In NFPA 20 practice, manual start is used for commissioning, testing, or when automatic starting is not available or desired.

• A. For commissioning, testing, or when automatic starting is not available or desired.
• B. During routine operation when power is stable.
• C. To replace automatic starting in all cases.
• D. Only when the building is unoccupied.

Answer: (A)

Manual start in NFPA 20 is intended for commissioning, testing, or when automatic starting is not available or desired. During commissioning and testing, starting manually lets you verify pump operation independently of the automatic control system and confirm performance. When automatic starting cannot be used or is intentionally not used—such as during maintenance or troubleshooting—the pump can be started by hand to ensure service continuity. In normal operation, automatic starting handles pump activation to respond to demand, so manual starting isn’t the routine method. It isn’t appropriate to replace automatic starting in all cases, and building occupancy doesn’t determine when manual starting is used.