emergency planning

Emergency Power Q&A

Erika Thorson

Emergency Power connection solutions Q&A

Many questions arise when beginning your first emergency power connection equipment project. ESL has put together some Frequently Asked Questions from customers throughout the years to assist as you move forward with choosing your back up power solution.

General

Q: How do I know what product will best work with my specific needs?
A: ESL’s knowledgeable sales personnel will gladly assist with helping to identify the proper product for your application. The key factors will be the voltage system and the desired emergency load that is to be fed.

Q: What is UL 1008 and how does it affect me? 
A: Local building inspectors typically require all new electrical equipment installed in their jurisdiction to be “Listed” which means the equipment has been approved by Underwriter Laboratories or another recognized test lab. For standby systems that allow portable generator connection, UL 1008 is the proper standard to comply to. If the equipment is not Listed, it may not be acceptable to the inspector.

Q: Is it difficult to make the generator connection to the StormSwitch®, TripleSwitch® or TempTap® product line?
A: No, they utilize the industry standard 400A series 16 cam-style connectors. ESL’s StormSwitch, TripleSwitch and TempTap are color-coded to the voltage, e.g. 208Y/120 green, white, black, red, blue.

Q: Do the generators have the same color-coded plugs that the StormSwitch, TempTap, and TripleSwitch have? 
A: ESL cannot guarantee that. Industry standard is green for ground, white for neutral, and typically black for “A” phase, red for “B” phase and blue for “C” phase. When entering in an agreement for generator service, it is recommended that you request the aforementioned color-coding for the cams.

StormSwitch

 Q: What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a manual transfer switch with a portable generator versus an automatic transfer switch with a permanent generator?
A: Advantages:
Significantly lower cost
No on-site fuel storage required
No maintenance or standard periodic testing
Easier installation – days instead of weeks
Smaller size
Portable generator can be rented or used at other facilities
Permanent generator requires multiple permits

Disadvantages:
Longer time before generator power is established

Q: Can the StormSwitch be Service Entrance Rated?
A: Yes, the StormSwitch has the option to be SUSE (Suitable for Use as Service Entrance in the USA). This option should only be used when the StormSwitch is installed at the building service entrance.

 Q: What is the reason an additional circuit breaker is available with the purchase of a StormSwitch?
A: Circuit breakers provide over current protection; switches do not. If the supplied generator does not have built in over current protection, then it is recommended that the generator disconnect and the StormSwitch be equipped with a circuit breaker rather than a switch. Also depending on your specific application, you may or may not need over current protection on the utility side. Again, ESL’s knowledgeable Sales personnel will gladly help you in deciding what combination works best for your application.

 Q: How does the StormSwitch compare to a standard “double-throw” or “double-key” transfer box?
A: The traditional “safety switch” and/or “double-throw” switches do not provide the over current protection option that is available in ESL’s StormSwitch. These “safety switch” and/or “double-throw” switches are intended for “hard wiring” and therefore would require a licensed electrician (difficult to find one available as they are in high demand during power outages) to connect and disconnect the generator.

 Additional StormSwitch Q&A can be found here

 TempTap

 Q: What is a TempTap?
A; Also referred to as a docking station or tap box, ESL’s TempTap is a means for direct connection from the generator to the building’s switchgear.

Q: Is there any protection offered in a TempTap?
A: Locking doors and internal connection points to keep unauthorized persons from the device. The TempTap is designed to be a safe and simple pass-through box mounted to the outside of a building. It should be used in conjunction with a with a transfer switch or a utility disconnect.

TripleSwitch

 Q: What is the TripleSwitch designed to do?
A: The UL 1008 Listed TripleSwitch was designed to simplify and reduce the cost of load bank testing procedures and to provide a backup for the permanent generator. This unique 3-way manual transfer switch system provides a quick and completely safe way with mechanically interlocked breakers to supply power to the facility from a portable emergency standby generator in the event the utility power is disrupted due to a power loss when the permanent generators are offline.

