E&Power 2019spring

Electrical
& Power
Spring Edition
Contents
3  How to design electrical rooms

15  Understanding the changes to NFPA 70-2017
27  Selecting, sizing transformers in nonresidential buildings
39  Designing backup, standby and emergency power for high-
performance buildings
49  Specifying paralleled generation systems
61  Your questions answered: Emergency, standby,
and backup generators
2
How to design
electrical rooms
Electrical engineers should coordinate with mechanical engineers, architects,
structural engineers, and others involved in the design of electrical rooms.
 How to design
electrical rooms
E lectrical rooms and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) spaces are often an
afterthought when it comes to building design and planning, either relegated to lo-
cations that are left over or deemed undesirable for other planning purposes. This short-
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
sightedness can have unfortunate consequences on the cost, operations, and flexibility Selecting, sizing
transformers in
of the systems for the future.
nonresidential buildings
Designing backup,
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) dictates the minimum amount of space needed standby, and emergency
around the equipment for access, operations, safety reasons, and conduit installation. power for high-
Together, with the actual equipment sizes, this defines the overall minimum dimensional
requirements of the room. Specifying paralleled
generation systems
There are three types of general interior electrical spaces that factor into new building Your questions
answered: Emergency,
design: main equipment rooms, distribution pathways, and local/branch equipment standby, and backup
rooms. Code-required working space and dedicated space needs must be met. This ar- generators
ticle will outline important considerations for these spaces in the early stages of building
design as they relate to building type, intended occupancy, size, and future expectations
of both the building and the electrical systems.
Working vs. dedicated spaces

Let’s first define what differentiates working and dedicated space as stated by the NEC
3
How to design electrical rooms
(see Figure 1). The working space helps

safeguard a clear working zone around
all equipment and ensures protection
for any workers or occupants within the
room. This includes defining minimum  How to design
electrical rooms
width, depth, and height requirements
for the working space, which varies due Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
to voltage and the specific equipment.
2017
The higher the voltage of the equipment,
Selecting, sizing
the greater the depth of the working transformers in
space. The width should be equal to the nonresidential buildings
width of the equipment and no less than Designing backup,
30 in., while allowing for opening any standby, and emergency
power for high-
doors or hinged panels to a full 90 deg. performance buildings
The height should be 6 ft 6 in. from the floor, Figure 1: The dedicated space (depicted in red)
and the working clearances (depicted in blue) are Specifying paralleled
or the height of the equipment if greater than shown in a new emergency distribution room. generation systems
6 ft 6 in. Image courtesy: CannonDesign
Your questions
standby, and backup
The style and construction type of the electrical equipment dictates whether only front
generators
access is required, or if rear and/or side access also is required. For each point of access
to a piece of equipment, the minimum working clearances must be provided.
Dedicated space is a zone above the electrical equipment. It’s reserved to provide future
access to the electrical equipment, protection of the electrical equipment from foreign
systems, and for installing conduit/other raceways supporting incoming and outgoing
circuits. The requirement for dedicated space applies primarily to switchgear, switch- 4
boards, panelboards, and mo-

tor control centers. The space
should be equal in width and
depth to the equipment size
and extend from the floor to a  How to design
electrical rooms
height of 6 ft above the equip-
ment (or to a structural ceiling, Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
whichever is lower). No equip-
2017
ment or systems foreign to the
Selecting, sizing
electrical installation are al- transformers in
lowed in this zone by the NEC. nonresidential buildings
Designing backup,
The area above the dedicated standby, and emergency
Figure 2: The medium-voltage switchgear sections power for high-
space may contain foreign systems, pro- performance buildings
and unit substation transformers in a large data center
vided proper protection prevents damage installation require additional space and clearances. Specifying paralleled
from drips, leaks, or breaks in these sys- Image courtesy: CannonDesign generation systems
tems. However, it’s good practice to avoid having these systems installed in electrical Your questions
rooms altogether. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generators
While installations of equipment greater than 1,000 V generally follow the same princi-
ples, some of the specifics vary, requiring additional clearance around the equipment
due to the increased hazard that these voltages impose (see Figure 2). Access to this
equipment is preferably limited to only those deemed qualified to be there. For this rea-
son, electrical equipment should be installed in rooms or spaces that are dedicated for
that purpose and have controlled access.
5
The first room type we’ll explore in this article—a main equipment room—has distinctive
needs that separate it from distribution spaces or local/branch equipment rooms.
Main equipment rooms

The main electrical room, or service entrance space, should coordinate with the local  How to design
electrical rooms
electrical utility (refer to NEC Article 230, Services, for additional details pertaining to the
installation of service entrance conductors and equipment). For example, main equip- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
ment rooms have requirements that dictate access to the space from the exterior for
2017
servicing, maintenance, and service feeder installation. The type of equipment installed
Selecting, sizing
will also further determine the room requirements. The service entrance room is typically transformers in
located on an exterior wall for both code and practical reasons; it makes installation easi- nonresidential buildings
er and minimizes the length of the service entrance conductors. Because the service con- Designing backup,
ductors are usually the largest in the facility, this can have a substantial impact on cost. standby, and emergency
power for high-
Using arc-resistant switchgear will also impact space needs. This equipment will be taller
Specifying paralleled
and may have a larger footprint. Engineers will also need to account for the potential generation systems
exhaust gases and arc flash energy by providing a pathway to expel them and relieve the Your questions
pressure buildup from inside the switchgear. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generators
If an exterior transformer is used to provide the service to a building, feeders from the
transformer enter the building and transition to the main service entrance disconnect,
typically a switchgear, switchboard, or panelboard. These feeders are often routed un-
derground into the building through the exterior foundation wall via a coordinated
opening. Additional coordination with the structural engineer is needed to avoid foot-
ings.
6
The elevation of the service entrance conduits many times do not naturally align with the
equipment to which it is routed. Additional space in the form of increased height or foot-
print commonly is required to allow for the successful transition and termination of these
conduits and conductors. Service installations that require medium-voltage equipment
and/or transformers installed indoors will require additional elements including more  How to design
electrical rooms
space, higher fire ratings of the rooms (per NEC Article 450), and increased ventilation.
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
The location of any exterior equipment also needs to be coordinated with other archi-
2017
tectural and landscaping elements. Minimum separation distances are often dictated
Selecting, sizing
by local codes/ordinances or utility requirements for proximity to screen walls, fencing, transformers in
vegetation, paths of egress, or building fenestration. nonresidential buildings
Designing backup,
Generator installations offer additional challenges when it comes to defining space standby, and emergency
power for high-
needs. Noise, odor, and vibration factor into the location of this equipment within a performance buildings
building. The equipment should be located to minimize disturbances to building occu-
pants and adjacent properties. Many jurisdictions have specific requirements on noise generation systems
emissions, which will impact equipment placement and other components needed to Your questions
meet requirements. Increasing the distance of this equipment from sensitive areas is one answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
way of dealing with the concerns, but this comes with added feeder costs and may prove
generators
to be more costly than other options.
Sound attenuation and equipment required to meet specific emissions requirements,

such as diesel oxidation catalyst, particulate filters, urea tanks, and selective catalytic
reduction units, have significant cost implications and require a large amount of space to
install. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines the performance standards for
stationary combustion engines in 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart III. 7
Tier 4 versus Tier 2 compliance

is usually dictated by an owner’s
desire to use a generator for utility
peak shaving or other nonemer-
gency uses. It is crucial to have  How to design
electrical rooms
a clear understanding of current
and future implications in both of Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
these areas from the outset of a
2017
project and to discuss them thor-
Selecting, sizing
oughly with the building owner. transformers in
The weight of a generator and the Designing backup,
Figure 3: At the Coppin State University Science standby, and emergency
vibration experienced during its operation will
and Technology Center, conduit pathways need power for high-
have an impact on the building’s structural de- to be considered when designing electrical performance buildings
sign. Generators require a lot of ventilation for rooms to ensure proper clearances are met and
that the distribution if efficient. Image courtesy: Specifying paralleled
cooling and combustion needs; getting air into generation systems
Mathew Kirschner Photograph
and out of the room is critical and will impact Your questions
placement. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generators
With regard to fuel storage, most installations require a volume of fuel that dictates
an external fuel tank with interconnecting fuel lines. NFPA limits the overall capacity of
diesel fuel inside buildings to 660 gal. The relationship of the exterior tank and the gen-
erator is also important to minimize pumping requirements and allow for gravity-drain
return-fuel piping. This requires the fuel tank to be lower in elevation than the generator.
Direct access to the outside is preferable for maintenance and testing. All of this requires 8
close coordination with the architectural, structural, and mechanical disciplines.
NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems requires the emergen-
cy power supply (generators) for Level 1 installations to be installed in a separate room,
separated from the rest of the building by 2-hour fire-rated construction. While NFPA 110  How to design
electrical rooms
does allow the emergency power supply system equipment (EPSS; equipment consists
of all components from the emergency power supply, or EPS, to the load terminals of the Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
transfer switches) to be installed in the same room as the EPS, it is good practice to keep
2017
these separated to help enhance system resiliency. EPS rooms are also prone to addi-
Selecting, sizing
tional dust, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and excessive noise during operation transformers in
that limits the ability to have a conversation and may have a negative impact on other nonresidential buildings
equipment if co-located. Designing backup,
standby, and emergency
power for high-
For mission critical facilities (e.g., financial institutions, data centers, and airports) and performance buildings
other highly sensitive installations, the use of a dry-type, preaction, or another type of
fire protection system that does not rely on a normally wet piping installation is highly generation systems
recommended. In cold climates, this has an added advantage of preventing pipes from Your questions
freezing, rupturing, and potentially flooding the EPS room. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generators
Distribution pathways
Distribution pathways are needed for interconnecting all the electrical equipment and
end-user devices, and the pathways will affect where rooms are located. Conduits can
be routed above the equipment, below ground, or in the ceiling space of the floor be-
low, though overhead conduits need space within the rooms to leave the equipment
and transition to the desired route going to other parts of the building (see Figure 3).
The routing of the feeders and how they enter/exit the distribution equipment must be 9
evaluated during design and re-

