Pharmacy - Generator run time

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

IESLLC

Member
Location
CT
Occupation
Elec Engineer
Does anyone know if there is anything in NEC or NFPA which provides generator run time for a pharmacy
 
Since there is no threat to life or safety I don't think there would be. Certainly nothing in the NEC.

I would think it would be up to the owners and the insurance company that would cover the loss in the event of a power outage.

-Hal
 
hbiss said:
Since there is no threat to life or safety I don't think there would be. Certainly nothing in the NEC.

I would think it would be up to the owners and the insurance company that would cover the loss in the event of a power outage.

-Hal
Click to expand...

Thank you -Hal
 
If its an Article 700 Emergency Generator then NFPA 110 applies. If not then its up to you to determine how to exercise. I set up a maintenance schedule for a 450 KW emergency generator for a vehicle tunnel. NFPA allowed for a 15 min unloaded run weekly or 30 minute monthly. We went with a 30 minute monthly loaded test, using the 6 50 hp vent fans for a load. We would turn off the main power to the generator to test the transfer switch etc. All the critical loads and some tunnel lighting were backed up by a 20 KW UPS
My suggestion is to test your generator loaded, once a month. If the generator is oversized as most are, then add some loads to get it up to 75% load
and be aware of computers etc that will loose power during the transfer. A UPS may be required
 
Hello Tom Baker,
Thank you for the input greatly appreciate it, but I was looking for required runtime not testing time, I'm trying to determine if there is a requirement for minimum run time for the back up generator for a pharmacy so we can size the fuel tank

Thanks again Tom
 
IESLLC said:
Hello Tom Baker,
Thank you for the input greatly appreciate it, but I was looking for required runtime not testing time, I'm trying to determine if there is a requirement for minimum run time for the back up generator for a pharmacy so we can size the fuel tank

Thanks again Tom
Click to expand...
As hbliss said, it seems the answer is "no". They should consider loss exposure for perishable medications, such as vaccines that require refrigeration. While the dollar amount may be low, the patient impact might be very high.
 
If for egress lighting, I would say 90 minute capacity at minimum, after that, it is up to the customer how much fuel capacity is needed. If optional standby, customer determines needed run time. Even though pharmacies are considered critical businesses during disasters, as far as I know, there is no minimum run time for optional loads. I have seen pharmacies set up with manual transferswitches for portable connection, but do not know of any with permanent generators, not that they are not any out there.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top