When a commercial or industrial building needs to move water for HVAC or process applications, the pump in the mechanical room has to do more than look good on a submittal. It has to move the right flow, handle the system head, stay aligned, hold up under daily operation, and be serviceable when the time comes to work on it.
The Taco FI Series is a line of commercial, base-mounted, end-suction pumps designed for heating, air conditioning, pressure boosting, and water supply applications.
For contractors, engineers, facility managers, and purchasing teams, the FI Series offers a practical combination of rugged construction, broad configuration options, and service-friendly design.
Taco FI Series pumps are quoted as made-to-order products based on your project requirements. Whether you are replacing an existing Taco FI pump, building out a new hydronic system, or sourcing a configured pump package for a commercial job, the best starting point is knowing what the FI Series is, where it is used, and what information is needed to request the right pump.
Taco FI Series Pump Overview
A Taco FI Series pump is a commercial, frame-mounted end-suction centrifugal pump. In plain jobsite language, it is a heavy-duty pump-and-motor assembly mounted on a common base, with the suction connection entering the end of the pump casing and the discharge connection at the top centerline of the casing.
That layout is common in commercial mechanical rooms because it works well for larger hydronic and water movement systems. The pump is built for higher flow and head requirements than small residential circulators, and it is designed with service access, alignment, and long-term reliability in mind.
Performance Data
-
Flow Range: 20 – 4,800 GPM
-
Head Range: 5 – 380 ft
-
Motor Power: 1/2 – 200 HP
-
RPM Range: 1160 – 3500 RPM
- Sizes: 1.5″ – 8″
- Flanges/Pressure Class: Class 125 / Class 250
FI Series Details
FI Series Pumps meet the latest standards for hydraulic performance and dimensional characteristics.
Improved bearing frame design
Improved bearing frame design features sealed-for-life bearings that meet all industry requirements for a minimum L10 life of 60,000 hours. It includes a unique sealing system that prevents water from migrating into the bearing frame.
An easy-to-replace, slip-on shaft sleeve
The design facilitates field seal maintenance and reduces maintenance costs. This feature protects the pump shaft by eliminating contact between the shaft and the circulating fluid.
Flush seal line taps
Allow the installation of a filter to protect the seal from non-condensable particles in the system. In addition, the pump comes with pressure tappings on the suction and discharge connections as standard.
A fully welded, rigid structural steel base
Including enclosed ends and open grouting area to reduce vibration and improve alignment.
Taco FI Base-Mounted End Suction Pump Features
The Taco FI Series is not just a generic end suction pump with a green paint job. The line includes several design details that matter in real mechanical rooms, especially when installation quality, serviceability, and operating reliability are priorities.
- Frame-Mounted, Base-Mounted Construction
- Rear Pull-Out Service Design
- Centerline Discharge Design
- Sealed-for-Life Bearing Frame
- Dry-Shaft Design and Slip-On Shaft Sleeve
- Flush Seal Line Taps and Pressure Tappings
- Rigid Base With Drain Pan
- Taco Self-Sensing, ProBalance, ECM, and eLink Option
Taco FI Series Options and Nameplate Key
As mentioned before, the Taco FI Series offers a range of features and construction options. It makes this pump family the right solution for a wide range of applications.
In this section of the article, we will present all the pump options available as standard and the FI Series Key (Part Number Codes) to explain the meaning of all the number codes on the pump nameplate.
It will help you understand the relation between the Taco FI Series PN and the possible pump arrangements when replacing or specifying them in a plant or project.
Positions 1, 2 - Pump Series
The first two positions are related to the pump series; in this case, ''FI'' denotes the FI Series. For some other Taco pump families, it may vary with two or three keys (for example, the Taco FSI series has three positions to identify the pump series).
Positions 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11 - Discharge, Impeller, and Bearing Frame Size
These positions relate to the pump's discharge, impeller, and bearing frame sizes. Also, the first four keys will name the pump model abbreviation (for example, Taco FI1206).
The design sizes are associated with the internal Taco codes and will be displayed on the pump name plate accordingly.
The table below shows the relation between the component sizes and part number codes for reference:
Position 7 - Seal Code
The seventh position concerns the pump seal options; the FI Series can be fitted with the most suitable option for the application. Below is the indicative table with types and codes:
Position 8 - Material of Construction
Position eight is the reference for the pump material of construction; some options are available as per the reference table below:
Position 9 - Motor Frame Code
This position regards the motor frame codes, NEMA and IEC versions, or ''X'' when there are no motor parts included (Pump End Only), below the reference table:
Position 10 - Mechanical Design Code
Position ten concerns the various mechanical designs available for the Taco FI Series pump. All the options have a dry shaft as a common plus several arrangements available, as shown in the reference table below:
Position 12 - Base & Coupler Guard Design
Position 12 regards the base design configuration, standard, OSHA, or not included, as per the table below:
Position 13 - Shaft Length
This position refers to the shaft length of the pump, short, long, or not included, as per the reference table below:
Position 14 - Optional
Position 14 lists some optional items, such as a Falk coupler and greasable bearings. Below are all the optionals available:
Position 15 - Design Code
This position intends to state the hydraulic design history for the pump, mainly under which revision it was manufactured, as follows:
Position 16 - Crating Option
In the case of special crating or no crating, this position will serve as the reference for confirmation. The reference tables are divided by pump + motor, pump end only, and pump less motor, see below:
Position 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 - Motor Code
The final positions for motor selection depend on power, RPM, type, and phase; if a motor is not included, all will be '00'.
