Power Connect Newsletter

Assisted care, nursing homes, and other medical facilities need to meet NFPA 110 and NEC 700 backup and emergency power regulations. These facilities are required to supply enough light and power for life safety operations in the event of a power outage. Facilities must also address requirements set by state and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for resident safety, zoning, noise and other considerations.

Designing a backup power solution in Florida brings other challenges. A dozen senior citizens lost their lives in a nursing home after Hurricane Irma knocked out power and temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees. Following the deaths, Florida Gov. Rick Scott directed the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to issue emergency rules to keep Floridians safe in health care facilities during emergencies. All assisted living facilities (ALFs) and nursing homes were directed to obtain ample resources, including a generator, for climate control in an emergency.

As a result, many facilities, including Jasmine Pointe in Gainesville, FL., are adding or upgrading their on-site generator units to ensure residents are not only safe, but also comfortable during harsh weather or grid failures. Jasmine Pointe is a 60-room facility that has private rooms as well as community amenities. They have health care staff available 24/7 and they continuously monitor the health needs and medication management for residents.

The facility partnered with electrical contractor, Preston Link, who knew right away whom to specify. “Preston Link specified ACF Standby Systems for the job because of past projects,” said John Agnes, sales engineer, ACF Standby Systems. “Our Generac generators are extremely reliable and we always put the customer first and have a quick response time on all of our requests.” Agnes said ACF has worked with Preston Link several times in the past and have future projects standing. “Preston Link focuses on quality and how to best serve the customer and that is something we have in common.”

After an initial evaluation of the project, Agnes recommended a Generac 500 kW diesel generator to backup the entire building. “Diesel was the only option for this particular installation since there was no natural gas on site,” said Agnes. “Our diesel gen-sets are tough and reliable and meet the requirements for on-site fuel storage.” He said natural gas solutions are also approved by AHJs for meeting on-site fuel requirements.

Current NFPA 110 life safety requirements still apply under the AHCA rules. Under the current Florida ruling, 96 hours of diesel fuel is required. Depending on the county in Florida, special requirements need to be made for diesel fuel tanks.

A unique aspect to the installation was the fuel tank. “The facility needed a special low profile fuel tank because there was no room for stairs,” said Agnes. Agnes helped determine a 3,400-gallon fuel tank was needed for the facility and that it was customized to meet the customer’s needs while still meeting safety requirements.

With so much on the line, it is vital assisted living centers work with experts who understand the current and future needs, the rules and regulations to design practical on-site generation solutions that keep the residents the top priority.