Emergency Power Systems

Generator Code Requirements

Objectives
Professional responsibilities
Identify what codes apply to generator installations.
Understand the differences between normal, emergency, legally required and
optional standby power systems.
Become familiar with NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power
System requirements.

Professional Responsibilities
Reason for this training.
Project Scenario
Scope

Scenario

Code Review
Multiple code issues with the clients proposed design.
National Electrical Code Issues
Tap Rule 240.21 Installed disconnect location would require feeders >10ft long.
Ampacity of tap conductors not less than 1/3 of 2000amps (3 sets of 4/0)
Article 445.19 Generators Supplying Multiple Loads

A single generator supplying more than one load, or multiple generators operating in parallel, shall
be permitted to supply either of the following:
(1) A vertical switchboard with separate sections
(2) Individual enclosures with overcurrent protection tapped from a single conductor for load
separation and distribution if a generator is provided with overcurrent protection meeting the
requirements of 240.15(A)
NFPA 110 - Emergency equipment location requirements.
Codes Relating to Emergency Power Systems

International and Local
Building Codes
NFPA -110
Standard for Emergency
and Standby Power
Systems
International Fire Code
Emergency Power System

Requirements
NFPA -111
Standard on Stored
Electrical Energy
Emergency and Standby
Power Systems
NFPA -101
Life Safety Code
NFPA -70
National Electrical Code

When is emergency and standby power required?
International Building Code (IBC) - Chapter 27
International Fire Code
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
What determines installation and design requirements?

NFPA-70: National Electrical Code
NFPA-110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA-111: Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power
Systems

When is emergency and standby power required?
International Building Code (IBC) - Chapter 27
Emergency Power Required for:
Group A Occupancies Voice/Alarm Communications

Smoke Control Systems
Exit Signs
Means of Egress illumination
And more.
Standby Power Required for:
High Rise Buildings

Hazardous materials
Elevators when required
Smoke proof enclosures
And more.

NFPA 70: National Electrical Code
Describes the design and installation requirements for different defined
requirements.
References NFPA-101 Life Safety Code for emergency lighting
References NFPA-110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems for
performance requirements.
Divides Power Sources into:
Normal
Emergency Article 700
Legally Required Standby Systems Article 701
Optional Standby Systems Article 702

Article 700 Emergency Systems Definitions:
Emergency Systems Those systems legally required and classed as emergency by
municipal, state, federal or other codes, or by any governmental agency having
jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply illumination, power
or both to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply
or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and
control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.

Article 701 Legally Required Standby Systems Definition:
Those systems required and so classed as legally required standby by municipal,
state, federal, or other codes or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction.
These systems are intended to automatically supply power to selected loads (other
than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal
source.
Examples - heating and refrigeration systems, communications systems, ventilation
and smoke removal systems, sewage disposal, lighting systems, and industrial
processes, that, when stopped during any interruption of the normal electrical supply,
could create hazards or hamper rescue or re-ghting operations.

Article 702 Optional Standby Systems Definition:
Those systems intended to supply power to public or private facilities or property
where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system. Optional
standby systems are intended to supply on-site generated power to selected loads
either automatically or manually.
Example - Loads that stopped during any power outage, could cause discomfort,
serious interruption of the process, damage to the product or process.

NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
Latest Version 2010
Document Scope:
Performance requirements for emergency and standby power systems providing an
alternate source of electrical power to loads in buildings and facilities in the event that
the primary power source fails.
Includes power sources, transfer equipment, controls, supervisory equipment, and all
related electrical and mechanical auxiliary and accessory equipment needed to supply
electrical power to the load terminals of the transfer equipment.
Covers installation, maintenance, operation, and testing requirements as they pertain
to the performance of the emergency power supply system (EPSS).

Applicability
NFPA 110 applies to new installations of EPSS with the exception of routine
maintenance and operational testing, which applies to both new and existing facilities.
The system, method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the
authority having jurisdiction.

Definitions:
Emergency Power Supply (EPS) - The source of electric power of the required
capacity and quality for an emergency power supply system (EPSS).
Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) - A complete functioning EPS system
coupled to a system of conductors, disconnecting means and overcurrent protective
devices, transfer switches, and all control, supervisory, and support devices up to and
including the load terminals of the transfer equipment needed for the system to
operate as a safe and reliable source of electric power.

