What Is Requirements of Standby Generator

by Starlight Generator dieselgeneratortech

What Is a Generator General Requirements

The fuel supply on site must be sufficient for the generator to operate at full output for at least six hours.

Diesel is the preferred source of fuel for a generator and is code required for all Legally Required Emergency Systems. Diesel fuel is stored on site in either a fuel tank mounted to the base of the generator (sub-base fuel tank) or in a remote tank with a day tank in the generator room.

Natural gas from the utility company is allowed as the fuel source in Residential Group R-2 occupancies and for standby power systems, but it requires a cut-off valve to separate the supply from that of other appliances that run on gas.

All generators must be listed according to the UL 2200 standard by Underwriters Laboratories

Generators and their associated electrical distribution systems must be located in a separate room from the main electrical service equipment. This must be a dedicated room with a fire barrier rated for at least two hours and/or horizontal assemblies according to section 712 of the NYC Building Code

Only fuel tanks that will be used for the generator are allowed in the room, and the only piping allowed is that of sprinkler systems, or any piping required by generator cooling systems. Piping associated with other systems may go through the room, but only if it is uninterrupted

Multiple generators may share a fuel supply if they will power only emergency loads, or a combination of emergency and optional standby loads

All equipment that is powered by fuel combustion, including emergency and standby generators, must be registered with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

Automatic transfer switches and their associated electrical feeders must be located in a separate room from both the main service equipment and the generator. If the ATS is not located at the load, it must have a dedicated room with similar requirements as that used for the generator: a 2-hour fire barrier or horizontal assemblies, and having no piping other than sprinkler systems

When is a Generator Required for Emergency Power?

As mentioned above, emergency generators are legally required for any electrical systems where interruption of the power supply can cause hazards for human life. The NYC Building Code requires emergency power in the following applications:

Voice and alarm systems in occupancies classified as Assembly Group A: this includes most locations where groups of people gather for civic, social, religious or similar purposes.

All exit signs and means of egress illumination must be provided with emergency power, regardless of location, even those on temporary buildings such as tents. Note that this can be accomplished using battery backup systems for smaller buildings and in certain occupancies.

Semiconductor fabrication facilities

Any location with toxic, highly toxic or pyrophoric materials must have emergency power, and in the case of hazardous materials it can be either standby or emergency power

High-rise and underground buildings must have both emergency and standby power.

Doors in occupancies classified as Institutional Group I-3, inhabited by five or more persons who are under restraint due to security reasons, for example prisons and mental healthcare facilities

Emergency power is required for specific elevator system components: controls, cab lights, ventilation and any equipment that is necessary for operation