standby generator requirement

[anbm]

If a commercial building is not a non health-care building or data center or a high rise building, are there any codes require to have standby generator as emergency backup power source?

 

[anbm]

I meant is not a healthcare bldg in previous message...

 

[kwired]

701.2 Definition.

Legally Required Standby Systems. Those systems required and so classed as legally required standby by municipal, state, federal, or other codes or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intended to automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal source.

I think if it is required to have a standby system by any of the sources within this definition then a standby system is required. It does not have to be the typical internal combustion engine driven generator. Read 701.11

Some examples of places that could possibly have legally reqired standby systems could be police, fire, rescue buildings, 911 call center, municipal water or sewer facilities, emergency shelters.

If not legally required any alternate power source installed is an optional standby system and is covered in Art 702 instead of 701.

 

[bphgravity]

Typically, the building / fire code identifies when and where an emergency back-up system is required. Section 1006.3 of the 2009 IBC would be an example. Emergency systems based on occupancy are found in Chapter 4 of the IBC.