Recently, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published the current editions of the NFPA 110: Standard on Emergency Power and NFPA 111: Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems. Each show changes to major concerns of health care facility experts.
The Technical Committee (TC) is responsible in developing these publications. The standards are to be implemented immediately in health facilities. The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implements the more recent modifications of the Life Safety Code. Local authorities and states can also impose the recent editions on their jurisdictions. Standards may differ from what TJC and CMS implement. Accredited health facilities need to follow strict rules because of differences in the editions.
Health care experts and facilities should review the sources if they wish to see entire changes and learn their background. They will find rejected proposals in the sources as well.
Modification on Alternative Standby Systems
The NFPA 110 TC clarifies the implementation of the non-required systems. The new standards do not match Level 1 and 2 systems. The 110 stipulates that changes do not fit if a standby power system is included in the NEC Article 702.
The most recent standards include different practices that relate directly to owners of the standby system.
Alteration on Major Testing
The TC reorganized and restructured the Installation Acceptance Testing. The new editions require all EPSS to field-verify. The process is accomplished through verification of the start function. It also tested the start function of the automatic transfer switch. Now, the ATS is allowed to begin tests in currently occupied structures.
The committee lessens the problems of conversion from first part (includes actual loads) to second part (including the load bank) in 5 minutes.
The second portion maintains a 2-hour installation acceptance. The old requirement for block-load of 100% is turned to a step-load application. The full-load test shall commence after the exam stipulated in 7.13.4.1.3 by a method to start the mover and to pick up no less than 30% of kilowatt rating for 30 minutes.
The yearly load bank is reduced to 1.5 hours. It allows emission reduction. It is only needed if the month's testing does not meet the 30% rule. Health facilities must start a 90-minute load test annually. But if needed, a 120-minute load test must be done.
The American Society for Healthcare Engineering requested allowing a 3-year testing, one yearly and one monthly load test to be combined. The creator of the standards suggests them to fully meet requirements to avoid conflict with the American Health Journal (AHJ).
The new standard for EPSS excludes running the unit weekly. Many health facilities unloaded their generators because they presumed it as part of 110. If the engine maker or the local code requires a weekly test, the recommendations might supplant the modification. Visit the NFPA website for complete details on modifications.
