procedures. The Electrical Cycle of Safety™ (ECoS™), which incorporates NFPA 70, NFPA 70B, and NFPA 70E, provides a comprehensive framework to safeguard both people and property from electrical hazards, as we mentioned above. These standards work together to establish a robust system of electrical safety, where each code plays a vital role in achieving a safe and reliable electrical environment.
By applying these standards collectively, organizations can create a safe work environment, ensuring that electrical systems are not only functioning properly but are also well-maintained and free from hazards that could harm employees, disrupt operations, or cause significant property damage. It highlights the importance of ongoing attention to electrical systems to prevent safety incidents. Ultimately, the commitment to following these codes leads to a more resilient, efficient, and secure workplace, safeguarding employees, critical processes, and infrastructure from preventable electrical risks.
Did you know Ruhrpumpen is a proud NFPA member?
As per NFPA-20, each pump is tested at our manufacturing facilities to provide detailed performance data and to demonstrate its compliance with the required specifications.
Download the Fire Systems Brochure to find more details of our pumps and systems.
FireWatch: World Updates, March 2025
Recently, Monterrey, Mexico, has been grappling with a series of devastating fires. Over 200 fires were reported across the metropolitan area, primarily due to strong winds and a cold front. The fires have affected various municipalities, including Monterrey, García, and Santa Catarina.
The fires began in vacant lots and quickly spread to nearby areas, causing significant damage. In Monterrey, a forest fire on Cerro del Topo Chico mountain affected three hectares and was 50% contained. In Santa Catarina, flames damaged 23 hectares along the García highway, starting in a vacant lot and spreading to a car lot and an auto parts store. García saw 20 hectares consumed by fire, which also originated in a vacant lot and spread to several companies’ buildings.
Authorities, including the National Guard, the Phoenix Brigade, and the Civil Protection, have been working tirelessly to extinguish the fires. Despite the extensive damage, there have been no reports of injuries. However, the fires have worsened air quality, prompting the Environment Ministry to expand the state’s environmental contingency alert.
The situation remains critical, with firefighters continuing their efforts to control the remaining active fires. Residents have been advised to avoid outdoor activities until conditions improve. So far, 10 people have been arrested as suspects in some incidents. While authorities have not elaborated on what role these suspects might have played in the fires, the state of Nuevo León does have a law requiring vacant lots to be cleared by certain legal deadlines.
Noncompliant landowners can find their lots cleared by the city and face a fine. As a result, it´s a commonly known practice across México for landowners to cheaply comply with such laws by setting their lots on fire. One of the three yearly deadlines for the state of Nuevo León to clear vacant lots is in March.
Monterrey is the capital city of Nuevo León, one of México´s wealthiest and most industrialized states. It is a central business hub, home to some of the largest companies in México and has a high concentration of manufacturing and industrial activities with a significant contributions to the nation´s economy. Its strategic location near the US border facilitates international trade, while its strong infrastructure supports various manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the presence of world-class universities and a skilled workforce contribute to its innovative and competitive edge.
Ruhrpumpen´s Spotlight: March 2025
Power plants under construction around the world follow strict health and safety controls and regulations. The NFPA and the Industrial Fire Protection Association focuses on helping to improve safety in refineries, mills, mines, utilities, and other manufacturing environments.
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Ruhrpumpen Fire Systems and its fire protection pump packages are the most reliable pumps for fighter fighting applications delivering outstanding fire suppression pumping systems. When emergencies occur, it’s better to be prepared. In case that happens, you want to be able to rely on the efficiency of your firefighting equipment to ensure the adequate water supply at required pressure.
Ruhrpumpen is a world leading specialist in the design and manufacture of fire protection pump packages. Our durable fire water pumps offer a reliable solution to thousands of commercial, residential and industrial facilities worldwide.
We are getting ready to ship another Pre-Engineered packaged system with enclosure that includes two ZW Horizontal Split Case Pumps, one electric motor driven and one driven by a UL/FM diesel engine. Our ZW pump is a horizontal, between bearings, single stage, axially split centrifugal pump. Its innovative design allows a more compact installation and ensure perfect alignment. Built according to the Hydraulic Institute (HI) standard (BB1 type).
The electric fire water pump includes a UL electric motor drive, induction type, with 150hp / 3550 rpm. Additionally, includes an across the line, 60Hz, Tornatech control panel, UL Listed / FM Approved with a NEMA 4X enclosure. All mounted on a steel baseplate certified with its performance test and a hydrostatic pressure test.
The diesel fire water pump has a UL & FM diesel engine rated at 175hp @2350 rpm. A double-wall diesel tank, UL-142 listed, and all accessories and valves as per NFPA-20 included too.
Visit our Fire Pump House page to see more details about this product, click here.
Ruhrpumpen would like to take a moment to highlight a recent success that underscores the value and effectiveness of its Re-Engineering Services for Aftermarket Parts.
A major U.S. Gulf Coast end-user approached Ruhrpumpen with a severely worn 14-inch open impeller made from carbon steel. The deterioration of this critical component placed their pump at risk of prolonged downtime, potentially impacting their operations.
When they contacted the OEM for a replacement, they were faced with an unacceptably long lead time; one they simply couldn’t afford to wait for. They needed a high-quality, cost-effective solution with minimal turnaround time.
Thanks to the expertise and collaboration between the REAP team, PMC and the Houston Service Center, Ruhrpumpen successfully:
✔ Scanned, analyzed, and re-engineered the impeller to restore it to OEM specifications.
✔ Manufactured and delivered a new precision-machined impeller in stainless steel within just 3 weeks.