Q: I know it’s easy to show the ease of use and the safety aspects of the TripleSwitch, but are there other advantages as well?
A: Yes, an added benefit is a reduction in down time when connecting and disconnecting for load bank testing. Having quick connect cam locks for connecting the portable load bank means set up time is reduced to minutes not hours.

Q: How difficult is this to install a TripleSwitch on a job site?
A: Being UL1008 Listed means the TripleSwitch is built in an enclosure designed to provide the proper bend radius and space for the cable amperage being used. The TripleSwitch is an integrated unit with all necessary breakers and cam-lock connections. This means the contractor is installing one unit thus reducing conduit runs and cable lengths as opposed to alternative multiple unit and switchgear solutions that would require multiple conduit runs.

Q: Can I install the TripleSwitch with an existing permanent generator?
A: Yes, very easily. Being an integrated unit, you typically do not need to design-in new breakers and interlock methods. It is a drop-in solution connecting into the existing connection between the ATS and permanent generator.

ESL’s knowledgeable sales personnel is here to answer any additional questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us! ESL is always here to help!

Public Safety Power Shutoff: The Power of Being Prepared

Erika Thorson

Public Safety Power Shutoff Blog header

Is your business ready when the next Public Safety Power Shutoff occurs?

Do you have a plan to get your business up and running if the power is out for days?

Emergency back-up power contingencies must be at the core of your business power shutoff plans now that local energy companies may need to turn off power during extreme weather conditions. According to sce.com, “Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are an operational practice where we [CA local energy companies] preemptively shut off power in high fire risk areas to reduce fire risk during extreme and potentially dangerous fire weather conditions” (https://www.sce.com/safety/wildfire/psps).

ESL’s quick connect manual transfer switch (StormSwitch™) provides a cost-effective solution for municipalities and businesses ready to take action in preparation for the next Public Safety Power Shutoff.

When considering which manual transfer switch is best for your business during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, there are a few factors to consider:

  1. Ampacity Draw/Usage
    The first step in selecting a transfer switch is determining what ampacity is needed to provide power to the building. In the event of a prolonged Public Safety Power Shutoff, will all of your electrical equipment need to be powered or can you get by with only some equipment being operational? If the entire facility needs to be powered, then the ampacity should match the building’s service. In many cases, only a portion of electrical power is necessary for a facility to remain operational during a PSPS. In this situation, the transfer switch ampacity and subpanel would need to match the ampacity proportion needed.
  2. Permanent vs. Portable generator
    A permanent generator works with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). An ATS transfers the power source from the utility grid to the generator in seconds. While minimizing downtime is a huge advantage, an automatic system can be quite costly when considering the cost of the switch, permanent generator, fuel storage, installation, and regular maintenance of generator. A cost-effective alternative for preparing for a PSPS is a manual transfer switch which can allow you to connect a portable generator to your facility during a power shutoff. With a portable generator and manual transfer switch, “quick-disconnect” connections can be established (within minutes) restoring power to your business.
  3. Safety Requirements from Local Jurisdiction
    Local building inspectors typically require all new electrical equipment installed in their jurisdiction to be “Listed” which means the equipment has been approved by Underwriters Laboratories or another recognized test lab. For standby systems that allow portable generator connection, UL 1008 is the proper standard to adhere to. If the equipment is not properly Listed, it may not be accepted by the inspector.

Evaluating a backup system that is suitable to your needs is an important step in preparing for the next Public Safety Power Shutoff. Installation of a manual transfer switch requires some planning, but it can be the difference in your facility being operational versus out-of-business. A PSPS event will last as long as the extreme and potentially dangerous fire weather conditions exist, along with additional time to inspect/repair equipment in the affected area(s) to ensure safe and reliable power restoration. Will your business be the one ready to serve your customers at a time when demand is high?

ESL is here to help you determine which solution is best for your business and what additional options may be helpful. Be prepared. Plan ahead. Learn more about manual transfer switches and how you can keep the lights on during a PSPS event.