confirmed during the shop drawing
review, as this will impact how the
equipment is constructed and affect
its physical size.  How to design
electrical rooms
Below grade conduit routing needs Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
to be coordinated with other util-
2017
ities and footing/foundation ele-
Selecting, sizing
ments. The restrictions that these transformers in
place on the routing may impact the nonresidential buildings
layout of the equipment in the room Designing backup,
and the size of the space needed. standby, and emergency
power for high-
Similarly, beams on the floor above performance buildings
or below the equipment may re-
quire an offset of conduit or shifting generation systems
of the equipment to allow for the Your questions
conduit installation to effectively answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
occur.
generators
Horizontal pathways can define the

placement of electrical rooms, as other building Figure 4: The hospital’s electrical closet is
arranged to meet multiple requirements. First,
elements may impede these routes and affect all code clearances have been met. Addition-
installation. Structural beams and large ductwork ally, it provides a vertical pathway for feeders
can become obstacles, especially in tandem with extending up through the building. Image
high ceilings. Large-volume spaces like gymna-

courtesy: CannonDesign
10
siums and atriums require extra care as to how conduit will be routed across or around
these areas, especially when the entering/exiting pathway would be lower in elevation
than the ceiling.
Vertical risers are typically accommodated in either one of two ways—through shafts (pull  How to design
electrical rooms
boxes may be required depending on the height of the building and conduit layout) or
stacked electrical closets. Stacked closets allow for the busway or conduits that distrib- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
ute power throughout the building to be run through these spaces for a more efficient
2017
and less expensive installation. If these closets are constructed with 2-hour-rated parti-
Selecting, sizing
tions, the stacked rooms can provide the code-required circuit protection for EPSS feed- transformers in
ers and fire alarm circuits without having to rely on more costly wiring methods. nonresidential buildings
Designing backup,
Local/branch equipment rooms standby, and emergency
power for high-
A third space type, the local/branch equipment room, is often referred to as an elec- performance buildings
trical closet (see Figure 4). Distribution panels, branch circuit panels, and low-voltage
transformers are typically located in these spaces and directly serve the end-user loads: generation systems
lighting, receptacles, and small equipment. Lighting control system panels and devices Your questions
(and other electrical system devices) are sometimes also located in these rooms. Given answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
the amount of change that occurs in buildings over their lifespan, extra wall space should
generators
always be provided in these rooms for future equipment.
In multistory buildings, these spaces should be stacked. The placement of electrical

closets within a building’s footprint is often an item of much debate and discussion with
the rest of the design team. The NEC has set restrictions on piping and ductwork rout-
ed through these rooms (i.e., dedicated spaces). Conduit needs to be routed out of the
room to the floor or area served; minimizing branch circuit lengths help avoid excessive 11
voltage drop and reduce distribution costs. These rooms should be located as close to
the center of the area served, with conduits routed out in all directions.
Avoid specific adjacencies to other building elements. Often, closets are targeted for
location next to mechanical shafts, but the need to get ductwork and/or piping out  How to design
electrical rooms
of these becomes challenging and conflicts with the electrical equipment’s dedicated
space. Similarly, locations next to stairs or elevator shafts present other challenges and Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
limit the routing of conduits out of the electrical rooms. Locating electrical rooms next
2017
to these, especially if placed between, should be carefully evaluated to ensure there is
Selecting, sizing
enough space and flexibility for conduits. transformers in
Additional space needs Designing backup,
Outside of working- and dedicated-space needs, there are many special considerations standby, and emergency
power for high-
for electrical rooms that depend on building programs as well as exterior spaces that performance buildings
will directly impact how the electrical systems are designed. The needs and expectations
associated with an office building are very different from that of a data center or hospital generation systems
with regard to the electrical distribution systems. Redundancy and resiliency are essen- Your questions
tial for mission critical-type facilities. Flooding due to natural disasters is a key element answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
in determining equipment placement (NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code, Chapter
generators
6, and NFPA 110, Chapter 7). Historically, much of the main equipment was located in
basements or (partially) belowgrade levels, but now this equipment is located above the
anticipated flood levels. This ensures ongoing continued operations during and after an
event.
Mission critical and safety-critical (e.g., hospitals) installations require added redundancy
to ensure the continuity of business operations and avoid potential loss of life or serious 12
personal injury. Redundancy of systems requires more space, as the equipment is sepa-
rated into different rooms in different parts of the building. Having panels that are part
of a redundant distribution arrangement (A and B sources) located adjacent or in close
proximity to each other in the same electrical room greatly minimizes the value that the
intended redundancy offers. The redundant equipment should be located in separately  How to design
electrical rooms
rated spaces, with the A sources and distribution located apart from the B sources and
distribution. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Additional clearance requirements include allowing for future equipment to be moved
Selecting, sizing
into a room or allowing for the eventual replacement of that same equipment. While transformers in
code may only require 3 or 4 ft of clearance in front of a piece of equipment, the physical nonresidential buildings
dimension of the equipment could be larger. Because of this, the only way to effectively Designing backup,
remove and reinstall a replacement is to leave an area that is larger than the footprint of standby, and emergency
power for high-
the equipment. performance buildings
Getting equipment from the exterior of a building to its final location may not always be generation systems
a concern during the initial building construction, but it will certainly be an issue during Your questions
later time periods of equipment modifications, additions, or replacement. The entire answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
pathway from the building exterior, including doorways, may need to be enlarged due
generators
to the height or width of the equipment. If the equipment is located on a floor level that
is below- or abovegrade, then area wells, reinforced floors, and a pathway or removable
sections of the exterior wall assembly may be required.
Buildings are expected to have a life well beyond the initial install, and yet future growth
and conduit installation are rarely considered. This automatically infers change, which will
likely come in the form of added equipment and conduit. Initial planning and system de- 13
sign should account for this by including spare breakers, additional distribution sections,
and oversized-conduit rack supports.
Supporting the whole building

Appropriate lighting and illumination levels are important for occupant safety. Ventila-  How to design
electrical rooms
tion and cooling needs must be defined and support the heat load generated. And it’s
important to remember the physical protection of equipment located outside and in the Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
open. This may entail the installation of crash-tested bollards or barriers to protect the
2017
equipment from accidental vehicle damage, for instance.
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
The NEC also requires that access to some equipment be limited to qualified persons nonresidential buildings
only in some instances. Per the NEC, this includes only those who have the skills and Designing backup,
knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment, the in- standby, and emergency
power for high-
stallation, and have received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. performance buildings
There is no singular method to design electrical systems, nor are two buildings ever the generation systems
same. Electrical space needs differ by project and building. Electrical engineers and Your questions
designers must consider many factors when making the decisions that lead to the final answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
design. Most importantly, this includes communication and working hand-in-hand with
generators
mechanical engineers, architects, structural engineers, and others that have a hand in the
design of buildings, and coordinating the electrical installation with these other disci-
plines.
Scott Kesler is a principal and engineering integration leader at CannonDesign. He is an

electrical engineer with more than 25 years of experience.
14
Understanding the changes
to NFPA 70-2017
NFPA 70-2017: The National Electrical Code (NEC) has many requirements that
apply to designing electrical systems for health care facilities. It’s vital to understand
the changes in the 2017 edition in order to stay code-compliant. How to design electrical
rooms
T he health care construction industry is one of the most regulated industries in the
United States. There are more than a dozen national, local, state, and government
codes and standards that are applicable to the design, installation, maintenance, and
 Understanding the
changes to NFPA
70-2017
performance of health care facilities. The most popular codes include NFPA 70 National Selecting, sizing
Electrical Code (NEC), Article 517 Health Care Facilities; NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities transformers in
Code; NFPA 101: Life Safety Code; NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby
Designing backup,
Power Systems; Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI), ASHRAE 170: American Society of standby, and emergency
Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Standard on Ventilation of Health power for high-
Care Facilities; Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); United States Pharma-
copeia (USP), Chapter 797 Pharmaceutical Compounding—Sterile Separation and Chap- Specifying paralleled
generation systems
ter 800 Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings; International Building Code
(IBC); and The Joint Commission accreditation standards, just to name a few. Your questions
standby, and backup
NFPA 70 Article 517 applies to the construction and installation of electrical systems in generators
health care facilities that provide services to human life. NFPA 99 covers the performance
of electrical systems in health care facilities. Health care facilities are covered in Article
517 in NFPA 70. Electrical systems are covered in Chapter 6 of NFPA 99.
New definitions in NFPA 70

