Residential, commercial, or manufacturing buildings require consistent power. Electrical generation might be halted due to an emergency or system issues. Generator services are necessary for being prepared during electricity failure. An Emergency Power Supply System or EPSS may be the lifeline of your company or residential facility. They can power critical equipment or safety items throughout a building until electricity restoration is possible.
Power generation services are governed by the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA has set principles for installation, maintenance, and testing of backup generators. They also provide specific regulations for automatic transfer switches. Their standards classify generation systems, but do not enforce the recommended processes legally. Guidelines are used by officials, like inspectors, to enforce local governances. NFPA standards are also used as a guideline for generator servicing experts who install and maintain your building EPSS.
NFPA 110: An Overview of Generator Classes
The NFPA 110 guidelines have outlined specific EPSS classes based upon the amount of time it takes to supply required energy before refueling is necessary. They may also be classified as a fractional rating based on operation time. For example, a generator might be referred to as a Class 12 system. This means it can operate for twelve hours before being refilled. Systems running for only a half an hour might be labeled as a Class 0.5. Fuel tank size and type contribute to the defined classifications.
EPSS types are determined by the timeframe involved with supplying supplementary electricity to the building. This type lets you know the expected delay before backup power is available. Type classification is measured in seconds, and may be defined either with a number or a letter. A Type 60 provides power in sixty seconds, whereas a Type M requires manual initiation.
NFPA 110 standards define two emergency electrical supply levels. A system critical to the well-being of individuals is referred to as a Level 1. These are installed in hospitals or other critical buildings to ensure care can still be provided. Level 2 classifications are essential to processes, but do not directly affect individual welfare. A Level 1 generator typically contains redundant parts to provide increased reliability and delivery. They require additional fuel to be stored on-site to make refilling possible under extreme circumstances.
This information can help you become more familiar with the currently installed EPSS. It is beneficial if you are in the process of purchasing a generator for your business. Understanding the classification of backup electrical systems will ensure you purchase a generator capable of meeting building power requirements.
Being familiar with the classification of your EPSS provides increased knowledge about required maintenance. Emergency power generation services can only provide dependable backup operations if they are cared for appropriately. Each of these systems has specific NFPA recommendations for testing and preservation. Prime Power technicians can assist in creating a servicing plan that meets the care recommendations for your EPSS. They use NFPA guidelines to install and care for your system. Call or visit our website today to learn more about the many services we can provide.