Power U: As Utility Power Outages Rise, 3 Universities Keep Emergency Backup Costs Down

Erika Thorson

 

ESL Emergency Power Case Study Image

Emergency Backup Case Study

May 2019

Client Profiles

Auburn University

Built in 1969, the Haley Center at Auburn University is home to the College of Education classrooms, bookstore, administrative offices, computer labs, and a dining hall. As the tallest building on campus, it has a labyrinth of corridors that regularly confuse new students. It houses the main power source and backup generator for campus-wide life-safety systems. Because of this, the system and its backup generator must be tested regularly.

“At Auburn University, options for temporarily shutting down power can be limited. Sometimes it’s hard to schedule an outage because it affects so many people due to the critical nature of the building’s services and functions. That’s why AU needs a way to load bank or test an emergency backup generator quickly and efficiently, with minimal downtime.”

– Adam Mills, Project Engineer
    Mills-Conoly Engineering
    Montgomery, Ala.

A New Hampshire college

A New Hampshire college distributes its own power to select campus areas, including its renovated, main dining commons. The institution’s engineering and utilities team recently installed a large, new backup generator at the facility. The engineers know that in order to comply with NEC 2017 700.3(F) the system must include a provision to connect a portable backup generator.

“We test our generators under load weekly – which is more frequently than code requires. Some of our generators aren’t loaded adequately, and some don’t have an MTS installed. When we bring in a portable generator or load bank, at times we have to tear apart the wiring to hard-connect the portable unit, which means we have to close the building because emergency backup power isn’t available during maintenance. It’d be a lot easier if we’d install transfer switches that allow us to switch to and from temporary equipment.”

– Laura A. Black, Electrical Engineer
    Hanover, N.H.

A leading North Carolina university

The fuel pump failed on a permanent backup generator at a public television center for a leading North Carolina university. Fixing it meant leaving the facility without backup power in the event of an emergency. Before starting the repair, engineers looked for a better way to hook up a backup generator during future emergencies and discovered this also meant installing a manual transfer switch.

“We like to spec backup-power products that are straightforward and easy for our clients to use. Equipment needs to be clearly marked and require minimal training to operate. It’s important to us because, when there’s an outage, we don’t want to leave users searching for a manual in the dark to get the power back on.”

– Addison M. Dee, PE, Electrical Project Engineer
    McKim & Creed, Inc.
    Raleigh, N.C.

Choices

Permanent or portable? The growing challenge of backup power generation at higher-education institutions

As centers of both education and community life, colleges and universities are challenged with meeting the needs of a diverse range of people and activities. From student housing and dining to classrooms and administrative offices, sports arenas and arts venues, medical facilities and research labs, assuring reliable backup power in the event of an emergency or outage is of paramount concern. The challenge becomes even greater when considering aging infrastructure, the rise of traditional and non-traditional students, and the emergence of extreme weather patterns that have led to an increase in power outages across the U.S.[1]

Guaranteeing uninterruptible backup power by installing a permanent generator and ATS, which are required for certain mission-critical applications and life-safety systems, requires costly, ongoing, special testing and maintenance. This is why many engineers specify provisions for quick connection of a load-bank testing unit and/or portable generator. The goal is to ensure standby systems are always ready and comply with regulatory testing requirements.

When making a decision about the best type of backup-power system for non-critical applications, where instantaneous power restoration isn’t required, the high cost and space requirements of a permanent generator often make portable power generation the best choice.

University challenges

  • Ensuring the safety and well-being of large numbers of academic and community users in a diverse range of operating facilities and situations
  • The expense and logistics of installing a permanent backup generator and automatic-transfer switch
  • Providing backup power to a permanent generator while down for maintenance or repair
  • Disruptions to campus life caused by outages when testing or servicing a permanent generator
  • Complying with NEC 2017 700.3(F), which requires built-in, temporary power-connection capabilities for an emergency system that relies on a single, alternate power source while the alternate source is disabled for maintenance or repair
  • Needing an electrician to switch from utility power to backup, and vice versa, to reduce the risk of back feeding or cross-connecting power sources
  • Time-consuming and inefficient rewiring to accommodate a portable load bank
  • Wet stacking and diesel-engine failure caused by repeated, insufficient loads while routinely exercising a permanent generator
  • Confusion as users rush to restore power when the lights are out

Solutions

Auburn University: Ensuring backup power to the life-safety system

Mills-Conoly Engineering is a professional engineering consultant to Auburn University. All four of its engineers have degrees in electrical engineering from the university. MCE specified the installation of an ESL Power Systems TripleSwitch™ to provide an easy connection to portable backup power for the life-safety system housed in the AU Haley Center. They installed a 300kW permanent backup generator along with a TripleSwitch that enables users to connect a temporary portable backup generator safely if the permanent generator goes offline.

