Emergency Generator Testing Requirements

Power keeps things running smoothly in any organization. Without a backup solution, temporary power loss may lead to several business risks, including loss of life and property. Emergency generators produce standby electricity, especially in mission-critical facilities like hospitals, data centers and emergency response centers. Regular maintenance and testing are paramount for this equipment to perform as it should. 

Importance of Emergency Generator Testing

Emergency generators are crucial when the grid goes down. Like other precautionary measures, they must be ready to work when you need them. You should periodically test your emergency generator for several reasons.

• Prevent unforeseen malfunctions: Because you don’t use your emergency generator daily, you can’t be confident it’s in peak condition unless you test.
• Improve service life: Inspections let you promptly flag and repair faults that arise, prolonging your generator’s lifespan.
• Assure safety: Emergency generator testing is an excellent way to detect flaws that pose a safety risk, such as fuel and gas leaks. 
• Emergency power compliance: Regular generator testing complies with regulations, such as those specified by the National Fire Protection Association. 
• Save time and money: Though routine testing isn’t free, it will save you money on repairs and replacements, or paying compensation for loss of lives or injuries if your emergency generator fails in a blackout. Additionally, regular testing protects your organization from unplanned downtime due to power outages. 

NFPA 110 Generator Testing Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association outlines specific generator testing regulations in its NFPA 110 standards, which classify emergency power supply systems into levels, classes and types. 

• Level: According to NFPA 110, there are two emergency power supply system levels. The distinction between the two levels is a threat to life. While failure of emergency generators in level 1 can lead to the loss of human life or serious injury, those in level 2 are less threatening. Facilities under level 1, like hospitals, have more stringent emergency generator testing requirements.
• Class: This classification outlines how long emergency generators must run at maximum capacity without refueling. 
• Type: There are different specifications for the maximum time between loss of power and restoration through backup power. For instance, emergency generators with a type 10 classification must restore power within 10 seconds after loss. 

These classifications are crucial for determining several aspects of your emergency generator testing requirements. For instance, if your emergency generator falls under level 1, your testing frequency will be higher than that of emergency power supply systems in level 2. 

Types of Emergency Generator Tests

Since you don’t use your emergency generator often, its output capacity can decline over time. Use these periodic tests to keep your generator in peak condition for emergencies. 

Load Bank Tests

A load bank test is a preventive maintenance technique that simulates real-world load conditions to test your generator’s capacity to function optimally in an emergency. To conduct this test, a technician uses a specialized device to create the same pressure and temperature conditions that would occur during a genuine crisis. Some signals to monitor during a load bank test include output voltage and noise. Fixing abnormalities noticed during the test will ensure the emergency generator is reliable for an actual power outage. 

Automatic Transfer Switch Tests

The transfer switch is a pivotal component of an emergency power supply system. Failure to transition to the correct power supply source in an emergency can result in costly delays.

During this test, a technician simulates a power outage to assess how quickly the automatic transfer switch kicks in and delivers power to the backup supply. 

Fuel Quality Testing

Though fuel is not a direct component of an emergency generator, it guarantees reliability and continuous runtime. If all the other technological components are in perfect condition but the emergency generator has contaminated fuel, the component is ineffective. Impure fuel can lead to several consequences, including blocked valves, malfunctioning injection systems and emergency generator failure.

The NFPA 110 standard specifies fuel testing requirements to assess fuel inventories for ongoing long-term storage. Standard fuel quality testing involves taking samples from different points of your storage tank to monitor properties that can affect usability and performance. 

Emergency Generator Testing Schedule

Your emergency generator’s classification determines how often you must test it. According to generator testing regulations, these are the recommended schedules. 

• Weekly: While you don’t need to test your level 1 emergency generator weekly, you should visually check its components at least once. 
• Monthly: Level 1 and level 2 emergency generators should not be idle for long periods to prevent wet stacking, in which unburned fuel passes through the combustion chamber and builds up within the engine’s exhaust. Conduct monthly test exercises under load for 30 minutes or above 30% nameplate rating as a preventive measure. 
• Triennial: If your emergency generator falls under level 1 of the NFPA 110 classification, you must conduct a complete system run load test at least once every three years. This test should last at least four hours at the actual building load. 

What to Check During Testing and Inspection

Every detail matters when testing and inspecting your emergency generator. Use the following checklist to complete a thorough evaluation. 

• Fluid level inspection: Confirm that the fuel, oil and coolant levels are up to standard and refill if necessary.
• Visual inspection: Look at the generator’s bodywork for leaks and other signs of physical damage. 
• Battery system inspection: Examine battery voltage and remove corrosion or dirt.
• Ventilation system inspection: Ventilation ducts should be undamaged and unobstructed. 
• Electrical system inspection: Ensure wiring and connections are intact. 
• Fuel system inspection: Examine fuel tanks for damage or leaks. Replace blocked filters, if necessary. 

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Fully Functional Emergency Generators

Emergency generators ensure an uninterrupted power supply for your business. Regular testing in compliance with NFPA 110 standards is the best way to prepare for emergencies like blackouts or natural disasters. Foster Fuels has over 100 years of specialized experience in fuel testing and analysis. You can trust us to assess your fuel quality to ensure it meets the required standards. 

High-quality fuels are another must-have in emergencies. Fuels are the lifeblood of emergency generators — without them, your generators will not function, regardless of how often you test them. Foster Fuels provides emergency refueling services to reduce downtime for your busy organization. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work with you.