There are new definitions in Article 517 of NFPA 70 that have design implications that
15
Understanding the changes to NFPA 70-2017
need to be considered
by the consulting-speci-
fying engineer.
The governing body of How to design electrical

rooms
the health care facility is
“the person/s who has  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
the overall legal respon-
70-2017
sibility for the operation
Selecting, sizing
of a health care facility.” transformers in
The governing body nonresidential buildings
establishes and identifies Designing backup,
the patient care space standby, and emergency
power for high-
categories in the health care facility based on the Figure 1: A women’s and children’s medical
center with multiple building occupancies.
anticipated level of patient care and designates
Image courtesy: AECOM Specifying paralleled
wet-procedure locations. The above areas of generation systems
responsibility have many requirements that must be considered by the consulting en-
Your questions
gineer, including the number and type of receptacles and number of branch circuits in answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
patient spaces, special protection against electric shock in wet-procedure locations, and
generators
loading on the alternate power source.
An invasive procedure is defined as “any procedure that penetrates the protective sur-
faces of a patient’s body and that is performed with an aseptic field (procedural site).”
Not included in this category are special procedures such as the placement of peripheral
intravenous needles or catheters used to administer fluids or medications, insertion of
urethral catheters, and other similar procedures. What is important for the consulting en- 16
gineer to understand about invasive procedures are what make certain spaces in a health
care facility a Category 1 risk space. Category 1 spaces have special requirements in wir-
ing, protection, and the type of the essential electrical system (EES) that supplies these
spaces. NFPA 99 (Item A.6.7.5.1.3) recommends an automatic battery-operated lighting
unit or system to provide minimal task illumination in invasive-procedure spaces. How to design electrical
rooms
A medical office is “a building or part thereof where the following occur: 1) examinations  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
and minor treatments or procedures performed under the continuous supervision of a
70-2017
medical or dental professional; 2) only sedation or local anesthesia is involved and treat-
Selecting, sizing
ment or procedures do not render patients incapable of self-preservation under emergen- transformers in
cy conditions; and 3) overnight stays for patients or 24-hour operation are not provided.” nonresidential buildings
What is important for the consulting engineer to understand is that there is a difference Designing backup,
between a health care occupancy and a health care facility. All health care occupancies standby, and emergency
power for high-
are health care facilities, but the opposite is not true. A health care occupancy is used to performance buildings
provide medical or other treatment or care simultaneously to four or more patients on an
inpatient basis, where such patients are mostly incapable of self-preservation due to age, generation systems
physical or mental disability, or because of security measures not under the occupant’s
Your questions
control. A hospital, for example, is a health care facility but can be of several different answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
occupancies (health care, business, assembly, ambulatory, etc.). A medical office is a health
generators
care facility, but under NFPA 101 it would typically be a business occupancy.
Patient care spaces as defined in NFPA 70 are now aligned with the same definition in
NFPA 99. A patient care space is “any space of a health care facility wherein patients are
intended to be examined or treated.” There are four categories in health care facilities
identified by the governing body based on 1) the anticipated level of patient care in any
given space; and 2) the risk to the patient from procedures that will be performed. 17
Table 1 pro-
vides a distinc-
tion summary
of patient care
spaces, gives How to design electrical
rooms
examples of
these spaces,  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
and discusses
70-2017
their design
Selecting, sizing
considerations transformers in
as stipulated in nonresidential buildings
NFPA 70 and Designing backup,
NFPA 99. Figure 2: A hybrid operating room in a hospital—a Cate- standby, and emergency
gory 1 (critical care) space. Image courtesy: AECOM power for high-
NFPA 70-2017 “Type” classification Specifying paralleled
The 2017 version of NFPA 70 has now aligned the Type classification of the EES with NFPA generation systems
99. Type 1 and Type 2 EES are referenced in NFPA 70 Article 517.29 (Essential Electrical
Your questions
System Requirements for Hospitals and Other Health Care Facilities) and in Article 517.40 answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
(Essential Electrical Systems for Nursing Homes and Limited Care Facilities), respectively.
generators
It is to be noted that the “type” terminology is also mentioned in NFPA 110 and applies
to the emergency power supply system. The following paragraphs clarify what the type
means as referenced in NFPA 70, NFPA 99, and NFPA 110.
NFPA 99, Item 6.7.1.2.4.1, requires that Type 1 and Type 2 EES power sources be classified
as Type 10, Level 1 generator Class X, per NFPA 110. The type in NFPA 110 is the maxi-
mum time in seconds that the emergency power supply system (EPSS) will permit the load 18
terminals of the trans-

fer switches to be
without power. The
class in NFPA 110 is
the maximum time in How to design electrical
rooms
hours for which the
EPSS is designed to  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
operate at its rated
70-2017
load without being
Selecting, sizing
refueled. This means transformers in
that power must be nonresidential buildings
restored within 10 Designing backup,
seconds, but the standby, and emergency
Figure 3: A medical/surgical inpatient room in a power for high-
amount of time the EPSS is required to run performance buildings
hospital—a Category 2 (general care) space. Image
without refueling is not defined in NFPA 110 courtesy: AECOM
and needs to be specified as required by oth- generation systems
er codes or by the authority having jurisdiction.
Your questions
standby, and backup
Type 1 EES per NFPA 99 and NFPA 70 consists of three branches: life safety, critical, and
generators
equipment. Type 2 EES has two branches only: life safety and equipment. Type 2 EES does
not have a critical branch. The critical branch in a Type 1 EES is intended to serve loads that,
if they were without power, their failure could result in death or serious injuries. See Figure 5.
Type 1 EES applies to critical care (Category 1) and general-care (Category 2) spaces in
hospitals and other health care facilities where patients are sustained by electrical life sup-
port equipment. Type 2 EES applies to nursing homes and limited-care facilities. For free- 19
How to design electrical

rooms
changes to NFPA
70-2017
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Designing backup,
power for high-
generation systems
Your questions
standby, and backup
generators
standing buildings where admitting and discharging policies preclude providing care for
patients who may need electrical life support equipment, or where no surgical treatment
requiring general anesthesia is offered, an automatic battery-operated system would suf-
fice to provide 1½ hours of backup lighting for exit lights, exit corridors, stairways, nursing
stations, medical preparation rooms, boiler rooms, and communication areas, in addition
to backup power to operate all alarm systems. 20
Item 517.45 clar-

ified the type of
EES required for
other health care
facilities (other How to design electrical
rooms
than hospitals,
nursing homes,  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
and limited-care
70-2017
facilities). If elec-
Selecting, sizing
trical life support transformers in
is required or if nonresidential buildings
there are critical Designing backup,
care (Category standby, and emergency
power for high-
1) spaces, then performance buildings
a Type 1 EES shall be provided. If there are Figure 4: A sports medicine clinic—a Category 3 (basic
care) space. Image courtesy: AECOM Specifying paralleled
general-care (Category 2) spaces, then a generation systems
Type 2 EES is required. However, if required by the governing body of the facility, an EES
Your questions
is permitted and is comprised of an alternate power system capable of supplying a limit- answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
ed amount of lighting and power for the orderly cessation of procedures during the time
generators
normal power is interrupted.
It is to be noted that Type 3 EES has been eliminated from the 2015 version of NFPA 99
because Category 3 and 4 spaces are not required to be fed by an EES. This means that
no spaces in the health care facility were required to be served from a Type 3 EES. Facili-
ties that had previously required a Type 3 EES typically provided the type of patient care in
which, if normal power was interrupted, there was a minimal risk to patients or staff. Such 21

rooms
changes to NFPA
70-2017
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Designing backup,
power for high-
generation systems
Your questions
standby, and backup
generators
a facility could safely terminate procedures and Figure 5: This diagram shows the difference
between a Type 1 and Type 2 essential electrical
basically close for business. A Type 3 EES was
system. Image courtesy: AECOM
only required to provide 1½ hours of backup
power, which is consistent with NFPA 101. It is not intended that these facilities no longer
need backup power, but rather the other codes and standards or the governing body will 22
specify limited requirements needed for safe egress from such facilities.
NFPA 70 and NFPA 99 prohibit the use of isolated ground receptacles inside of a patient
care vicinity. A patient care vicinity is a space within a location intended for the examina-
tion and treatment of patients, extending 6 ft beyond the normal location of the patient How to design electrical
rooms
bed/table and extending vertically 7.5 ft above the floor. Isolated ground refers to devices
that have a ground connection, but that ground connection is derived from the building  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
entrance rather than being directly grounded to the enclosure. Examples of where an iso-
70-2017
lated ground application might be required include diagnostic and treatment equipment
Selecting, sizing
that may require a dedicated or isolated ground separate from the facility’s grounding transformers in
system to reduce noise when serving sensitive electronic or medical equipment. The con- nonresidential buildings
sideration for the consulting-specifying engineer is that isolated ground is not permitted Designing backup,
within a patient care vicinity, but it can be provided outside the patient care vicinity area. standby, and emergency
power for high-
There are other changes in the 2017 NFPA 70 outside of Article 517 that impact all types of build-
ing occupancies, but the following should especially be considered for health care facilities. generation systems
Your questions
Additional arc flash energy-reduction measures have been introduced in Item 240.87, answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
namely using circuit breakers with instantaneous trip settings that are less than the avail-
generators
able arcing current or with an instantaneous override that is less than available arcing cur-
rent. Although on one hand, instantaneous tripping would reduce arc flash energy—as arc
flash energy is a function of protective device fault-clearing time and tripping current—,
instantaneous tripping will not allow proper circuit breaker selective coordination. The
concept of selective coordination is to delay, not to instantaneously trip upstream circuit
breakers to allow downstream breakers localized to the fault to trip first. Consulting-spec-
ifying engineers should conduct an overcurrent protective study and balance the trade-off 23

rooms
changes to NFPA
70-2017
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Designing backup,
power for high-
generation systems
Your questions
standby, and backup
generators
between lower arc flash energy and circuit breaker Figure 6: A portable generator/load-bank
connection. Image courtesy: AECOM
selective coordination.
There are also notable changes in NFPA 70-2017 made to Article 700. Article 700.3.F now
calls for an emergency system that relies on a single alternate source of power that will be 24
disabled for maintenance or repair, to include a permanent switching means to connect a