Below the table code:
The tables above show the standard options available for order and replacement. Some other special features may be available upon request.
Whenever you need assistance identifying or quoting any Taco FI Series Pump version, Liberty's sales team can help you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Installation Guide: What to Know Before Installing a Taco FI Pump
A Taco FI pump is rugged equipment, but proper installation is what lets it do its job. Most pump problems are not caused solely by the pump. They often come from piping strain, poor alignment, bad foundations, incorrect rotation, dry running, air problems, or system debris.
Here are the major installation points to keep in mind:
Location
- Locate the pump in an accessible place with plenty of space around it for maintenance and servicing.
- On larger modes, allow headroom for hoists or overhead cranes.
- Locate the pump in a dry place to protect the motor from moisture and dust.
- For closed heating systems, place the expansion tank on the pump's suction side.
- For open systems, install a pump near the liquid supply and keep the suction piping as short and straight as possible.
Foundation
The foundation supports the pump's weight and absorbs vibration. Normally, the foundation is a concrete pad, preferably tied into the floor or ground. The height of the pad should be at least 6". When the foundation is poured, provide a hole near each of the four (4) corners to match the holes in the pump base. To simplify installation and maintenance, use lead anchors.
Pump Setting
When the pump is set on its foundation, make sure it is properly leveled. Place the baseplate over the foundation bolts. Place shims at the corners of the baseplate when required and level with a spirit level. Also, check the level of the suction and discharge flanges.
Coupling Alignment
Proper alignment of the pump and driver will ensure the optimum pump operation. Misalignment will cause rapid wear of seals, couplings, and bearings. All pumps are carefully aligned before leaving the factory. However, experience indicates that alignment is inevitably affected by shipping and handling. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that alignment be checked at various steps of the installation process (after leveling, after piping, and after the first few weeks of operation).
Forms of Misalignment
To check the angular alignment of the coupling, insert a pair of inside calipers or a taper gauge at four points at 90-degree intervals around the coupling. Angular alignment is achieved when the measurements at all points around the coupling faces are within 0.005" of each other.
To check for parallel alignment, place a straightedge across the bottom of both coupling rims and along both sides. Parallel alignment is achieved when all points around the OD of the coupler are within 0.005".
Alignment adjustments can be made by shimming under the driver mounting feet. After each adjustment, it is necessary to recheck all alignment features.
Alignment should be performed after the baseplate has been properly set and the grout has dried thoroughly, in accordance with the instructions. The final alignment should be performed at operating temperatures.
Note: Disconnect and lock out power before servicing, and do not operate the pump without all guards in place. It can result in injuries, death, or property damage.
Grouting
When alignment is correct, the foundation bolts should be tightened evenly but not too firmly. The base plate can then be filled with grout, encasing the leveling shims or wedges. Foundation bolts should not be fully tightened until the grout is fully hardened, approximately 48 hours after pouring.
Piping
Proper piping is essential for reliable pump operation and long service life. Piping stress can cause excessive wear on seals, bearings, and couplings, eventually leading to pump damage or failure.
It's important to support the suction and discharge piping near the pump to prevent the pump from carrying the piping weight. Make sure pipe and pump flanges align properly before connecting them, and never force piping into place.
In heating systems, it's a must to allow room for thermal expansion. If piping cannot expand properly, it can place heavy stress on the pump, causing shaft distortion, seal and wear ring damage, and bearing failure.
Spring hangers and flexible connectors can also help absorb this movement.
To make maintenance easier, gate valves on both the suction and discharge sides should be installed, so the pump can be serviced without draining the system.
For open systems with suction lift, install a foot valve with a strainer and a check valve in the discharge line close to the pump.
Pump Start-up & Operation - Check-up
Before starting the pump for the first time, several items should be checked to prevent damage.
Lubrication
The FI Series has permanently lubricated sealing bearings as standard. However, Taco offers optional regreaseable bearings.
