Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Start/Stop Times For Generator Load Test

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for generator load tests

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: Is there a standard, that says we need to write the start and stop time on our monthly generator load test for 30 minutes?

A: In so many words there is. I agree that you won’t find a specific standard that says you must record the start and stop times of each test, but section 8.4.2 of NFPA 110-2010 says Diesel generator sets in service shall be exercised at least once monthly, for a minimum of 30 minutes, using one of the following methods:

(1) Loading that maintains the minimum exhaust gas temperatures as recommended by the manufacturer

(2) Under operating temperature conditions and at not less than 30 percent of the EPS nameplate kW rating

If you do not record the start and stop times then how do you prove to a surveyor that you tested the generator for 30-minutes?

It is reasonable and logical for a surveyor to expect you to record the start and stop times to ensure you tested the generator for 30 minutes.

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.



September 30, 2020


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Contaminants Under Foot: A Closer Look at Patient Room Floors

So-called dust bunnies on hospital room floors contain dust particles that turn out to be the major source of the bacteria humans breathe.


Power Outages Largely Driven by Extreme Weather Events

Almost half of power outages in the United States were caused by power outages.


Nemours Children's Health Opens New Moseley Foundation Institute Hospital


Code Compliance Isn't Enough for Healthcare Resilience

Intensifying climate risks are pushing hospitals to think beyond code requirements and toward long-term resilience.


Ribbon Cutting Marks First Phase Completion for New Montefiore Einstein Facility

The second phase is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.