portable or temporary source of power, and be available for the duration of the downtime.
Manual switching is allowed to be used in this case to switch from the permanent source
to the portable source. Some health care facilities have multiple alternate power sources,
such as generators connected in an N or N+1 configuration. In a two-generator scheme How to design electrical
rooms
connected in parallel in N configuration and supplying 100% of the total essential load,
either generator would comply with the above requirement in this case, if it can support  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
the life safety system load by itself. The portable or temporary power-source connection
70-2017
could also be used to connect a portable load bank to comply with NFPA 110 periodic
Selecting, sizing
maintenance testing and loading requirements, which are mandatory for Level 1 and Level transformers in
2 standby and emergency power systems. See Figure 6. nonresidential buildings
Designing backup,
Another important requirement has been added in NFPA 70 Article 700.10(D)(3) is fire standby, and emergency
power for high-
protection for emergency (life safety) feeder circuit wiring for health care occupancies performance buildings
where patients are not capable of self-preservation, such as hospitals and ambulatory care
occupancies. The code lists a number of options to comply with this requirement including generation systems
installing life safety feeders in spaces that are protected by an approved fire-suppression
Your questions
system, using feeder cables that are a listed electrical circuit protective system, or encased answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
in a minimum of 2 in. of concrete. As required by other codes, a water-based sprinkler
generators
system is typically provided in health care occupancies; however, the code stipulates that
running feeders above a ceiling in an otherwise fully sprinklered building does not meet
the requirement unless there are also sprinklers in the plenum space above the ceiling.
Without proper consideration to the routing of feeders, this new requirement could have
a very large financial impact on the installation. The consulting engineer might consider
installing emergency feeders in areas that are typically fully sprinklered, such as vertically
within electrical rooms or horizontally in areas without a suspended ceiling, and avoiding 25
horizontal feeder runs above suspended ceilings that are not sprinklered, to avoid the ad-
ditional cost of the other fire protection measures.
Another addition to Article 700 of NFPA 70 which is directly related to Article 517, is a new
requirement for generator-control wiring. The article states that generator-control wiring How to design electrical
rooms
installed between the transfer equipment and the emergency generators must be kept en-
tirely independent of all other wiring and must be protected against fire in line with the fire  Understanding the
changes to NFPA
protection measures listed above. Article 700.10(D) (3) now calls for continuous monitoring
70-2017
of the integrity of the generator-control wiring. Without this monitoring, an open circuit on
Selecting, sizing
the control wiring would go undetected and won’t be noticed until there is a power outage transformers in
and the generator fails to start. This new requirement entails three elements: 1) continuous nonresidential buildings
monitoring of generator signal circuits; 2) visual and audible annunciation; and 3) automat- Designing backup,
ic transmission of an engine start signal and an alarm when a problem is detected. Several standby, and emergency
power for high-
transfer switch manufacturers offer an easy solution for existing and new installations. Exist- performance buildings
ing wiring does not need to be changed in this case, but additional circuit-communication
modules would have to be added at both ends of the control wiring: at the generator and generation systems
at the transfer equipment.
Your questions
standby, and backup
Article 517 of NFPA 70 has many design considerations for the consulting engineer design-
generators
ing health care facilities. These design considerations cover the wiring and protection of
the electrical distribution system in patient care spaces and the EES in various health care
occupancies.
Firas (Ross) Alkhayri is the electrical department manager at AECOM’s Columbus, Ohio,
office. He has more than 25 years of experience in the design of power and emergency
systems for a wide variety of mission critical facilities. 26
Selecting, sizing transformers
in nonresidential buildings
Transformers are a critical piece of any electrical infrastructure. Knowing how to
properly size and select these transformers will allow the building to function with
minimal interruptions. How to design electrical
rooms
T ransformers are a ubiquitous component of any nonresidential distribution system.

With many different sizes, types, and listed uses, it can be quite complicated to pick
the correct transformer for a specific application.
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
 Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Transformers are a passive component of electrical distribution systems and are used
nonresidential
throughout electrical systems to change the voltage, they will either step-down a voltage buildings
or step-up a voltage with almost zero power loss; the average transformer is roughly 98%
Designing backup,
to 99.5% efficient. Typically, step-down transformers are seen in commercial buildings to standby, and emergency
bring the voltage from a higher utility-distribution voltage (7 to 25 kV) to a lower utiliza- power for high-
tion voltage (120/208 V, 277/480 V, etc.). This is done for safety and efficiency; it is much
more efficient for transmission to take place at high voltages with smaller conductor sizes Specifying paralleled
generation systems
and it is much safer for a lower utilization voltage at the end-user equipment.
Your questions
There are myriad transformer types; however, there is only a handful used commonly. standby, and backup
generators
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 outlines the installation requirements for
these transformers and provides minimal guidance on sizing the transformers.
Transformer ratings
Transformers are rated using industry-accepted terms, such as capacity (kilovolt-amperes
rating or kVA rating), voltage, temperature rise, and insulation class.
27
Selecting, sizing transformers in nonresidential buildings
Capacity: Transformers are rated to

carry a load, which is indicated by their
kilovolt-amperes nameplate ratings at
the rated output voltage and frequency. How to design electrical
rooms
These are standard within the industry
and include: 15, 30, 45, 75, 112.5, 150, Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
225, 300, 500, 750, and 1,000 kVA. There 2017
are several transformers larger than this
on the utility level; however, they are not
transformers in
common, with the exception of large nonresidential
projects with campus-style distribution buildings
schemes. Designing backup,
power for high-
Voltage: A transformer will have a performance buildings
primary and secondary voltage rating Specifying paralleled
along with the wiring configuration. In generation systems
U.S. facilities, the overwhelming ma- Your questions
jority of transformer installations are a answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
step-down 480-V delta primary to 120/208-V wye Figure 1: This is a sample nameplate from a generators
transformer manufactured in 1997. This 300-
secondary. Other voltage ratings and configura-
kVA transformer is K-rated with a K factor of
tion types exist for special applications. 13. Image courtesy: NV5
Unless there are strong technical reasons otherwise, most transformer installations
should have a wye output. Whether the neutral is required for the downstream distri-
bution system, this configuration provides a point to intentionally create the reference 28
to ground; this is important as transformers are separately derived systems in which the
ground reference is lost on the primary side and must be re-established on the second-
ary. A corner-grounded delta is possible, and often encountered in older installations,
but has several disadvantages. The grounded phase must be labeled throughout the
system, a higher line-to-ground voltage exists on two phases resulting in a reduced How to design electrical
rooms
fault-current rating on circuit breakers, and circuit breakers must be marked 1- to
3-phase. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Energy efficiency: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) mandates transformer efficien-
cies. The most recent regulation, commonly referred to as DOE-2016, was adopted start-
transformers in
ing Jan. 1, 2016, and is a requirement for all transformers produced in or imported into nonresidential
the U.S. Manufacturers are permitted to sell all remaining inventories; most transformers buildings
at this time are compliant with DOE-2016. Designing backup,
power for high-
Sound level: All transformers will give off both vibrations and audible noise caused by performance buildings
magnetic expansion and contraction of the cores. These vibrations cannot be entirely Specifying paralleled
eliminated but may be mitigated with measures such as vibration-isolation pads and generation systems
acoustically dense room construction. Your questions
standby, and backup
Insulation class (also known as temperature class): This rating describes the maximum generators
temperature, in Celsius, at which the windings may operate without damage to the insu-
lation. Several common insulation classes are 105, 150, 180, and 220.
It should be noted that NEC 450.21(B) requires a fire-resistant room (1-hour fire-rated
construction) for transformers that are larger than 112.5 kVA with an insulation class be-
low 155°C. The typical transformer specified today has an insulation class of 220°C and 29
falls within exception No. 2.
Temperature rise: This is the average change in temperature at the windings from a
no-load to full-load situation. Typically, this is expressed in degrees Celsius. This rating is
usually standard based on the insulation class. How to design electrical
rooms
Standard dry-type temperature rise is 80°C, 115°C, or 150°C. Understanding the

changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Standard oil-filled temperature rise is 60°C.
transformers in
Hot spot allowance: The windings of a transformer core are not evenly heated during nonresidential
operation, instead the interior of the windings is hotter than the surrounding areas be- buildings
cause they are farther from any ventilated openings. This is a set number as defined by Designing backup,
industry standards and is associated with the insulation class. For example, a Class 105°C
power for high-
transformer will be allotted a 10°C hot spot allowance. performance buildings
Ambient temperature: This rating specifies the average temperature of the space that generation systems
the transformer will occupy over a 24-hour period. Typically, this rating is 40°C. Your questions
standby, and backup
It should be noted that typically the maximum operating temperature for a trans- generators
former is:
Maximum temperature (°C) = ambient temperature + temperature rise + hot spot

allowance
Nameplate: Each transformer is required to have a permanently affixed label indicating 30

