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The installation of generators as part of emergency and standby power systems shall be subject to special inspection and is a required item in TR1. This item is identified as BC1704.31 on the TR1 form.
The special inspector performing the inspection on Emergency Generator system shall :
1- Verify that the installations of all materials, equipment and signage complies with the installation standards;
2- Verify that the installation of the generator and associated connections complies with the approved construction documents.
The special inspector shall witness tests that verify the automatic operation of the emergency or standby power system in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111,as such standards may have been amended by the New York City Electrical Code or this code. Deficient results shall be rejected, and deficiencies shall be corrected and successfully retested in the presence of the special inspector prior to sign-off of the emergency or standby power system special inspection. Special inspection of seismic bracing shall be performed in accordance with Section 1707.7
Essential Tests to be performed as per Code
The special inspector shall witness tests that verify the automatic operation of the emergency or standby power system in accordance with NFPA 110 and NFPA 111,unless amended by the New York City Electrical Code. Equipment which fail the test shall be rejected. The rejected equipment shall undergo the testing procedure and upon successful completion of necessary tests shall be accepted. Deficiencies must be corrected and Emergency Generator should be successfully retested in the presence of the special inspector prior to sign-off of the emergency or standby power system special inspection.
NFPA Requirements
NFPA 101(12), Sec. 7.9.2.4 requires that emergency generators providing power to emergency lighting systems be installed, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. NFPA 101(12), Sec. 9.1.3.1 also requires that, where required for compliance with the Code, emergency generators and standby power systems be installed, tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 110. NFPA 101(12), Sec. 2.2 references the 2010 edition of NFPA 11
Buildings that fall under Chapter 18 of NFPA 101(12) and are equipped with or in which patients require the use of life-support systems (e.g. hospitals, nursing homes with residents on ventilators) must also meet the
applicable provisions of the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities [see NFPA 101(12),
Sections 18.2.9.2, 18.2.10.5, 18.5.1.2 and 18.5.1.3].
Load Bank Test
Load bank testing of standby gensets is a required test for an emergency power supply system (EPSS). The testing is primarily meant for diesel-powered generators. The main purpose of this testing is to help ensure the Emergency Generator’s reliable operation during utility power failure.
Automatic Transfer Switch
The most important components of your emergency power system, the automatic transfer switch can be the key to your back-up power supply. Function of automatic transfer switch is to constantly monitor the flow of power from your regular source, and upon detection of loss of power supply will determine the need to switch to your back-up generator. A functional generator is useless if its back-up power cannot be utilized in an emergency situation.
Transfer switches are required to be operated monthly [see NFPA 110(10), Sec. 8.4.6; see also: MSFC(15), Sec. 604.3.3].
This monthly test must consist of electrically operating the transfer switch from the normal/standard position to the alternate position and then a return to the normal/standard position [see MSFC(15), Sec.604.4.1; NFPA 110(10), Sec. 8.4.6.1].
o In many cases, a “Transfer Test” switch or button is provided and can be used to perform this test. Where this feature does not exist, it may be necessary to manually disconnect normal power in some fashion to the transfer switch (see “some words of caution on testing” below).