Note: A 2010 addition has recently been released. To learn more visit www.nfpa.org.
An Overview of NFPA Standards
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains several standards that apply to standby generators and automatic transfer switches. One of the most prominent is NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, which is published in a 2005 edition (see note at end of article.) In order to provide acceptable specifications for projects utilizing generator systems, it is important to understand the requirements associated with NFPA 110.
What NFPA 110 Covers NFPA 110 covers the construction, installation, maintenance and operational testing requirements pertaining to an emergency power supply system (EPSS). By NFPA 110 definition, the EPSS consists of an emergency power supply, or engine-driven generator set, connected to a system of conductors, disconnecting means, overcurrent protective devices, transfer switches and all control, supervisory and support devices up to and including the load terminals of the transfer equipment.
NFPA 110 does not address what facilities or loads within a building require an EPSS, nor does it prescribe required classifications for an EPSS. Local authorities should always be consulted to determine requirements for specifying NFPA 110 compliance on any project.
Classification of Emergency Power Supply Systems NFPA 110 identifies three attributes that are used to classify an EPSS - Class, Type and Level. Therefore, stating that a generator "shall meet NFPA 110" is an incomplete specification. EPSS Class, Type and Level need to be defined in the project specification to quote the proper generator configuration. Otherwise, additional clarification will be required which can delay the bidding process.
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