Emergency Generator and Type 1, 2 and 3 designations

[Vlab20]

I am an architect working on a ambulatory surgery center in Wisconsin. The code is IBC plus NFPA 101 plus FGI Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities plus...

I am looking at specifically providing an emergency generator and I am confused as to what needs to be on the generator. I started at NFPA 101, Chapter 20-21 which refers me to NFPA 101 7.9 for emergency lighting and to NFPA 99 for general anesthesia and life support equipment. I go to NFPA 99 and this is where I feel I am missing something. NFPA 99 describes three types of Essential Electrical Systems (EES) a type 1, 2 and 3. They describe in great detail what systems etc should be on a type 1, 2 and 3 BUT they do not tell me what type system I am supposed to select. In the distant past I believe the selection process was based on the life of the patient in the event of a power failure. Type 1 being the most extreme...if power is lost patient will most likely die, type 2 is patient might die, type 3 patient will not die. I can not find that direction in NFPA 99 or anywhere else. I did find in the FGI Guidelines inthe ASHRAE 170 insert that space ventilation and pressure relationships need to be maintained for Class B and C operating rooms which answers a part of my question but I am still missing the step that leads to these Type 1, 2 and 3 designations.

Can anyone lend a hand? Thanks.

 

[Gregg Harris]

Try NFPA 110 annex section gives a description for what you are looking for. 4.4.1 Level 1 system shall be installed where failure of the equipment to perform would result in loss of human life.

 

[Dr. J]

The required type comes out of NFPA 99. You must determine which version you are held to. CMS/TJC use the 1999 version because they are still on the 2000 NFPA 101. If a local AHJ adopts a later version of NFPA 101, then a later version of NFPA 99 (2005 or 2012) is used.

I have 2005 electronically, so here is the citation.

From Ch 14 "Other Healthcare Facilities" (Other being not a hospital)

14.3.4.1 Electrical Distribution System. For ambulatory health care centers, the electrical distribution system for patient care areas shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 4, Electrical Systems. These requirements shall apply to new construction. Existing installations shall not need to be modified, provided that they meet the operational safety requirements in 4.3.3.2 and 4.3.3.3 (see 1.3.2).

14.3.4.2 Essential Electrical Distribution System. The essential electrical distribution system shall conform to a Type 3 system as described in Chapter 4.

14.3.4.2.1 If electrical life support equipment is required, the essential electrical distribution system shall conform to a Type 1 system as described in Chapter 4.

14.3.4.2.2 If critical care areas are present, the essential electrical distribution system shall conform to a Type 1 system as described in Chapter 4.

1999 is similar, but it is Ch. 13. 2012 comes at the problem from a totally different angle but generally arrives at the same conclusion.

So, this tells you that you probably need a Type 1 system.

Now go to Ch 4 (ch 3 in 1999, Ch. 6 in 2012), section 4.4.2.2.2, to find the list of equipment that goes on each of the three branches of the essential power supply system.

 

[Vlab20]

Dr. J...drives the lane and dunks it home!!! Thank you. With all the searching my blinders must have been on and did not see Chapter 14...Thanks!

 

[Vlab20]

Gregg...thank you.