By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

Q: I have two questions regarding spark-ignited emergency power generators:

1. What maintenance tests are required for natural or propane generators?

2. Are load bank test required for natural gas or propane gas powered generators?

A: Monthly tests, but since they are spark-ignited generators they do not have to meet a particular load. They just have to operate with the available EPSS load for a minimum of 30 minutes or until the water temperature and oil pressure have stabilized. (See section 8.4.2.4 of NFPA 110-2010).

No, spark-ignited generators are not required to have an annual load bank tests. An annual load bank test is required when diesel powered generators cannot meet the minimum load of 30% of the nameplate rating (in kW) during each monthly load test. Spark-ignited generators are exempt from having to meet this requirement. 

A 3-year 4-hour load test is required for all generators, including spark-ignited generators. But you are not permitted to use a load bank on spark-ignited generators. The 3-year 4-hour load test must operate using the load from the ATS. For spark-ignited generators, the load is permitted to be the available load. (See section 8.4.9.5.3 of the NFPA 110-2010.) Load banks are not permitted for the 3-year 4-hour load test for spark-ignited generator.

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.