Do we need a generator?

[m sleem]

I am in a building two stories approx. 4000sqm dedicated for bachelor housing, the debate came when the client advised to remove the generator since the emergency loads (emergency lights, fire alarm, security) can be backed up by storage batteries per 700.12(A),

IMO, per NFPA110, class.1 plainly requires generator, am I right?

 

[m sleem]

Any feedback

 

[tom baker]

I don’t have a copy of NFPA 110.
Has your AHJ adopted 110?

 

[gar]

211114-1253 EST USA

m sleem:

In my opinion backup batteries alone would be a bad choice. If you have solar power to charge them, then maybe. So long as you have a fuel source ( gasoline engine, diesel engine, natural gas engine, steam engine, water wheel ) you will have power, and probably at a lower capital cost. But batteries are quiet. Batteries are more of a maintenance problem than other sources.

A big part of your decision is based on how often power fails, how long it lasts, and how badly do you need power when it fails. Also do you need uninterruptible power.

Have you ever heard of a Abdul Mostoffa in a government position. In the early 1980s he was an Air Force Officer and his father was president of Cario University, and his father had held other high government positions.

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[m sleem]

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Have you ever heard of a Abdul Mostoffa in a government position. In the early 1980s he was an Air Force Officer and his father was president of Cario University, and his father had held other high government positions.

.

I think this part should be pm

 

[m sleem]

I don’t have a copy of NFPA 110.
Has your AHJ adopted 110?

Regardless NFPA 110, can we rely on individual batteries for life safety loads avoiding the use of the generator?

 

[DrSparks]

Regardless NFPA 110, can we rely on individual batteries for life safety loads avoiding the use of the generator?

As long as the batteries can provide sufficient lighting for egress for a period no less then 1.5 hours, you are satisfying life safety code.

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[m sleem]

As long as the batteries can provide sufficient lighting for egress for a period no less then 1.5 hours, you are satisfying life safety code.

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How about the elevator?

 

[DrSparks]

How about the elevator?

I think the elevator needs it's controls backed up, not necessarily the hydraulic pump. Needs to be able to be recalled to floor level by gravity. I'm not 100 on that but I think that's the case. I think it also depends on number of stories.

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[m sleem]

I think the elevator needs it's controls backed up, not necessarily the hydraulic pump. Needs to be able to be recalled to floor level by gravity. I'm not 100 on that but I think that's the case. I think it also depends on number of stories.

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By gravity for elevator car stopping, but how about the elevator door?

Not sure about

 

[DrSparks]

By gravity for elevator car stopping, but how about the elevator door?

Not sure about

Yeah I'm not sure. The elevator door has an emergency release but requires a tool usually.

I would recommend calling your local fire chief / inspector. They may be able to shed some light and they may have their own specific requirements as well.

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[ron]

A generator being required comes from the Building Code and not NFPA 110. As Tom pointed out, are you aware of the AJH for that jurisdiction having adopted NFPA 110 as a code? I have never heard of one adopting it for residential.
I would suggest going to the Building Code that is adopted and checking there.
For example, if they adopted the 2021 IBC, a low rise R occupancy with no special uses, would not require a generator.

CHAPTER 27 ELECTRICAL - 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC)

ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

codes.iccsafe.org