With CAM-lock-connectors that allow users to connect a portable generator and load bank quickly, the mechanically interlocked TripleSwitch breakers provide a failsafe way to transition from utility power to backup generator or to test a load bank – without endangering users or infrastructure. Now the university’s life-safety system complies with NEC 2017 700.3(F), which requires a means of connecting a temporary alternate power source during maintenance. The new TripleSwitch enables Haley Center technicians to load-bank test the building’s main generator without disconnecting wires inside the permanent generator.

New Hampshire college: Retrofits and new installations

At the New Hampshire college, most buildings have dedicated, permanent backup generators for emergency and standby power. The school tests all generators with load banks annually, as required. Its engineering and utilities team has firsthand experience with generators that have problems due to engine wet stacking. They’ve learned the hard way that a proper, permanent load-banking capability eliminates the dirty job of cleaning out excess soot that collects in a lightly loaded generator’s diesel-exhaust system.

The institution prefers to install permanent manual-transfer switches and its performing arts center already had an outdoor, portable-generator docking station. Engineers opted to add a TripleSwitch because it assures temporary-source-of-power code compliance. Later, while renovating the dining commons, the NEC issue came up again. This time, however, the college requested installation of a TripleSwitch from the outset and now looks forward to capably installing automatically switched, permanent generators at other campus facilities.

Manual-transfer switching made easy at a North Carolina university television transmission site

MEP engineering consultants McKim & Creed work on projects for the state of North Carolina. The firm’s principal engineers have specified the installation of ESL TripleSwitch units in a number of educational settings, including an emergency-power system for a university public-television-station site in Research Triangle Park.

McKim & Creed opted to specify ESL Power Systems products for several reasons, and product simplicity was at the top of the list. Everything is clearly marked, which makes it easy for users to attach cables for a portable generator or load bank. There are no Kirk locks or keys. The engineers also like the fact that ESL is one of the few companies actively developing new products to comply with the NEC 2017 700.3(F) ‘Temporary Source of Power’ code. Finally, ESL makes the engineers’ jobs easier by responding quickly to technical questions about product applications and solutions. For McKim & Creed, that level of responsiveness is a big plus.

Actions

More universities are discovering the advantages of temporary/portable backup power

When it comes to providing on-campus backup power, administrators are faced with a simple question: ‘How fast is necessary?’ Does an application call for immediate, automatic backup power, the kind of critical-facility solution that requires installing a permanent backup generator and ATS, with the unavoidable expenditures, maintenance, and logistics? Or is there a simpler, less-expensive solution: portable, temporary backup power restored within minutes via an ESL StormSwitch™?

For many universities, in a variety of applications, one solution that addresses a number of different challenges is to plan for portable-backup power in the future by installing a manual-transfer switch today.

We’ve installed only ESL units and we can think of no reason to install anything else.

Caleb Cofield is a project manager with Electrical Technicians, Inc., an experienced industrial electrical contractor that serves the Auburn University campus. Caleb says, “We’ve installed at least three ESL manual transfer switches at AU recently. The StormSwitch is one of the most robust – and nice-looking – devices we install. It’s very well made. It’s well organized and it’s got plenty of room for pulling in multiple, parallel lines of conduit and wiring. We’ve installed only ESL units and we can think of no reason to install anything else.”