the requirements outlined in NEC 450.11(A). These are: manufacturer, rated kilovolt-am-
peres, frequency, primary and secondary voltages, impedance (if greater than 25 kVA),
required clearances, quantity and type of insulating liquid (if any), and temperature class
(see Figure 1).
rooms
Common transformer types
Liquid-filled transformer: These units are filled with a liquid that acts as the cooling fluid Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
and dielectric medium between the transformer cores. The most common types of liquids 2017
in use are mineral oil and less-flammable bio-based oils. Mineral oil is commonly used for
exterior pad-mounted utility transformers and is considered combustible, with a flashpoint
transformers in
of less than 300°C. Typically the flashpoint of mineral oil is around 155°C. Bio-based oils nonresidential
do not contain petroleum and are made from vegetable oils. These bio-based oils have a buildings
much lower flashpoint—around 330°C—and are much more environmentally friendly; in Designing backup,
the event of a leak, they will biodegrade within a month under normal conditions.
power for high-
Indoor use is restricted to vault rooms and the installation must comply with NEC 450.26. Specifying paralleled
These vaults are characterized by having exterior access, 3-hour fire-rated construction, generation systems
liquid containment, and exterior ventilation per NEC 450.42. FR3 is a less flammable liquid Your questions
with a flashpoint of around 316°C and is preferred for liquid-filled transformers located answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
within the building. Installation requirements for transformers insulated with less flamma- generators
ble liquids are addressed under NEC 450.23. Indoor installations that comply with NEC
450.23(A)(1) do not require a vault or sprinkler protection.
Dry-type transformer: These units are air-cooled and are not liquid-filled. As these units
rely on air to cool the core and windings through convection, they are typically larger than
their liquid-filled counterparts. Within the dry-type family there are two specific subtypes: 31
ventilated and nonventilated. Ven-

tilated dry-type transformers have
openings within their enclosures
and allow air movement from the
exterior of the enclosure to the coils How to design electrical
rooms
within the enclosure. Nonventilated
(or sealed) dry-type transformers are Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
completely sealed and allow cool- 2017
ing through the surface area of the
enclosure. These units are well-suit-
transformers in
ed for wash-down areas as well as nonresidential
corrosive, combustible, or otherwise buildings
harmful conditions. Designing backup,
power for high-
It should be noted that NEC-2017 performance buildings
currently has a typographical error Specifying paralleled
in section 450.23(A) where it ap- generation systems
pears to limit indoor installations to Your questions
vault rooms. However, this has been answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
corrected in errata number 70-17- generators
6, issued July 5, 2018. This corrects
NEC 450.23(A)(1)(e), which requires less Figure 2: Example of a standard dry-type 112.5-kVA trans-
former during the installation process. This transformer
flammable liquid-insulated transformers
has been supplied with vibration-isolation pads at the feet
installed indoors to be supplied with and a flex connection for the conduit to reduce vibrations
automatic fire suppression and liquid transferred to the structure. Each of the three cores is also
containment. NEC 450.23(A)(1)(f) requires

visible in this photo. Image courtesy: NV5
32
that the less flammable oil-insulated transformer is installed in a vault to be subsets of NEC
450.23(A) instead of being supplemental requirements.
This correction now allows three options for indoor installation in lieu of the single way that
the code appears to outline. For transformers less than 35,000 V, all three installations are How to design electrical
rooms
acceptable: installation with liquid confinement and no combustibles stored in the room,
installation with automatic fire suppression, or installation in a vault room. For transformers Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
larger than 35,000 V, there is only one code-compliant installation, which is constructing a 2017
vault room.
transformers in
Liquid-filled transformers operate with a standard temperature rise of 60°C above ambient. nonresidential
These transformers can sustain bursts of overload up 50% above a nameplate rating for buildings
short periods of time. The amount of time and overload capacity is directly related to the Designing backup,
previous continuous loading and the winding temperature.
power for high-
Resin cast coil: A cast coil or epoxy cast coil transformer is a dry-type transformer con- Specifying paralleled
structed with the primary and secondary windings fully encapsulated in a resin, which pro- generation systems
tects the transformer from moisture, corrosion, or other aggressive contaminants. These Your questions
transformers have a standard ventilated dry-type enclosure. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generators
The properties of this insulation provide a higher short-circuit strength and can sustain
repeated short-duration overloads.
Harmonic mitigating transformer (HMT): These transformers are specially designed to

cancel out problematic harmonic currents (often these are the 3rd, 9th, 15th, or triplen har-
monics) resulting from nonlinear loads. These transformers accomplish this through phase 33
shifting and zero-sequence flux cancellation within the cores, preventing the harmonics
from being reflected back to the primary winding of the transformer
K-rated transformer: These transformers are commonly used in applications involving

harmonic currents, but they will not cancel out the harmonics in the same process as an How to design electrical
rooms
HMT. Instead, this transformer has a derated core and will withstand the heating effects
of harmonic currents. Additionally, this type of transformer will not prevent the harmonics Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
from propagating up through the distribution system through the transformer primary. 2017
The industry commonly refers to K-rated and HMT transformers as alternatives to each
transformers in
other because they are commonly used to address the same issue. However, the HMT nonresidential
will remedy the issue while the K-rated transformer is merely a solution to the transformer buildings
damage and does not address the harmonic currents for the entire distribution system. Designing backup,
power for high-
Load types and sizing performance buildings
When selecting a transformer, load calculations are completed as outlined within the NEC. Specifying paralleled
Sizing of panelboards and branch circuits is typically done through calculations outlined in generation systems
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits, and NEC Article 230, Services. This calculation or summa- Your questions
tion of calculations shall be used in sizing the transformer. For example, a building that has answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
a total NEC demand load of 60 kVA on the 120/208-V, 3 phase, 4-wire system. generators
To size the transformer, it is recommended to allow 25% future growth to the circuit and
then adopt the next standard transformer size up. In this example, 60 kVA of demand load
shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.25, resulting in a load of 89 kVA. Obviously, 89 kVA is not
a standard transformer size and it is recommended to use the next standard size, which is
112.5 kVA. 34
Once the size of the transformer has been decided, the type of transformer shall be select-
ed. The next logical step is to determine the load types that are in use on the downstream
system. If the system has a high number of resistive or linear loads, the selection is quite
easy and sends us to a standard dry-type or oil-filled transformer (depending on location, How to design electrical
rooms
size, etc.). However, if there are several nonlinear loads, such as computer/servers with
switch-mode power supplies, gaming slot machines, LED lighting, motors, or variable fre- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
quency drives (VFDs), an HMT should be considered. 2017
Systems with harmonic loads commonly are designed with K-rated transformers in lieu of
transformers in
an HMT. It is important to note that an HMT will correct the issue while a K-rated trans- nonresidential
former will only withstand the heating of the transformer core. The installation of a K-rated buildings
transformer is a solution if the system as a whole can withstand the harmonic currents with- Designing backup,
out failures and the only point of concern is the premature failure of the transformer due to
power for high-
overheating the windings. performance buildings
Locations generation systems
A specific location can make or break transformer selection. Depending on the space Your questions
in which the transformer is intended to be installed, certain options may be completely answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
off the table. For example, if you are in an indoor corrosive environment, the most effec- generators
tive options are either a nonventilated or cast coil transformer. Conversely, it may be too
costly to use a liquid-filled transformer in a standard indoor application due to potential
vault-construction requirements and oil containment.
Consideration also should be given to the location of transformers in relation to surround-

ing occupancies and replacement. Transformers produce an audible low humming and 35
vibration that can

propagate through
the structure and sur-
rounding spaces. It is
common to furnish a How to design electrical
rooms
transformer with vibra-
tion-isolation pads and Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
flex-metal conduit for 2017
the final connection;
these precautions pre-
transformers in
vent the vibrations from nonresidential
entering the building buildings
structure. However, the Designing backup,
hum of the transformer
power for high-
will still be audible in performance buildings
surrounding spaces. Figure 3: An example of an exterior pad-mounted liquid-insu-
lated 1,000-kVA transformer is shown. Utilities typically require
generation systems
outdoor installations as part of their standards for maintenance
Vault room: When designing with and replacement. Additionally, a curb and/or bollards typically Your questions
a liquid-insulated transformer for in- are required for physical protection. Image courtesy: NV5 answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
stallation within the building footprint, a vault room is often required by NEC 450.26. Less generators
flammable liquid-insulated transformers also can fall under the constraints of a vault room,
but this is slightly less common—and when selecting a less flammable liquid-insulated
transformer, the intent is often to avoid construction of a vault room.
The room requirements are outlined in NEC 450, Part III, beginning with 450.41. There are
several requirements outlined in Part III, such as ventilating the vault with outside air via 36
ductwork or a flue, 3-hour fire-resistant construction, a 4-in. concrete floor, and oil con-
tainment for the largest transformer in the room. A typical 3-hour fire-resistant room will
be constructed with 6-in.-thick reinforced concrete, which can add considerable cost and
complexity to a project.
rooms
There is an exception to allow for 1-hour fire-resistant construction, with the use of sprin-
klers, carbon dioxide, or halon systems. These rooms typically are designed for utility Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
transformers and services; in these cases, both the NEC and the utility’s requirements shall 2017
be followed.
transformers in
Indoors: Dry-type transformers are the most commonly used transformers for indoor nonresidential
installation, as there are no restrictions on their location. As previously mentioned, if the buildings
transformer is larger than 112.5 kVA with an insulation class below 155°C, a 1-hour fire-re- Designing backup,
sistant room shall be required.
power for high-
However, this is atypical of most transformers specified today. Additionally, less flammable Specifying paralleled
oil-filled transformers may be installed indoors with minimal requirements, such as either generation systems
an automatic sprinkler system or liquid containment with no combustibles stored inside Your questions
the room for transformers less than 35 kV. It is not uncommon to see smaller dry-type trans- answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
formers installed on a wall-mount assembly, hung from the slab in an open-ceiling room, generators
even hung from the slab with an open ceiling or above a drop ceiling. Per NEC 450.13(B), a
transformer installed in a hollow building space shall not exceed 50 kVA.
Overcurrent protection: Transformers must be protected like any other component of a

building’s electrical infrastructure. An entire article could be written discussing protection
strategies, sizing, and requirements. These requirements are outlined in NEC 240.21 and 37
450.3. It is common practice to use NEC Table 450.3(B) and provide both the secondary
and primary protection based on this table.
In conclusion, there are many details that come into play when selecting and sizing a trans-
former. Once a specific end use and location have been determined, the selection process How to design electrical
rooms
can begin while considering and aggregating the topics outlined in this article. It is im-
portant to note that some end users may have their own requirements in addition to those Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
listed here. 2017
Stephen Berta is a project consultant at NV5. He has experience in electrical design of

