Standby to Emergency

[ASG]

There is an outpatient HCF that does not have any areas that specifically require emergency. There originally was going to be a standby generator to backup some equipment (elevators, fire alarm, etc.). Now, due to new code requirements for elevators, the standby generator is going to become an emergency generator.

Besides the generator switching from gas to diesel, is there any sections I should be taking a hard look at electrically that change with the definition of the generator?

 

[steve66]

Separation of emergency circuits from normal circuits. In other words, they need ran in separate conduits.

Same thing with the normal and generator feeders to the ATS.

Also, emergency circuits generally have to be hard piped.

You should probaby review NEC article 700, NFPA 99, and NFPA 110.

Per NFPA 110, your generator should have level 1 controls and alarms per NFPA 110.

Steve

 

[eprice]

Review all of the loads that will be served by the generator with the building department in order to accurately categorize them as emergency loads, legally required standby loads, or optional standby loads. Under the IBC for example, the elevators would not be emergency loads, but rather legally required standby loads. This will make a big difference. Article 700 for emergency systems require separation from the non-emergency system. Article 701 for legally required standby systems on the other hand does not. Will the emergency lighting within the building be supplied by the typical battery backup units, or will the generator be the source of emergency power? If the later is the case then these would, under the IBC, be emergency loads, required to be on the emergency system. If the typical battery backup units are used, then supply to the units would not be part of the emergency system.

 

[ASG]

Review all of the loads that will be served by the generator with the building department in order to accurately categorize them as emergency loads, legally required standby loads, or optional standby loads. Under the IBC for example, the elevators would not be emergency loads, but rather legally required standby loads. This will make a big difference. Article 700 for emergency systems require separation from the non-emergency system.

Are you referring to 700.18?

The new NYC building code states:

"In buildings five stories in height or more, at least one elevator shall be provided for Fire Department emergency access to all floors. Emergency power shall be provided in accodance with Sections 2702 and 3003."

Article 701 for legally required standby systems on the other hand does not. Will the emergency lighting within the building be supplied by the typical battery backup units, or will the generator be the source of emergency power?

There were battery backups for all emergency lighting.

 

[ASG]

So would my elevator (the only equipment required to be on emergency) have to be on a seperate ATS from the rest of my "optional stand by" power?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Review all of the loads that will be served by the generator with the building department in order to accurately categorize them as emergency loads, legally required standby loads, or optional standby loads.

It may not be the building department, but the municipality that makes these decisions, with the building department carrying out the requirements.
I agree with eprice that this would be my first step. Not all municipalities recognize the full Standard's documentation of such as NFPA 99, 110. They may only recognize portions of the Standards with the municipality's own wording constructing the Codes. NYS Writes their own codes and uses portions of the other Standards sprinkled in here and there.