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4 views1 page

CSE20240201_Part34

Uploaded by

Abco
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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BUILDING SOLUTIONS

STANDBY, EMERGENCY AND BACKUP POWER

‘
failure of the equipment to perform could result
NFPA 110 provides excellent guidance in in loss of human life or serious injuries. A Level
2 system is where failure of the EPSS to perform
understanding the requirement when classifying is less critical to human life and safety. NFPA 110
Appendix A is a reference to assist the designer
the requirements of different types of emergency in understanding the intent of what loads might
qualify as either Level 1 or Level 2.

’
power supply systems. NFPA 110 provides excellent guidance in
understanding the requirement when classifying
the requirements of different types of emergency
power supply systems, but how does the designer
categories above, therefore the category terms used know which components of a building or project
depend on the application involved. These types, are applicable to these classifications? Start with
classes and levels are essential in helping to dis- the understanding of the project and its occupan-
tinguish the proper classification of the alternate cy and use classification in the applicable building
power distribution system. code or standard.
An EPSS class refers to the length of time
required for an EPSS to provide power to a load Understanding power system intent
(duration the load can be served) without being The building code or standard for a given
refueled (NFPA 110 Table 4.1(a)) as well as the municipality is dictated by the authority having
maximum time allowed for the load terminals jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ, whether that is the
of transfer equipment to be without acceptable local building department or other governmen-
power (how quickly the load needs to receive tal agency will determine the building code that is
power, (NFPA 110 Table 4.1(b)). applicable at the time of design. The IBC is a com-
Further, NFPA 110 defines levels for EPSS mon compliance requirement for many buildings.
equipment installation, performance and main-
tenance requirements. A Level 1 system is where The IBC defines the following terms:

CASE STUDY: Food production facility requires varied power approach


THIS FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITY was broken into three Building code requirements
areas, each of which achieve specific power needs IBC requirements:
Per Article 2702.2, the smoke control system required for the
A new flagship refrigerated food production facility is being three-story office atrium is required to be provided with standby
constructed. The facility is 250,000 square feet, primarily sin- power (2702.2.17 and 404.7). Further, the standby power source
gle story (36-foot high production and warehouse space) with a and its transfer switches shall be in a separate room from the
three-story office area including an atrium. normal power transformers and switch gears and directly venti-
The building requires a fire alarm system and given the refriger- lated to and from the exterior (per 909.11.1).
ated production areas, a large machine room is present that uses Per Article 2702.2.14, emergency power is required for the
anhydrous ammonia refrigeration compressors to provide cooling building egress illumination and fire alarm systems.
to the process spaces. In addition, the owner has requested that
the entire office area operate during a power outage. IFC requirements:
During design, it is determined that the building occupancy Per Article 916.5 and ANSI/IIAR CO2-2021 Safety Standard
areas include: business (B-1), factory (F-1) and storage (S-1). The for Closed-Circuit Carbon Dioxide Refrigeration Systems as
applicable codes per the municipality include: well as good engineering practices, standby and emergency
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC). power shall be provided to serve the gas detection system and
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). emergency ventilation system within the ammonia machine
• 2023 NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC). room.

32 | January/February 2024 consulting-Specifying engineer — www.csemag.com

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