transformers in
hospitality, gaming, K-5 education, and data centers. nonresidential
buildings
Robert R. Jones Jr. is the associate director of electrical engineering for NV5’s Las Vegas Designing backup,
office. He has experience in multiple market sectors including hospitality, commercial,
power for high-
medical, and government projects. performance buildings
generation systems
Your questions
standby, and backup
generators
38
Designing backup, standby,
and emergency power for high-
Backup power design for a high-performance building is required, and offers How to design electrical
many benefits. rooms
Understanding the
E
changes to NFPA 70-
lectrical engineers must consider many factors when designing backup, standby, and
2017
emergency power systems. Safety, maintainability, code compliance, and economics play
Selecting, sizing
crucial roles in determining the topology of an emergency system for a critical facility. Spe- transformers in
cific requirements for emergency power vary based on building-occupancy type, facility use, nonresidential buildings
and critical function (see Table 1). This article focuses on using backup power as an alterna-  Designing
tive source of the main utility in high-performance buildings, with Graton Resort and Casino backup, standby,
in Rohnert Park, Calif., as an example. The property uses three parallel diesel generators as and emergency
power for high-
its backup power source.
performance
buildings
What is a high-performance building?
A high-performance building is a building that integrates and optimizes, on a lifecycle basis, generation systems
all major high-performance building attributes, which include energy-conservation, environ-
Your questions
ment, safety, security, durability, accessibility, cost-benefit, productivity, sustainability, func- answered: Emergency,
tionality, and operational considerations (i.e., schools, libraries, factories, etc.). With energy standby, and backup
generators
codes becoming more stringent concerning energy efficiency and increasing federal incen-
tives for buildings that are eco-friendly, owners/clients would rather go this route when de-
signing their building, which can be cost-effective when the building is complete. One must
take note that the design of a backup power system for a high-performance building isn’t
much different than for a standard building with similar qualities. 39
Designing backup, standby, and emergency power for high-performance buildings
The need for backup power

In the event of power failure from the utility, buildings rely on backup power both for the
safety and health of the public as well as the protection of important business assets that
cannot be lost during a power outage. Unexpected disasters often disrupt the power to hun-
dreds of thousands of people and businesses. Many buildings, such as hospitals, airports,
rooms
data centers, water and sewage facilities, fueling stations, and communication and trans-
Understanding the
portation systems, require some sort of alternative power to ultimately save lives during the changes to NFPA 70-
event of a crisis. Power loss to a business also can create a significant economic impact. The 2017
longer a business is without power, the greater the economic loss. When these unexpected Selecting, sizing
situations occur, backup power provides a source to support the equipment loads via unin- transformers in
terruptible power supplies, generators, or battery-storage systems.
 Designing
backup, standby,
Requirements and emergency
Having the knowledge in backup power design for emergency, legally required standby, power for high-
and business critical loads is an important skill for electrical engineers and designers to have performance
and can sometimes be complex. When designing backup systems, electrical engineers and buildings
designers must assure that the backup power and the building’s electrical systems can han- Specifying paralleled
dle the critical loads accurately and adequately. They also have to take into account that the generation systems
systems need to be code-compliant with their authority having jurisdiction. The International Your questions
Building Code (IBC)-2015 dictates the exact requirements for these specific systems, such standby, and backup
as emergency and legally required standby power. NFPA 70-2017: National Electrical Code generators
(NEC), Article 700.12, and the California Electrical Code (CEC) require emergency power
systems to automatically start within 10 seconds and run at full capacity when there is pow-
er failure. The three key articles from the NEC that must be taken into consideration when
designing backup power systems are Article 700, Emergency Systems; Article 701, Legally
40
Required Standby
Systems; and Arti-
cle 702. Optional
Standby Systems,
which clarify what How to design electrical
rooms
one should con-
sider emergency Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
and standby. 2017
Selecting, sizing
Article 700 in transformers in
the NEC defines
emergency pow-  Designing
er as “Legally backup, standby,
and emergency
required and
power for high-
classed as emer- performance
gency by munici- buildings
pal, state, federal, Specifying paralleled
or other codes, generation systems
or by any govern- Your questions
mental agency answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
having jurisdic- generators
tion. It is intend-
Specific requirements for emergency power vary based on build-
ed to automatically supply ing-occupany type, facility use, and critical function.
illumination, power, or both to
designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event
of an accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and 41
illumination essential for safety to human life.” Examples of emergency loads are:
• Exit signs.
• Egress lighting.
• Elevator lighting and controls. How to design electrical
rooms
• Automatic fire alarm systems.
• Sprinkler alarm systems. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
• Fire pumps. 2017
• Power and lighting in fire command centers.
Selecting, sizing
• Elevator-car lighting and controls. transformers in
Elevator machine room lighting as defined by Article 701, Legally Required Standby Power,  Designing
is “Legally required and so classed as legally required standby by municipal, state, federal, backup, standby,
and emergency
or other codes or by any governmental agency having jurisdiction. These systems are intend-
power for high-
ed to automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency performance
systems) in the event of failure of the normal source.” Legally required loads include: buildings
• Stair pressurized fans. generation systems
• Elevators machine equipment. Your questions
• Emergency/legally required power room-cooling systems and controls. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
• Sliding doors for rated openings. generators
• Elevator machine room cooling systems and controls.
• Smoke control equipment.
• Air compressors for dry-pipe sprinkler systems.
• Clean agent fire suppression systems.
• Miscellaneous equipment. 42
Article 702, Optional

Standby Power, is intend-
ed to supply power to
public or private facilities
or property where life How to design electrical
rooms
safety does not depend
on the performance of Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
the system. These sys- 2017
tems are intended to
Selecting, sizing
supply onsite-generated transformers in
power to selected loads
either automatically or  Designing
manually. This section backup, standby,
and emergency
also is considered busi-
power for high-
ness-critical loads. These loads are typically Figure 1: There is provision for a third generator performance
on the right so that the client can easily add more
owner-selected equipment. buildings
generators in the future. Image courtesy: NV5
When separating your business critical/optional standby loads from emergency and legally generation systems
required standby power, it is always best to identify the owner/client’s emergency require- Your questions
ments. There may be times where the business needs require high reliability, thus one must answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
be able to adapt the backup power system to the client’s needs and still provide the most generators
appropriate degree of life safety for the occupants of a building in accordance with the code.
Benefits of parallel generation systems

Even though parallel systems can at times seem complex, they have greater advantages with
respect to reliability and redundancy. The backup power source for Graton Resort and Ca- 43
sino uses multiple generator sources paralleled together to provide flexibility in load man-
agement, increased reliability, and the capability of maintenance with little to no disruption.
The generators are paralleled to a common bus of the system in a separate raceway from the
normal power, which serves the emergency and business critical loads, especially, for system
response time and dynamic load response once the generators are in operation. How to design electrical
rooms
Redundancy. The redundancy of the multiple generators in Graton’s backup system provides Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
greater reliability than a single generator unit for critical loads. In the event of a failure of one 2017
generator, the backup loads will be redistributed among the other generators in the system
Selecting, sizing
on a priority basis. The emergency loads that require the highest degree of reliable backup transformers in
power quite often account for only a fraction of the overall power generated by the system.
In a parallel system, this means that the most emergency elements will have the redundan-  Designing
cy necessary to maintain power even if one of the units goes out. If an N+1 configuration is backup, standby,
and emergency
adopted, one generator can be offline for maintenance while still serving the required loads.
power for high-
Furthermore, providing a running spare N+1 generator will increase the reliability of the gen- performance
erator system from 98% to 99.96% reliability. buildings
One of the primary purposes of redundancy is to eliminate single points of failure. Caution generation systems
must be exercised to ensure these single points of failure are not simply moved to another Your questions
part of the system. The controls enabling redundancy also must be analyzed to avoid failure answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
modes that compromise reliability. For example, paralleled generator sets that rely on a single generators
master control for signals to start and close to a paralleled bus actually replace one failure
point with two, as the master control and the communication link between the master and the
generator sets each represents single points of failure. A well-engineered paralleling system
will have dual hot backup control systems, redundant communication pathways, redundant
battery-select dc power supplies, selectively coordinated breakers and multiple power path- 44
ways, and a well-document-

ed procedure for system
recovery whenever a com-
ponent fails.
rooms
With an N+1 parallel gen-
erator system, if at one Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
point one of the generators 2017
fails or requires mainte-
Selecting, sizing
nance, the individual unit transformers in
can be taken off the bus
without affecting the other  Designing
generators that are con- backup, standby,
and emergency
nected to the bus. This
power for high-
Figure 2: At Graton Casino and Resort, outdoor
provides additional protection that ensures an performance
paralleling diesel generators within a generator
uninterrupted supply of power for the building’s yard are housed in weatherproof enclosures and buildings
critical circuits. To avoid load sharing among have subbase tanks, step-up transformers, mufflers,
and fuel containment. Image courtesy: NV5 generation systems
the generators, it is always best to match the
new paralleled-system generators with the same manufacturer, ratings, and type. It is even Your questions
more important to do the same when modifying an existing system. Standardization of the answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
generator model type enhances maintenance and operations of the generator system. generators
Efficiency. This is a key factor of a high-performance building. The more efficient the system
is, the more stability you have, which reduces cost and losses. Having the functionality of
three generators in lieu of one larger generator to handle the load makes the system more
versatile and economical. Because loads do not remain at a constant level, the inconsistent 45
power demand can

