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2016 Updates to NFPA 110
1/6/2017 12:00:00 AM
As we head into 2017, various markets are beginning to more actively adopt the 2016 version of NFPA 110, either directly or by mandatory reference from another standard, such as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The main updates can be grouped into four categories: preparing for the worst, testing/record keeping, fuel and controls.
The goal of NFPA 110 is to ensure that emergency systems have a consistent level of good reliability, but sometimes things go very wrong. The standards recognize that sometimes a portable generator needs to be temporally connected to the emergency system (8.1.2). Though the emergency system requires permanently installed equipment (4.4.3), the annex was updated to clarify that temporary mobile generators can and probably should be used when the emergency generator is out of service. The standard was also updated to provide increased guidance for worst-case flooding, adding references to FEMA 543 and 577 in A.7.2.5.
Reliable emergency systems require constant testing and good record keeping practices for both the generators and transfer equipment. The 2016 standard added a requirement (8.4.3.1) to initiate the generator start from a different automatic transfer switch (ATS) each month to ensure that each ATS has a working two-wire start circuit. It is also worth noting that NEC 2017 has also added a provision for making the two-wire start circuit fail-safe-to-start (700.10(D)(3)).
In addition to following various testing protocols, facility managers face the challenge of coordinating testing with facility operations, especially in healthcare applications. The 2016 standard updated A.8.4.6.1 to clarify that the ATS neither needs to be transferred at the same time as the monthly generator test nor needs to stay transferred for the entire 30-minute test. It should be noted that critical circuits within hospitals often use bypass isolation transfer switches to allow the ATS to transfer, meeting code requirements but not actually interrupting the load (exercising the ATS while drawn-out and bypassed).
Finally, the standard was updated to add a new section (8.5) on record management for the emergency system.
Fuel reliability is a critical element to overall emergency system reliability. The standard recognizes that fuel is often shared with other devices, such as boilers, thus requiring features in the system to ensure the emergency system is guaranteed first-fuel priority (5.5.1.1). Previously, the implementation was limited to directly controlling draw-down levels, typically with riser piping. The update recognizes other passive design features that would support more complex fuel tank configurations.
A new addition to fuel reliability is the removal of automatically actuated valves on the fuel supply and return lines (7.9.13). The addition of unnecessary solenoid valves in the piping can decrease system reliability, but there are times when this requirement will need to be discussed with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). When main storage tanks are positioned at a higher elevation than the generator day tanks, shutdown solenoids may be necessary to prevent over-fueling the day tank. Fuel shutdown valves may need to be integrated into the design at either the main storage tank or be integral to the day tank design.
Controls are a significant element in reliable ATS and generator operation. Traditionally, most emergency system applications utilized mechanically interlocked, open transition switches. As the market has seen more adoption of closed transition technology, the standard updated A.6.2.3 to remind designers to coordinate with local utility grid interconnect requirements.
From a generator standpoint, section 5.6.9.9(4) previously required a voltage-adjusting rheostat, which was aligned with analog regulator technology and allowed anyone with two fingers access to generator voltage control. Most manufacturers have recognized this weakness and made the voltage control access more secure. NFPA has aligned with this market norm by updating this section.
In addition to single-generator applications, mission-critical hospital applications often utilize complex third-party, paralleling switchgear solutions to connect the generators. NFPA continues to recognize that these complex approaches require greater scrutiny from a control and testing standpoint. The standard requires the system control functions for paralleling and load shedding to be verified with system design documents (7.13.4.1.3) during commissioning. Also, the paralleling switchgear controls must be validated for operation as intended during monthly tests and scheduled maintenance. This would include periodically testing the load shed/load management functionality. Generac has recognized this complexity issue and has led the industry in standardizing and fully integrating on-generator paralleling technology, resulting in highly reliable and easy-to-use solutions.
NFPA 110 continues to be the defining document for a consistent level of good reliability, and the updates align with that mission. It should be noted that NFPA 110 ensures consistency within the market but is not a mission-critical design document. NFPA 110 is aligned with the needs of typical emergency system applications and accepts single-point, system-level failures. As system designers look to move beyond this level of good reliability, we encourage a full exploration of the design features within Generac’s generators, transfer switches and paralleling technologies.
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