Installing a generator for a dentist office

[DanZ]

Hey guys,

We?re looking at the possibility of installing a new generator for an existing dentist office. I was wondering if you could tell me what would be an acceptable installation. Could we just have one transfer switch before the existing panel, or would we have to run a separate panel that only has lighting, treatment room receptacles and other ?essential? equipment?

We're on the 2008 NEC. I've looked at 517, and found the figures 517.30, but I'm stuck in the "Why do we have to do it that way" argument with the higher ups. :roll:

I suggested sizing a generator that would equal the calculated output of the panel, but I'm not sure if we could use the existing panel, or if we would have to break it down in to a panel and a sub panel with separate transfer switches.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!:grin:

 

[Sierrasparky]

If cost is the issue I would seperate out the essential loads and size the equipment for that. New sub, transfer switch and Genset.

 

[steve66]

Hey guys,

We?re looking at the possibility of installing a new generator for an existing dentist office. I was wondering if you could tell me what would be an acceptable installation. Could we just have one transfer switch before the existing panel, or would we have to run a separate panel that only has lighting, treatment room receptacles and other ?essential? equipment?

We're on the 2008 NEC. I've looked at 517, and found the figures 517.30, but I'm stuck in the "Why do we have to do it that way" argument with the higher ups. :roll:

I suggested sizing a generator that would equal the calculated output of the panel, but I'm not sure if we could use the existing panel, or if we would have to break it down in to a panel and a sub panel with separate transfer switches.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!:grin:

If they don't actually use general anesthesia, it's possible all the loads could be classified as "optional". Then you only need one transfer switch.

Steve

 

[rr]

Hey guys,

We?re looking at the possibility of installing a new generator for an existing dentist office. I was wondering if you could tell me what would be an acceptable installation. Could we just have one transfer switch before the existing panel, or would we have to run a separate panel that only has lighting, treatment room receptacles and other ?essential? equipment?

What about egress lighting which is considered emergency? Per article 700.6(D), only lighting and other loads designed as emergency per 700.1 are allowed on the transfer switch. In my opinion, lighting should be the only thing needed on a generator for this type of design. I don't think anyone is going to have their teeth cleaned under emergency conditions.

 

[DanZ]

What about egress lighting which is considered emergency? Per article 700.6(D), only lighting and other loads designed as emergency per 700.1 are allowed on the transfer switch. In my opinion, lighting should be the only thing needed on a generator for this type of design. I don't think anyone is going to have their teeth cleaned under emergency conditions.

Picture yourself in the middle of a root canal. Your dentist has just drilled his way down to your sensitive root tissues, and the power goes out. Wouldn't you want to know he can finish the job quickly? :roll::grin:

As far as the lighting, he should already have emergency egress lighting that is fully battery operable.