cause a single larger
generator to run at
loads below 30% of
its maximum capacity, How to design electrical
rooms
which could cause wet
stacking and lead to low Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
fuel efficiency and more 2017
frequent maintenance.
Selecting, sizing
The optimal operational transformers in
point for generators is
between 75% and 80%  Designing
of its rating. Ensuring backup, standby,
and emergency
that the generators are
power for high-
at this optimal point will reduce mainte- Figure 3: The photo shows the generator system con-
performance
trol cabinets of Graton Casino and Resort’s emergency/
nance and fuel costs. buildings
optional standby system with human-machine interface
(HMI) screen, indicating lights, local breaker controls, Specifying paralleled
Expandability. When sizing generators to and metering. Image courtesy: NV5 generation systems
match system load requirements, it often can be difficult to properly project the increases in Your questions
load and adequately plan for unanticipated additional requirements. If the load projections answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
are aggressive, the initial investment for a generator may be higher than necessary. If the generators
load projections are inadequate, the standby power system may be compromised or ex-
pensive post-installation upgrades may be needed. Graton’s parallel system offers a level of
scalability and modularity that allows for variations in load over time and optimal operation
of the installed units. If the physical space of the generators is planned properly, additional
generators can be added in the future if needed (see Figure 1). 46
System testing. A very important

requirement for emergency/standby
systems, the system-testing proce-
dure ensures that a high-performance How to design electrical
rooms
building is safe, secure, durable, and
productive. NFPA 110-2016: Standard Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
for Emergency and Standby Power 2017
Systems includes Emergency Gener-
Selecting, sizing
ator Testing Requirements for Emer- transformers in
gency Power Supply Systems (EPSS),
which sets safety standards to protect  Designing
building occupants by making sure backup, standby,
and emergency
generator-powered backup lighting
power for high-
will operate as expected. Monthly and performance
yearly tests are performed on genera- buildings
tor systems whose failure could result Specifying paralleled
in death or injury. Should a generator generation systems
system fail the EPSS monthly test, it Your questions
must be repaired immediately and re- answered: Emergency,
Figure 4: The generator system control single line standby, and backup
tested until the emergency system passes. diagram for Graton Casino and Resort shows three par- generators
allel generators, a gen bus, a load bus, a utility incomer
breaker, individual gen breakers, and load bus feeder
No-load testing. During no-load testing, breakers. Image courtesy: NV5
the generators are started, synchronized,
and connected to the generator bus without taking on load. This test will not have any im-
pact on the load fed from the utility and can be scheduled to occur at regular intervals (en- 47
gine exercise setting). No-load testing determines whether the engine can start when given
a signal to do so, but will not indicate whether the generator will actually carry the load. An
on-load test can determine if the generator system can carry the critical load reliably.
Onload testing. During onload testing, the load is gradually transferred from the utility to How to design electrical
rooms
the generators via closed transition, runs for a period of time, and then is transferred back to
the utility. Running a generator system under actual facility load is the only true way to test its Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
capability to operate as specified. There are many engine and generator components that 2017
must see real operating conditions to provide confirmation of their ready state. NFPA 110 re-
Selecting, sizing
quires that diesel generators be exercised monthly for 30 minutes at operating temperature transformers in
and every 3 years to at least 30% of nameplate load for a period of 4 hours.
 Designing
Future needs backup, standby,
and emergency
One last step in the sizing equation has to do with future needs. The general rule is to always
power for high-
size the system 20% to 25% more than its maximum demand. Power use is not always fixed performance
and tends to grow over time. Therefore, any generator-set-sizing exercise needs to take buildings
system expansion into consideration. Even with sophisticated software, the final decision on Specifying paralleled
generator set size needs to be tempered with judgment. generation systems
Your questions
Michael Villalba is a designer with FEA Consulting Engineers. He previously worked for NV5. answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup
He has 3 years of experience working on projects, such as convention centers, casinos, ho- generators
tels, and photovoltaic farms.
48
generation systems
Learn about important factors related to specifying onsite generation systems,
focusing on paralleled generators.
rooms
P rogress in developing countries, the proliferation of distributed generation, and an

ever-increasing focus on power system reliability continue to stimulate demand for
onsite power generation. Grid modernization and technological advances in the indus-
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
try are enabling these systems to be applied in ways not previously common. Selecting, sizing
transformers in
From interruptible service agreements to microgrids, the applications of engine-gener-
Designing backup,
ators have diversified significantly in recent years. As such, sound judgment and funda- standby, and emergency
mentals on the part of the consulting and specifying engineer are as important as ever. power for high-
Paralleled generator systems  Specifying

paralleled
Benefits of paralleling generators in onsite power systems are well documented. First, generation systems
multiple generators in a system can increase reliability. Even if a system does not have
Your questions
fully redundant generation, load-prioritization schemes keep critical loads powered answered: Emergency,
if a generator set fails. Next, generators can operate closer to their optimal load with standby, and backup
generators
demand schemes that take paralleled units offline when they’re not needed. Further,
systems with multiple generators are more scalable, facilitating system expansion and
capital project flexibility. Also, smaller units can have faster delivery times. Finally, par-
alleled units offer greater operational flexibility, facilitating routine maintenance.
Creating thoughtful design criteria helps convert the client’s goals into high-level tech-
49
Specifying paralleled generation systems
nical requirements. These criteria establish design philosophy consensus early in the
project, which can dramatically reduce rework down the road. This document is used
throughout the project and defines the rest of the design process.
First, the design criteria outline the client’s commercial goals. For example, will they How to design electrical
rooms
use the generation for interruptible service agreements where the utility provides
financial incentives in exchange for generation support? Will they be operating in a Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
baseload or peak-shave mode to help minimize demand charges? Or will the system 2017
be focused strictly on emergency or standby power?
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Answering these questions is critical for the genset supplier and the design of the elec-
trical distribution system. Also, these considerations define code and environmental re- Designing backup,
quirements to which the project will be exposed. For example, NFPA 110: Standard for power for high-
Emergency and Standby Power Systems has specific requirements for things like start performance buildings
time for emergency power systems. Also, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  Specifying
can have more stringent pollution-control requirements for generators that operate paralleled
while normal power is available. generation systems
Your questions
Next, the engineer should establish the critical loads and the reliability required. In
standby, and backup
some cases, not all loads are critical. Leveraging this fact can increase the overall re- generators
liability of the system, especially with paralleled generators. For example, if a single
generator fails, noncritical loads can be shed or not added in the first place. This capa-
bility can essentially establish N+1 redundancy for critical loads, even though the over-
all system isn’t fully redundant. Conversely, if every load connected to the generation
is essential, it’s crucial to know this early so the appropriate design precautions can be
taken. 50
System reliability is a whole

