ATS Loads

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mwm1752

mwm1752

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I have a optional stand by system connected to an ATS -- the gen set capacity is less that the calculated load to be transfered -- in order to decrease calculated load to gen set-capacity one of two elevators are to be non operational when utility is off.

Can the elevator which is to be non operational stay in the back up/em panel and be controlled by a computer program not to function when gen set is on? or

Does the feeder for that elevator have to be physically removed from the back up panel & be fed from the utility power?
 
Dave , I am inclined to view this as a load management method -- with the advancement of technology & controls it seems justified to manage a load thru computer programming.
 
What do other codes say about being able to maintain operation of the elevator, at least for long enough to allow anyone on the elevator to get off of it? This isn't something I have ever had to deal with, but seems like it would be a priority to at least be able to unload an elevator of passengers upon a power failure.
 
fire alarm will initiate a recall which is the only function required in that circumstance is generally powered by utility. Power outages in buildings with optional stand by systems do not require the elevators be on back up system as far as I know, they are not a means of egress.
 
mwm1752 said:
fire alarm will initiate a recall which is the only function required in that circumstance is generally powered by utility. Power outages in buildings with optional stand by systems do not require the elevators be on back up system as far as I know, they are not a means of egress.
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In my last job we dealt with an elevator that was equipped with battery backup, the purpose of which was primarily to allow the car to return to the ground floor in the event of power and generator failure. It was a real PITA, too, because the hoistway was sprinklered and you had to be able to kill all the power to the elevator when the heat detector activated, including the battery backup. My fire alarm tech had to teach the electrician how to wire that up; I don't even recall myself what the schematic looked like.
 
mwm1752 said:
fire alarm will initiate a recall which is the only function required in that circumstance is generally powered by utility. Power outages in buildings with optional stand by systems do not require the elevators be on back up system as far as I know, they are not a means of egress.
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But how does that help someone already in the elevator when power goes out? Battery backup system, even if only intended for the purpose of getting them out (on any floor) I can understand.
 
I'm sure there are circumstances due to building type & use which would require stand by systems & within those requirement would include elevators, but as mentioned before an elevator is not a path for egress. yes power outages happen generally in short duration -- firemen are trained to deal with stuck elevators & a fire alarm is actuated power usually is on & the elevators are programmed to recall to the 1st floor & be key operated for use by authorized personell if needed.
 
mwm1752 said:
I'm sure there are circumstances due to building type & use which would require stand by systems & within those requirement would include elevators, but as mentioned before an elevator is not a path for egress. yes power outages happen generally in short duration -- firemen are trained to deal with stuck elevators & a fire alarm is actuated power usually is on & the elevators are programmed to recall to the 1st floor & be key operated for use by authorized personell if needed.
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Elevator is not a path of egress, but the elevator door is in the egress path if you are already inside the elevator and it stops;)

Like I said I haven't done much work in places with elevators, and certainly not any work directly dealing with the elevators. But would guess there is likely a code that requires the elevator to have some sort of backup system that at least will allow it to let passengers out of it before it goes out of service in a power outage or fire alarm situation.
 
I tend to agree Kwired -- It appears the are options for elevators with battery backup within the cab unit to assist for a recall sequence -- problem solved
 
careful. 2702.2.5 of IBC states standby power shall be provided for elevators that are part of an accessible means of egress. Check with building and fire officials.
 
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