Operating Temperatures

I read the question regarding operating temperature in the 11/29/07 Healthcare Engineering Newsletter. I am referring in particular, the response to a generator which has a connected load which is under 30% and the requirements for a 4 hour test. In reading the response, is this 4 hour test required to be done at 30%, which would require a load bank?

Yes and No. Yes, to satisfy the Joint Commission which added the “30% or greater” clause to EC 7.40; No, to satisfy NFPA 110, 8.4.9.1. The Joint Commission added this requirement after our book was published. However, you should have received a flier with that information when you received your book, if it was purchased after August, 2006.

In the Tri Annual Testing chapter of the Healthcare Emergency Power Supply Systems, it refers to Load Requirement NFPA 110 .8.4.9.1. It states the load shall be the EPSS running at the time of the test? We have one generator that currently has less than a 30% connected load. In the past 6 months, we have completed a 4 plus, hour connected load test. In addition, we have completed a separate 2 hour load bank test.

Unfortunately I think the Joint Commission could insist on a 4 hour test at 30%+, unless you have had a power outage and the total load was greater than 30%.

In your interpretation, do we meet the requirements of the standard, or do we need to do a 4 hour load bank test?

The Joint Commission may cut you some slack…never hurts to ask. Let me know what happens.