Introduction to Emergency Generators
Standby generators are complicated, necessary, and awfully expensive.
This thing is as big and difficult as a locomotive, and almost as complicated. Even the authorized dealers and their “factory trained†technicians are afraid of it.
Very few understand these systems. Then to make matters worse, the generator is paired with an automatic transfer switch.
In many cases transfer switches are not even made by the generator manufacturer. They may be purchased items used to complete the system. As a result, generator company technicians can be unfamiliar with the transfer switch the company sells.
You are not supposed to know any of this. “Factory Authorized†does not equal competent. Your best move is to insist upon Fire code compliance.
NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems is your best defense.
Compliance with Fire code, is in fact, legally required.
Most municipalities and many states have adopted International Building Code and International Fire Code. These codes set standards for building construction and provisions for fire safety.
They are legally adopted almost everywhere. NFPA 110 is a part of IBC and IFC requirements just like NFPA 70, National Electric Code.
International Building Code and International Fire Code compliance is all about Life Safety. Code avoidance is all about money.
Your money
Engineering companies, contractors, vendors, and service companies are all about Profits.
Transfer Switch Sequence of Operation
I made a video as a training aid to explain the sequence of operation you can expect from your emergency power system during a utility disruption. When you know what to expect you are less likely to pay for unnecessary service calls.
Train your staff.
View and review this video until you are comfortable with your system.
If you have questions, e-mail me at [email protected]
Training for your Emergency Generator
I have conducted training seminars for health care organizations, federal and state surveyors, municipalities, fire departments, fire marshals, building inspectors, telecommunications, and private companies.
Let me design a generator workshop or webinar for your specific needs whether you are private or government, have one generator or many.
-Maintenance
-Repair
-Code Compliance
-Purchasing
-Installation design and completion
-Survey of completed projects
I have made, many after-installation surveys. Building occupants Life Safety depends on effective emergency power. During an emergency, the generator provides the only source of electrical power for such essential equipment as fire pumps, smoke control, egress lighting, elevators, and communication.
When the generator fails to come on, people may not be able to get out of the building!
Reach out to me if you have any questions.
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