Bearings are initially lubricated during manufacture. The regreasing intervals are based on the speed of the unit as follows:
| Pump Running Speed | Regreasing Interval |
| 1750 rpm | 4250 hours |
| 3450 rpm | 2000 hours |
To recharge the bearings with fresh grease, the pump must be shut down and its grease drain plug removed. After charging the pump, it's recommended to run it for around 15 minutes (without the drain plug), then shut it down again and reinsert the drain plug to resume operation.
Note: Do not overgrease the bearings, as it can cause premature failures. Also, shut the pump down completely before regreasing. Below are the recommended greases for the Taco FI Series:
| Make | Grade |
| Exxon/Mobil | Polyrex EM |
| Connoco | Polyurea 2 |
| Mobil | Polyrex EP 2 |
| Citgo | Polyurea 2 |
Motor Wiring
Check the motor wiring before starting to ensure the connections are properly wired for the voltage in use. Overvoltage can burn out motor windings.
Check the heater element in the Magnetic starter to ensure it is properly sized to handle the motor's full-load amperage.
Never operate the pump dry.
Motor Rotation
Before checking the pump rotation, open the isolation valves and fill the pump with water to lubricate the seal.
Next, throw the switch and check whether the rotation direction matches the arrows on the pump frame. The direction of rotation is counterclockwise, with the pump's suction end facing.
The direction of rotation of three-phase motors can be easily reversed by interchanging two of the three wires at the motor's terminal board. Reversing single-phase motors is done by interchanging some internal wires or clamps.
Instructions for reversing are found either on the motor nameplate or inside the motor terminal cover.
Mechanical Seal
Mechanical seals are the most delicate part of the pump and require special care to ensure reliable operation.
A mechanical seal works with a rotating carbon washer against a stationary metal or ceramic ring. These surfaces are highly polished to create a proper seal. If dirt or debris gets between them, the seal can wear quickly and begin to leak.
New heating systems often contain debris such as welding slag, pipe compound, mill scale, and other construction materials. For this reason, the system must be thoroughly cleaned before the pump is put into continuous operation.
Flush the system first with cold water at city pressure to remove loose debris. Then clean it with an approved chemical cleaner or non-foaming detergent, following the manufacturer’s instructions. After running the system for a few hours, drain it and refill with fresh water before placing the pump into service.
Pump Start-Up
After checking the lubrication and wiring, the pump is ready to be started. Make sure the isolation valve is open on the suction side and closed on the discharge side.
Start the motor. Wait until the unit reaches full speed, then slowly open the discharge valve. Do not run the pump for more than a few minutes with the discharge valve completely shut. If system conditions call for part-time operation against shut valves, install a bypass line from discharge to suction.
The pump is ready to start when:
- The unit base plate is grouted and bolted to the foundation
- Motor is correctly wired to the starter switch, ensuring correct rotation
- The pump and driver are correctly aligned
- Bearing lubrication is provided
- The mechanical seal has been fitted
- All rotating parts are found to be free when turned by hand
- The pump is primed.
Note: Never run the unit dry.
Where Taco FI Series Pumps Are Used - Applications
The Taco FI Series is used across commercial and industrial systems where reliable water circulation is required. With the number of options and versions available, these pumps can be a good fit for a wide range of applications requiring high flow rates. Below are the most common applications that the FI Series pumps are used for:
- Hot Water Heating Systems
- Closed Cooling Circuits
- Air Conditioning Systems
- Hydronic Heating & Cooling
- Water/Glycol concentrations up to 50%
- Solar / Geothermal
- Pressure boosting
- General water supply
- Industrial Mechanical Rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
A Taco FI Series pump is a commercial frame- or base-mounted end-suction centrifugal pump used for HVAC, heating water, chilled water, pressure boosting, cooling water transfer, and water supply applications.
A base-mounted end suction pump has the pump and motor mounted on a common base. The fluid enters the pump through the suction connection at the end of the casing and exits through the discharge connection, typically at the top of the casing.
Yes. Through Liberty Supply, Taco FI Series pumps are quoted as made-to-order products based on the required flow, head, motor, voltage, flange, materials, and project-specific configuration.
The nameplate of the existing pump is very helpful for us! Also, the required GPM, head, application, fluid temperature, voltage, phase, HP, RPM, flange requirements, and any project specifications.
Taco Pumps and Parts Available at Liberty Supply
Check the Taco Pump Ranges Available
Liberty Supply is a customer-centric organization. We focus on hydronic and steam systems for commercial and industrial facilities. As a B2B distributor within the "needs business," our foundational pillars are knowledge, communication, and speed. Relationships are built through hard work and consistent delivery of value. No exceptions. Our team maintains that with each transaction, we start back at zero.
Contact Liberty Supply
Request a Quote for Taco Pumps
Talk to an Expert on Taco Pumps
For any further questions or support, don't hesitate to contact us:
- Phone: 844-448-0880
- Fax: 844-448-0881
- Email: [email protected]
