Prime Power Services, Inc.

Transcript Prime Power Services, Inc.

Effective Generator Testing & NFPA-110 1

o Highlight key elements of NFPA 110 as it relates to generator testing o Describe diesel engine fundamentals so as to make the testing protocols relevant o Define recommended testing procedures 2

 The (highly opinionated) views and opinions expressed in this seminar are purely those of the authors and shall not be considered the official position of NFPA and shall not be considered to be, nor be relied upon as, a Formal Interpretation. Readers are encouraged to refer to the entire text of all referenced documents at NFPA.org 3

   Perform testing which best simulates and prepares the EPSS for it’s intended purpose.

Increase system reliability Provide training experience, and confidence to engineering staff.

 Guideline for the construction, assembly, installation, performance, maintenance and operational testing requirements for Emergency Power Supply Systems, (EPSS)  The requirements of the standard are considered necessary to obtain the minimum level of reliability and performance, particularly where life safety needs are involved. 5

 State of Georgia ◦ 2010 Edition since March of 2010  Joint Commission ◦ Life Safety Code quotes the 2005 Edition of NFPA-110 6

 The first diesel built in the United States was made in 1898 by Busch Sulzer Brothers Diesel Engine Company. The president of that company was Adolphus Bush, of Budweiser brewing fame.

 During Compression / Ignition the force on the backside of the Ring is substantially higher than the opposing force on the ring face.

 The EPSSs shall be inspected weekly and exercised under load monthly.

 The routine maintenance and operational testing program shall be based on the all of the following: ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Manufacturer’s recommendations Instruction manuals Minimum requirements of this chapter The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) 19

 Once per week, 5 minute test run  Once per month, 30 minute transfer test 20

    Verify the battery and starting system are OK Re-prime the fuel system Re-lubricate the engine components Verify the generator makes electricity 21

   Batteries shall be inspected weekly Defective batteries shall be replaced immediately upon discovery of defects.

Recommended that lead-acid starting batteries be replaced every 24 to 30 months (A.5.6.4.5.1).

 Diesel generator sets…Shall be exercised at least once monthly ◦ Monthly testing should be a minimum 30% of the nameplate KW rating of the generator. (Testing includes operation of all the transfer switches.) ◦ Systems that do not meet 30% are required to be load banked annually.

   25% for 30 minutes (2005 only) 50% for 30 minutes 75% for one hour 30

  Section 8.4.9 Level 1 EPSS shall be tested for the duration of its assigned class (see Section 4.2), for at least 4 hours, at least once within every 36 months.

Section 8.4.9.5.3 The load shall be the EPSS system load running at time of the test for spark-ignited EPS’s. (Diesels require at least 30% nameplate rating.) The test shall be initiated by opening all switches or breakers supplying normal power to the EPSS. ◦ “Pull the plug” testing is not required, but… 31

 We very much appreciate your time!

Questions & Follow-Up