ABB expands vertical hollow shaft motor line with new fire pump solutions for mission-critical fire protection applications

Press release

ABB introduces TEFC and WP1 fire pump motor variants to its proven vertical hollow shaft (VHS) motor portfolio, strengthening its commitment to critical fire protection and water management applications.

ABB has expanded its vertical hollow shaft motor line to include two specialized variants designed specifically for fire pump applications: TEFC fire pump motors and WP1 fire pump motors. Both variants maintain the core engineering excellence of the VHS platform while incorporating features essential for mission-critical fire protection and emergency response systems.

New Product Offerings

WP1 Fire Pump Motors

The new vertical hollow shaft WP1 fire pump motors deliver reliable water flow for standpipe and sprinkler systems, hydrant applications and chemical suppression systems. Built with Weather Protected Type 1 (WP1) enclosures and inverter-duty construction, these motors offer efficient cooling and enhanced protection in outdoor and harsh conditions. Each unit features exterior red epoxy paint for visibility and standardization in accordance with fire protection protocols.

  • Power range from 15 to 500 horsepower
  • NEMA frames 213 to 449
  • Extra high thrust capacity (175% on 360 frames and above)
  • UL listed for fire pump installations per NFPA-20
  • Class F insulation with Class B temperature rise
  • Non-reverse ratchet design to prevent backspinning
  • Drop-in replacement design for standard NEMA vertical hollow shaft motors
  • Space heaters for harsh environments
  • RAL3002 exterior red paint for visibility and standardization

TEFC Fire Pump Motors

The vertical hollow shaft TEFC fire pump motors extend the fire protection portfolio with enclosed, weather-resistant design suitable for demanding indoor and outdoor environments. These motors deliver the same reliable, high-thrust performance as the WP1 variant while providing fully enclosed TEFC protection for maximum safety and durability in critical applications.

  • Fully Enclosed TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) design
  • Power range from 7.5 to 500 horsepower
  • NEMA frames 213 to 449
  • Extra high thrust capacity (175% on 360 frames and above)
  • UL listed for fire pump motor installations
  • Class F insulation with Class B temperature rise
  • Durable cast-iron construction
  • Inverter-duty rated for variable speed drive compatibility
  • RAL3002 exterior red paint for visibility and standardization

Both new fire pump motor variants leverage the proven architecture of ABB's vertical hollow shaft motor platform, delivering:

  • Hollow shaft design with top-mounted coupling for simplified maintenance and rapid pump access without disturbing the pump shaft
  • Heavy-duty extra high-thrust bearings engineered to withstand intense axial loads typical of vertical turbine pump operations
  • Drop-in compatibility with industry-standard NEMA P-base flanges for seamless installation and replacement
  • Inverter-duty rating compatible with variable speed drives (VSDs) for precise flow control and energy optimization
  • Advanced sight glass for oil inspection and preventive maintenance
  • Vertical lifting provisions for ease of installation
  • Built to NEMA MG1 Part 31 standards for demanding vertical pump applications

The expansion of the VHS motor line addresses growing demand for reliable fire pump solutions in critical infrastructure applications. Fire protection systems require motors that combine exceptional reliability with robust engineering to ensure dependable operation when lives and property are at stake. ABB's new TEFC and WP1 fire pump motors meet or exceed these demanding requirements while maintaining the ease of maintenance and operational efficiency for which the VHS platform is known.

The new TEFC and WP1 fire pump motor variants are available immediately through ABB's global distribution and service network. Customers can specify these motors with options for multiple voltage configurations and frequencies (60 Hz standard, 50 Hz optional) to meet their specific application requirements.

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing, and circular solutions for customers, industries, and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 22,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. new.abb.com/motion

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun.’ The company has over 140 years of history and more than 105,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

  1. ABB NEMA Motors Division

    Email: david.minella@us.abb.com

    Phone: +1 984-349-2846