Power Generator Regulations and Codes
Codes issued by various authorities affect generators, their associated accessories, and the price of generator packages. Below are some generator regulations you should be aware of:
Fuel Tanks
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) FS-62-761 specifies the requirements for generator fuel tanks installed in Florida.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-37) specifies the maximum allowable capacity of an indoor fuel tank supplying a standby generator set.
Generator Power to a Fire Pump
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-20) specifies the maximum allowable instantaneous voltage dip for a standby generator set powering a fire pump.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-20) specifies the capacity of the circuit breaker on the standby generator set that supplies power to the fire pump.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-20) specifies the capacity of the standby generator set that supplies power to the fire pump.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-20) specifies the capacity of the fuel tank and the standby generator set you need in order to supply power to the fire pump.
Florida HB 7121
The State of Florida passed this legislation in June 2006. This law defines requirements for Gensets in several sections, one of which requires Gensets to be installed in multi-family high-rise dwellings measuring 75 feet in height and above with public elevators.
This law is different than others in that most offer a “grandfather clause” that allows previously constructed buildings to be exempt from the new law’s requirements. This one doesn’t. Not only does it apply to new construction, but it also encompasses existing dwellings, and, as a result, it also includes residential high-rise buildings currently under construction.
For newly designed buildings, the Genset requirements are relatively easy to meet:
- One public elevator must operate on the Genset for a specified number of hours per day.
- The life safety lights must be powered by the Genset.
- The building fire alarm system must be on emergency power.
This is what most new designs incorporate anyway, so what’s the big deal? The challenge stems from the next requirement:
- Alternate power shall be available over a 5-day period.
The fourth requirement, in many cases, will drive the fuel tank capacity requirement beyond the 660-gallon maximum allowed by NFPA-37 for housing a fuel tank in the same room as a Genset (subbase tank). Many applications requiring more than 660 gallons will have to specify a stand-alone fuel tank in its 3-hour fire-rated room.
Generator Testing
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-110) specifies the testing requirements for new standby generator set installations.
AHCA Requirements
The State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) specifies the requirements for standby generator sets powering medical and nursing home facilities. The requirements are issued to design professionals attending annual convention breakaway sessions.
Use of 4 Pole ATSs
An interpretation of the National Electric Code (NEC) and/or AHCA requirements by the project design professional may require the use of 4-pole (switched neutral) ATSs.
Discuss power generator regulations and codes with a TAW specialist: Call 1-866-860-6267
