The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets minimum standards for egress safety in commercial buildings. This includes standards for standby generators (also known as generator sets), which in many buildings are responsible for powering emergency exit lighting (also known as backup lighting). NFPA 110 contains the association’s guidelines for testing generators for buildings that require a Tier 1 or Tier 2 generator. The testing requirements are as follows:

Monthly Tests (Section 8.4.2.)

A generator set must be tested under load for 30 minutes each month. A successful test can be judged in one of two ways: when the load raises genset exhaust gas to the minimum temperature that the manufacturer recommends for monthly testing, or when a genset runs at a minimum of 30% of its nameplate Kilowatt rating for at least 30 minutes.

Some generators cannot run until the water pressure and oil pressure stabilize. For these generators, the 30-minute test should be completed in less time to allow them to resume standby sooner rather than later.

Alternative tests for diesel generators (Section 8.2.4.3)

Diesel generators that do not reach the proper exhaust temperature or do not operate at 30 percent of the rated kilowatt rating for at least 30 minutes must be (a) exercised under load for 30 minutes each month, and (b) exercised under supplied load. (i.e. from a load bank) for approximately two hours each year.

When taking the annual test, testers must operate a generator set for 30 minutes at 25 percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating, 30 minutes at 50 percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating, and 60 minutes at 75 percent of its nameplate kilowatt rating. plate kilowatt rating.

Businesses that do not have Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) technicians on staff must contract with a commercial power solutions provider to meet the requirements of NFPA 110 for generator testing.

The Importance of NFPA Generator Testing

Most commercial buildings are subject to a combination of federal, state, and municipal codes that govern exit safety and typically address backup lighting. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards determine federal exit codes, while International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), OSHA, and NFPA standards determine codes. state and municipal.

When a building has generator-powered backup lighting that is subject to federal, state, and/or municipal codes, it is also subject, either by code or implication, to maintaining and maintaining a generator set in operation. When a genset malfunctions, so does generator-powered backup lighting, a fact that could lead to deadly outlet jams.

In addition to issuing test guidelines for generators, NFPA has issued test guidelines for backup lighting and guidelines for implementing luminescent exit strips on exit routes. In combination, these guidelines ensure that buildings are well prepared for low-visibility evacuations, which protects building owners against injury claims, wrongful death claims, and workers’ compensation claims resulting from botched evacuations.

If your building is subject to NFPA testing guidelines for generators, monthly and/or yearly testing can ensure that both the building and the equipment it would power are ready for a power outage. For emergency power equipment testing, call a commercial power solutions provider today.