My electrical design background has been mostly in health care and now I have a supportive living facility which is similar to a retirement facility. Sometimes the Owner requires a generator to keep a portion of the kitchen operational and have the HVAC equipment in the common areas also operational.
I'm aware of terminology issues between "emergency generator" or "standby generator" or "optional generator" which is all very confusing to me.
I keep hearing from contractors that since there isn't any electrical codes that requires a generator in a supportive living center, they can install the generator and electrical distribution systems any way they want and the NEC wouldn't apply since the code doesn't require a generator.
Are these contractors blowing smoke? I was always under the impression, if a generator is installed, then the installation shall comply with all applicable electrical codes (NEC, NFPA & IBC).
I thought these facilities should have a life safety branch and an equipment branch.
Am I way off base or am I correct?
Thank you so much for the help
I'm aware of terminology issues between "emergency generator" or "standby generator" or "optional generator" which is all very confusing to me.
I keep hearing from contractors that since there isn't any electrical codes that requires a generator in a supportive living center, they can install the generator and electrical distribution systems any way they want and the NEC wouldn't apply since the code doesn't require a generator.
Are these contractors blowing smoke? I was always under the impression, if a generator is installed, then the installation shall comply with all applicable electrical codes (NEC, NFPA & IBC).
I thought these facilities should have a life safety branch and an equipment branch.
Am I way off base or am I correct?
Thank you so much for the help