Typical Power Supply Systems



NFPA 110: Classification of EPSS
The EPSS shall provide a source of electrical power of required capacity, reliability, and quality to
loads for a length of time as specified in Table 4.1(a) and within a specified time following loss or
failure of the normal power supply as specified in Table 4.1(b).
Class: The class defines the minimum time, in hours, for which the EPSS is designed to operate at
its rated load without being refueled or recharged.
Type: The type defines the maximum time, in seconds, that the EPSS will permit the load terminals
of the transfer switch to be without acceptable electrical power.
Level: Two levels of equipment installation, performance and maintenance:

Level 1 systems shall be installed where failure of the equipment to perform could
result in loss of human life or serious injuries.
Level 2 systems shall be installed where failure of the EPSS to perform is less critical
to human life and safety.


Example: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 7.9 Emergency Lighting
7.9.2.2 New emergency power systems for emergency lighting shall be at least:
Type - 10
Class - 1.5
Level - 1
Example: IBC - Hazardous Materials Mechanical Ventilation, Smoke Control Systems
Type - 60
Class - 2
Level - 2

NFPA 110: Energy Sources
Allowable power sources and requirements.
Energy convertor requirements.
Safety Indications and Shutdowns.
NFPA 110: Transfer Switch Equipment

Provides construction and feature requirements for transfer switches.
Must be listed for emergency service as a complete factory-assembled and factory
tested apparatus.
Source monitoring requirements.
Time delays.

NFPA 110: Transfer Switch Equipment
Protection requirements.
General Overcurrent protective devices in the EPSS shall be to optimize selective tripping.
Short Circuit Current The maximum available short circuit current from both utility source and
emergency source shall be evaluated.
Overcurrent devices in EPSS shall be accessible to authorized personnel only.

NFPA 110: Installation and Environmental Considerations
Establishes minimum requirements and considerations.
Minimizes the probability of equipment or cable failure within the EPSS.
Location:
The EPS shall be installed in a separate room for Level 1 installations.
EPSS equipment can be installed within this room.
Minimum 2-hour fire rating or be located outside the building within a proper enclosure.
Level 1 EPSS equipment shall not be installed within the same room with the normal
service equipment, where the service equipment is rated over 150V to ground and equal
or greater than 1000 amperes.

Lighting:
The Level 1 or Level 2 EPS equipment location(s) shall be provided with battery-powered emergency
lighting. This requirement shall not apply to units located outdoors in enclosures that do not include
walk-in access.
The emergency lighting charging system and the normal service room lighting shall be supplied from the
load side of the transfer switch.
Heating, Cooling, Ventilation

With the EPS running at rated load, ventilation air flow shall be provided to limit the maximum air
temperature in the EPS room to the maximum ambient air temperature required by the EPS
manufacturer.
With combustion type EPS supplying Level 1 EPSS the ventilation supply and return shall be directly
from outside utilizing a 2 hour fire rated air transfer system.
The ambient air temperature in the EPS equip. room or outdoor housing containing Level 1 rotating
equipment shall not be less than 40F.

Distribution
Distribution and wiring within the EPSS shall be installed iaw NEC.
Distance between EPS and first overcurrent protective device shall be
minimized.
All AC-powered support and accessory equipment needed for operation of
the EPS shall be supplied by either downstream of the ATS or upstream main
EPS overcurrent protection device.

Installation Acceptance
Upon completion of the installation of the EPSS, the EPS shall be tested to ensure
conformity to the requirements of the standard with respect to both power output and
function.
For new Level 1 installations, the EPSS shall not be considered as meeting this standard
until the acceptance tests have been conducted and test requirements met.
The authority having jurisdiction shall be given advance notification of the time at which
the acceptance test is to be performed so that the authority can witness the test.
Additional testing information is provided describing the requirement such as run time
and loading levels.

NFPA 110: Routine Maintenance and Operational Testing
Provides required maintenance, operational testing, and documentation for
emergency power supply systems.
Testing Requirements:
EPSS shall be inspected weekly and exercised under load at least monthly.
Diesel Generators shall be exercised at least once monthly for a minimum of 30
minutes.
EPS test shall be initiated by using test switches at ATS or opening a normal breaker.
Transfer switches are to be operated monthly.
Level 1 EPSS shall be tested continuously for the lesser of its class or 4 hours at least
once per 36 months.
Diesel generator loading shall not be less than 30% of its nameplate for the test.

Summary
Objectives
Identify what codes apply to generator installations.
Understand the differences between normal, emergency, legally required and
optional standby power systems.
Become familiar with NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power
System requirements.
Questions?
End

Emergency Power Systems

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Generator Code Requirements

Generator Code Requirements

Generator Code Requirements

Generator Code Requirements

Generator Code Requirements

Generator Code Requirements

Article 445.19 Generators Supplying Multiple Loads

NFPA 110 - Emergency equipment location requirements.

Codes Relating to Emergency Power Systems

International Fire Code