✔ Ensured the customer had a durable, corrosion-resistant replacement that enhanced long-term performance.
This achievement demonstrates Ruhrpumpen’s ability to provide rapid, high-quality aftermarket solutions that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Its re-engineering capabilities continue to be a key differentiator in the market, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted provider of engineered solutions.
A special congratulations goes to the REAP, PMC and the Houston Service Center for their outstanding efforts in making this project a success. Their dedication and technical expertise played a crucial role in delivering a solution that exceeded the customer’s expectations.
For customers struggling with long OEM lead times or dealing with worn or obsolete components, Ruhrpumpen’s Re-Engineering Services provide a faster, high-quality alternative.
FireWatch: World Updates, February 2025
In the early hours of January 21, a catastrophic fire swept through the Grand Kartal Hotel, a ski resort in Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 78 people and injuring more than 50 others. Among the victims were both adults and children who had been staying at the hotel for a ski vacation. The first investigation into the cause of the fire that engulfed the 12-story, wooden hotel is still underway. However, a survivor commented on the safety lapses and scary escapes, by the apparent absence of a functioning fire alarm system, clearly marked fire exits, and essential fire protection measures such as sprinklers.
The presence of fire alarms and early detection systems is crucial for saving lives. The absence of a functional or effective fire alarm system delayed guests' awareness of the fire, costing them valuable time needed for a safe evacuation. Various NFPA codes and standards, widely adopted in the United States and other jurisdictions worldwide, establish minimum requirements to help prevent such tragedies.
Effective fire detection and timely occupant notification through a properly installed, maintained, and functional fire alarm system are vital for saving lives. NFPA 72®, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, sets the minimum requirements for fire detection and alarm systems in residential and commercial buildings. Similarly, NFPA 101®, the Life Safety Code®, stresses the importance of ensuring fire alarm systems remain operational and are regularly tested, enabling prompt alerts to occupants in the event of a fire, allowing for a swift and safe evacuation.
Media reports reveal that survivors struggled to locate exits amid the chaos. Many believed there was only one escape route, while some were forced to jump from windows to flee the flames. This confusion highlights the vital need for clearly marked, easily identifiable, and accessible fire exits to ensure a safe evacuation. NFPA 101 outlines clear guidelines for means of egress, including:
- Accessible, clearly marked exits.
- Two or more escape routes to ensure no single point of failure.
- Regular maintenance to keep exits unobstructed and functional.
Reports also suggest that the hotel's remote location and severe weather conditions delayed emergency responders, who took over an hour to arrive at the scene. A functioning fire alarm system could have expedited the response, as these systems provide automated emergency notifications that help fire departments react more quickly.
Was an automatic sprinkler system installed and operational? NFPA 101 mandates that all new hotels be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in compliance with NFPA 13, the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Additionally, the code requires fire sprinklers in all existing high-rise hotels, defined as buildings where the floor of an occupiable story exceeds 75 feet (23 meters) above the lowest level accessible to fire department vehicles.
Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: February 2025
Between 2014 and 2018, local fire departments responded to an average of 970 structure fires annually that originated from the ignition of flammable or combustible liquids. These incidents resulted in an estimated three civilian deaths, 57 civilian injuries, and $180 million in direct property damage each year. According to a March 2021 analysis by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Applied Research, these fires primarily occurred in manufacturing, industrial, warehouse (including cold storage), and storage tank facilities.
Ignitable (flammable and combustible) liquids produce vapors that can ignite and burn. NFPA 30, the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, outlines fundamental fire and explosion prevention requirements for the safe use and storage of these liquids, helping to protect both people and property from potential hazards.
EXAMPLES OF IGNITABLE LIQUIDS
- Fuels: Gasoline, diesel, home heating oil
- Hand Sanitizers: Many types contain alcohol
- Coatings: Paints, stains, varnishes, and other finishes
- Cooking Oils: Peanut oil, olive oil, canola oil
Since 1913, NFPA 30 has provided guidance to professionals such as plant managers, environmental health and safety managers, design consultants, regulatory personnel, and fire protection engineers in safely handling ignitable liquids. Its requirements, shaped by decades of experience, aim to reduce the risk of fires and explosions in industrial, mercantile, and warehouse settings. Adhering to this code helps minimize accidents, fires, and regulatory penalties while ensuring safe operations and preventing business disruptions.
Implementation of the requirements of NFPA 30 can help to control the fire hazards related to the storage and handling of ignitible (flammable or combustible) liquids in the following areas:
| Storage and Warehousing | Tanks | Operations |
| Approved containers | Aboveground storage tanks | Dispensing and handling liquids |
| Max allowable quantities | Underground storage tanks | Transferring and using liquids |
| Automatic fire protection | Piping | Processing liquids and bulk |
Changes to the storage requirements of ignitible (flammable and combustible) liquids have been developed for the 2021 edition based on results of recent fire testing and include:
- The application of NFPA 30 container requirements to beverages, medicines, food, cosmetics, and other consumer products containing water-miscible ignitible liquids that are greater than 20 percent by volume ignitible liquids instead of greater than 50 percent by volume.
- Six new storage designs for containers storing Class IB, IC, II, IIIA, and IIIB liquids.
- Additional storage options for protected general-purpose warehouses.
The requirements of NFPA 30 are established by five committees comprising representatives from manufacturing, consulting, insurance, research and testing, industry and trade organizations, and government agencies. NFPA follows a consensus-based standard development process that is open to the public. To address emerging challenges in the handling and storage of ignitable liquids, NFPA 30 undergoes a revision cycle every three years.