About us

ESL Power Systems, Inc. is the global leader in providing safety-interlocked power solutions for cord-connected devices. Since its inception in the early 1990s, ESL has become an innovator in designing and manufacturing top-quality electrical products including:

  • Manual transfer switches for emergency power
  • Electrical connecting devices for refrigerated containers and RTGs
  • Ship-to-shore power connection equipment
  • Company switches for set-stage applications
  • Shipyard power distribution equipment
  • Wayside power connection applications

As a certified small business, ESL is proud to offer solutions with the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. ESL demonstrates its continuous commitment to customers by delivering sound workmanship on time and within budget.

Download TripleSwitch Product Specifications

[1] ‘Power Outages On The Rise Across The U.S.,’ Inside Energy. Jordan Wirfs-Brock, 18 Aug. 2014.

ESL Announces “OSP” Special Seismic Certification

Erika Thorson

oshpd_seismic-certified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ESL Announces OSHPD “OSP” Special Seismic Certification of StormSwitch™ and TripleSwitch™ Emergency Power Products

Date: March 25, 2019

Corona, CA — ESL Power Systems, Inc. now features Emergency Power connection equipment that is Special Seismic Certified from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). This approval is intended to assist specifiers in meeting NEC and local code requirements for seismic certification of emergency and standby power equipment in critical facilities.

“We determined that obtaining approval by OSHPD would provide enormous value in knowing  our core products have been shaker-table tested and certified to endure major earthquakes without fail” states ESL’s President Michael Hellmers.  In addition to offering pre-approved seismic emergency back-up products to help end users meet the strict OSHPD-requirements for projects based on the current California Building Code (2015), ESL’s Emergency power product line includes UL/cUL  1008 Listing up to 3000 amps  for manual transfer switches  and 3-way manual transfer switches.

Where hospitals and critical care facilities need back-up power they must choose equipment that is OSHPD certified; critical equipment not pre-approved will require 3rd party testing and projects will be delayed which translates into added costs. The OSHPD Special Seismic Certification (OSP) was created to help streamline and simplify hospital construction.

In addition, ESL’s StormSwitch™ and TripleSwitch™ are designed and tested in compliance with IBC 2015. For specific information on ESL’s OSHPD seismic certified emergency power equipment and to download Specifications for Engineers, visit eslpwr.com/oshpd.

Established in 1995, ESL specializes in engineered power distribution solutions that are safe to use and easy to operate. ESL’s line of emergency power connection equipment for commercial and industrial applications are UL/cUL 1008 Listed for StormSwitch™ – Manual Transfer Switches up to 3000A, TripleSwitch™ – 3-Way Manual Transfer Switches up to 3000A and TempTap™ – Generator Docking Stations up to 3200A.

As a certified small business, ESL is proud to provide Made in the USA solutions with the lowest cost of ownership in the industry. ESL demonstrates its continuous commitment to customers by delivering sound workmanship on time and within budget. For more information, visit eslpwr.com/oshpd.

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Florida Legislation Ensures Preparations for Hurricane Season

Erika Thorson

2018 Hurricane Predictions

On March 26, 2018, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed Legislation SB 7028 and HB 7099 requiring Florida state nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have an emergency backup generator capable of keeping facilities at 81 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for at least four days.

According to the new legislation, all Florida state facilities have until July 1, 2018 to comply with the new rule. As the 2018 hurricane season nears, Florida families can be reassured facilities responsible for caring for their loved ones will now be fully prepared ahead of any potential major storms.

 Emergency preparedness is a critical component to safeguarding our communities.

According to www.flgov.com’s news release announcement of the legislation, the goal is to “ensure that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are prepared for the start of the upcoming hurricane season. Florida faces an annual risk from Mother Nature, and these rules will help keep seniors safe during a possible devastating weather event or periods with prolonged power outage.”

The 2018 hurricane season is predicted to have 12 to 15 tropical storms. Of those storms, 6 to 8 are forecasted to become hurricanes and 3 to 5 forecasted to become major hurricanes (accuweather.com).

Emergency preparedness is a critical component to safeguarding our communities. ESL Power Systems can help with emergency readiness and recovery plans by providing the ability to connect or load test your backup power safely and quickly.

We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or when you’re ready for a project quote, ESL is here to help. Just click the button below to contact us.