Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Ragin Cajun, Location: Upstate S.C.
Asked on: Monday, March 14, 2011 at 3:49 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 2:47 am EDT
Question: Working on a town hall where the town wants the whole building to be on a generator, except for the chiller.I plan on two transfer switches, one for all building lighting, the elevator (ADA escape), the fire alarm system, telephone and similar life safety loads with the second transfer switch for the rest of the building loads.Does anyone see a problem with this?Thanks,RC
There are a few potential issues to consider with your plan: Chiller isolation
If the chiller is not connected to the generator, it will not be able to operate during a power outage. This could lead to the building overheating and becoming uncomfortable or even dangerous for occupants.
Emergency egress
The elevator is an important means of emergency egress for people with disabilities. If the elevator is not connected to the generator, it will not be able to operate during a power outage, which could pose a safety hazard.
Fire alarm system
The fire alarm system is a critical life safety system. If the fire alarm system is not connected to the generator, it will not be able to operate during a power outage, which could delay or prevent people from evacuating the building in the event of a fire.
To address these issues, you may want to consider the following
Connecting the chiller to the generator
This will ensure that the chiller can operate during a power outage and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Installing a battery backup system for the elevator
This will allow the elevator to operate for a limited time during a power outage, providing a means of emergency egress for people with disabilities.
Connecting the fire alarm system to the generator
This will ensure that the fire alarm system can operate during a power outage, alerting occupants to a fire and providing them with time to evacuate.
Additionally, you may want to consider the following
Load shedding
If the generator is not large enough to power all of the building's loads, you may want to consider implementing a load shedding system. This system would automatically disconnect non-essential loads from the generator during a power outage, ensuring that essential loads receive power.
Automatic transfer switches: Automatic transfer switches can be used to automatically transfer loads from the utility grid to the generator during a power outage. This can help to minimize the risk of interruption to critical loads and ensure a smooth transition to generator power.By addressing these issues, you can help to ensure that the town hall is safe and functional during a power outage. Flag for review