Effective Generator Testing & NFPA-110
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Highlight key elements
of NFPA 110 as it
relates to generator
testing
Describe diesel engine
fundamentals so as to
make the testing
protocols relevant
Define recommended
testing procedures
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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
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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.
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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.
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State of Georgia

Joint Commission
◦ 2010 Edition since March of 2010
◦ Life Safety Code quotes the 2005
Edition of NFPA-110
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The first diesel built in
the United States was
made in 1898 by BuschSulzer Brothers Diesel
Engine Company. The
president of that
company was Adolphus
Bush, of Budweiser
brewing fame.
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During Compression / Ignition the
force on the backside of the Ring is
substantially higher than the
opposing force on the ring face.
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The EPSSs shall be inspected weekly and
exercised under load monthly.
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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)
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 Once
per week, 5 minute test run
 Once
per month, 30 minute
transfer test
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 Verify
the battery and starting
system are OK
 Re-prime the fuel system
 Re-lubricate the engine
components
 Verify the generator makes
electricity
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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).
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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
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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…
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We very much appreciate your time!
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Questions & Follow-Up
Prime Power Services
8225 Troon Circle - Austell, GA 30168
rknittel@primepower.com
770-739-2300 Ext 242
678-898-4940 Mobile
Richard Knittel
Vice President Technical Services
Prime Power Services, Inc.
Thank You!
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