science by itself. Tools such as
the IEEE 3006 Power System
Reliability Standards can be How to design electrical
rooms
very handy to study and quan-
tify the reliability of different Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
design concepts. 2017
Selecting, sizing
In addition to reliability, an- transformers in
ticipated future expansion
should be considered. This Designing backup,
can establish spatial con- power for high-
straints that may otherwise performance buildings
not exist. For example, does  Specifying
the design need to leave paralleled
room for an additional gener- generation systems
ator or does room need to be Your questions
left for additional sections of
standby, and backup
switchgear? Does the electri- generators
cal system need spare capacity for additional Figure 1: This one-line diagram is configuring
in an isolated bus configuration. Image courtesy:
generation? Incorporating these things into
Stanley Consultants
the design from inception will result in a much
cleaner final build-out.
Finally, applicable codes and standards should be compiled. Nothing is worse than 51
finding out that a local code requires something beyond NFPA 70: National Electrical
Code (NEC) requirements after construction has begun. Performing a review of appli-
cable codes and standards at the beginning of the project can help the engineer re-
fresh their memory and highlight pitfalls before design work begins in earnest. These
can act as valuable guides during design. Also, the client’s insurance requirements How to design electrical
rooms
should be reviewed to see if, for example, FM Global requirements are more stringent
than the NEC. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Generation capacity Selecting, sizing
After the design philosophy has been established, the required capacity for the gen- transformers in
eration system can be determined. This exercise requires a review of the facility’s load
profile. If the generators will serve an existing system, actual metering data is very Designing backup,
valuable here. power for high-
If this data is not available, however, load lists can be compiled to quantify the load.  Specifying
The designer must consider the expected harmonic content of the system, which paralleled
may require generator derating. Also, starting requirements for large motors must be generation systems
evaluated to make sure the alternators and exciters can provide the reactive power Your questions
required. Note a general rule states that a generator should be sized 2.5 times larger
standby, and backup
than the largest motor it is required to start. Generator manufacturers have online soft- generators
ware tools that can aid this effort.
Depending on the type of system, there are NEC requirements that must be consid-
ered as well. For example, generation systems are exposed to different requirements
when they’re supplying emergency, legally required standby or optional standby loads.
Specifically, when supplying emergency loads, NEC Article 700.4 states, “An emergen- 52
cy system shall have adequate capacity and rating for all loads to be operated simulta-
neously.” Alternatively, Article 702.4 allows for optional standby-capacity calculations
to be made in accordance with Article 220. When demand factors are applied, this can
offer some capacity relief.
rooms
While the criteria mentioned above will help the designer ensure enough capacity is
provided, it is worth noting that having too much capacity can be a problem as well. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
This can expose the generator to problems such as wet stacking or fuel stagnation. 2017
Selecting, sizing
System topology, overall one-line diagram transformers in
Once the required power is set, the overall one-line diagram is developed. This
establishes the overall system topology identifying major pieces of electrical equip- Designing backup,
ment and how they’re connected. Here, the engineer chooses the voltage levels that power for high-
will be used. The 480-V generator is extremely common, and this voltage level has performance buildings
many benefits including the fact that a wide range of contractors and operators are  Specifying
familiar with it. paralleled
generation systems
Also, generation at the same voltage as most of the loads can result in fewer electrical Your questions
distribution components. When low-voltage systems result in bus ampacities of 4,000
standby, and backup
to 5,000 amp and higher, installing cabling becomes difficult and incident energies generators
become very high. In these cases, it may be time to consider medium-voltage systems,
which have lower ampacities for the same amount of power. If multiple generators exist
onsite, it is best to parallel them as opposed to keeping them isolated. This provides
the redundancy benefits described above. Commonly, systems that call for paralleling
two or more generators (G in Figures 1 and 2) do so with electrically operated circuit
breakers (Figures 1 and 2). There are many different ways to connect this switchgear 53
with the utility (U in Figures 1 and 2) and the loads. The best configuration depends
upon the answers to a few critical questions.
Do the generators need to parallel with a utility? This is required when a facility oper-
ates in peak-shave mode, for example. These systems require that the generators and How to design electrical
rooms
the utility simultaneously provide power to the loads, so there must be a way to con-
nect the two together. This can be done with a utility breaker connected to the gener- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
ator bus. If this is not required, a simpler isolated-bus configuration may be acceptable 2017
(see Figure 1). NEC Article 705 also has requirements for these applications.
Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Should loads be switched with automatic transfer switches (ATS) or electrically oper-
ated switchgear breakers? ATS are easily procured and designed for a large number Designing backup,
of switching operations. Plus, they may be required in emergency systems where code power for high-
requires segregation of emergency loads. That said, performing utility/generator trans- performance buildings
fer in the paralleling switchgear can maximize factory wiring and minimize the electrical  Specifying
equipment footprint, making it a cost-effective way of implementing a full-facility back- paralleled
up system. generation systems
Your questions
Is a generator bus required? Generator buses connect all the generators together
standby, and backup
(Figures 1 and 2). This bus is then connected to load buses via tie breakers. Separate generators
generator buses have the advantage of allowing generator-paralleling testing without
disturbing the facility’s load. Plus, this seems to be the configuration with which gen-
erator suppliers are most accustomed. This allows the selection of standard designs
that minimize the custom engineering required. However, the generator bus and corre-
sponding required tie breaker(s) will increase cost and space requirements.
54
Are redundant utility sources required? If redundant utility sources are required, the
switchgear will increase in complexity. These sources need to connect to the load bus
in addition to the generators. This can be done with a main-tie-main configuration,
with or without a generator bus. Alternatively, if the two utility sources don’t need to
be able to feed the entire facility load, two separate load buses can be used, each How to design electrical
rooms
powered from a utility/generator bus-transfer pair (Figure 2). In this configuration, each
load bus would feed half of the facility load, saving a few tie breakers and some equip- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
ment ampacity. 2017
Selecting, sizing
Where do you put the generator breaker? Some manufacturers will put the switching transformers in
device (contactor or breaker) on the generator skid itself. In this configuration, gener-
ator sets can essentially be daisy-chained together to connect to the load bus. In this Designing backup,
configuration, the conductors implementing the daisy chain act as the generator bus. power for high-
This can be economical for smaller units, but it can result in heavy cabling for larger performance buildings
systems, which can be cumbersome.  Specifying
paralleled
How many generators should be used? Lastly, because it has already been decided to generation systems
use parallel generators, the engineer needs to determine how many to use. Should Your questions
two units rated 100% each be used, or possibly three units rated 50% each? This is a
standby, and backup
question of both reliability and cost optimization. Generator set suppliers can provide generators
budgetary information on their equipment that’s very valuable here.
Electrical characteristics
After the major pieces of electrical equipment have been chosen, their details can be
determined. Load-flow studies help define the continuous-current ratings required. It is
important to model all of the system-switching configurations to determine the worst- 55
case scenario. For example, if a main-tie-main switchgear lineup is to operate at full

load from one utility source, then a single end must be able to handle the full facility
load. Also, future expansion should be considered.
Next, a short-circuit study is performed. This study establishes the short-circuit ratings How to design electrical
rooms
of the equipment, such as interrupting current and bus bracing. Again, when dealing
with multiple generators and multiple utility sources, be sure to consider each possible Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
switching configuration. Note that the line-ground fault current available from gener- 2017
ators can be greater than their 3-phase fault current, so a complete short-circuit study
Selecting, sizing
must consider different fault types. This results from the fact that generators’ zero-se- transformers in
quence impedance is lower than their positive-sequence impedance. This is especially
true in 2/3 pitch generators, which have very low zero-sequence impedance. Designing backup,
power for high-
When paralleling different sources, available fault-current magnitudes can be quite performance buildings
high. When these sources are paralleled for long periods of time, the connected  Specifying
equipment should be rated to handle the total amount. Disagreement exists, however, paralleled
when sources will only be paralleled for short amounts of time. generation systems
Your questions
For example, consider systems fed by two redundant utility sources and paralleled
standby, and backup
generators. One school of thought here is that the equipment does not need to be generators
designed to take into account the total fault current because both sources are rarely
paralleled. The competing thought, however, is that when these sources are paralleled,
switching is taking place, increasing the likelihood of a fault. The project team should
carefully consider their approach and gain consensus among stakeholders.
System grounding is very important for paralleled generators, especially when they 56
can parallel with

the utility. Genera-
tors’ fault capability
must be considered
when choosing the How to design electrical
rooms
system-grounding
type. For example, Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
because of the low 2017
generator zero-se-
Selecting, sizing
quence impedance transformers in
cited above, medi-
um-voltage gener- Designing backup,
ators are often not power for high-
braced to handle performance buildings
their own line-  Specifying
ground fault current paralleled
when grounded sol- generation systems
idly. Therefore, some Your questions
type of impedance
standby, and backup
grounding is re- generators
Figure 2: This one-line diagram shows a system con-
quired. Common types are low-resistance,
nected in a transfer-pair configuration with two utility
high-resistance, and reactance grounding. sources. Image courtesy: Stanley Consultants
Low-resistance grounding limits the fault current to hundreds of amps, high-resistance

grounding limits the fault current to tens of amps, and reactor grounding typically lim-
its the fault current to around 60% of a 3-phase fault current. Higher impedances have 57
the advantage of less line-ground fault current and help reduce circulating current;
however, caution should be exercised when generators are paralleled with other sol-
idly grounded sources like wye-windings of utility transformers. Too high a grounding
impedance on a generator connected to a solidly grounded source will cause the line-
ground fault current in that source to rise. This may exceed the equipment’s capability. How to design electrical
rooms
For this reason, reactor grounding is often selected when generators are paralleled
with solidly grounded components. Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Finally, when deciding on system-grounding types, the varying levels of fault currents
Selecting, sizing
resulting from different switching configurations should be considered. This can cause transformers in
problems with protective relaying when the available fault current varies over too wide
a range. Designing backup,
power for high-
Protection, control, and metering performance buildings
At this stage, additional details defining how the system is metered, controlled, and  Specifying
protected can be defined. Two primary approaches are employed here. Some engi- paralleled
neers will performance-specify the major aspects of their system and let the generator generation systems
supplier work out the details. This is efficient from an engineering effort standpoint Your questions
and works well for typical, off-the-shelf systems.
standby, and backup
generators
On projects with more customization or integration with existing systems, more detail
may be required from the specification engineer. When this is the case, a protection,
control, and metering one-line diagram may be produced in lieu of a prescriptive spec-
ification. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
This detailed one-line diagram shows the major protection and control equipment 58
required. Some primary examples are the protective relaying, the master control cab-
inet, or a manual synchronization panel (if required). It also shows what signals are
exchanged among these devices.
For example, the master control cabinet may need to know the breaker statuses from How to design electrical
rooms
the paralleling switchgear or voltages from different points in the system. This requires
that breaker auxiliary contacts and potential transformer circuits be wired to the cabi- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
net. Other examples include contacts from lockout relays that trip in the event of a bus 2017
fault. The master controls need these signals so they don’t close the generators on a
Selecting, sizing
faulted bus. transformers in
Finally, these types of drawings are especially important when the generator set ven- Designing backup,
dor is not the same as the paralleling switchgear vendor. Detailed drawings can help power for high-
coordinate the two. performance buildings
 Specifying
Note that when paralleling with the utility, a number of additional protective-relaying paralleled
elements are required. For example, some utilities require that a distributed-genera- generation systems
tion system be provided with anti-islanding that shuts down generation when a seg- Your questions
ment of the utility circuit has opened. This helps prevent the generation from powering
standby, and backup
a local area of the utility’s system, which can be hazardous to linemen. generators
Additionally, reverse real and reactive power protection are often required to ensure
the utility isn’t motoring the generator and that the onsite generation isn’t exporting
more power to the utility than agreed upon. Directional overcurrent protection can
also be a valuable tool when generator systems are paralleled with the utility. These
schemes help facilitate coordination in these systems with multidirectional power flow. 59
To take it one step further, three-line diagrams may also be required, which further de-
fine the protection system. At least a partial three-line diagram can be useful in detail-
ing ground-fault protection. For example, this helps answer questions like:
rooms
• Should the neutral be switched when the load is transferred?
• Will all of the generators’ neutrals be bonded at a single point in the switchgear? Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Power systems with paralleled generators can provide many benefits to facility own-
Selecting, sizing
ers, both from an economic and reliability standpoint. To realize these benefits, it is transformers in
important that the consulting and specifying engineers use the tools at their disposal
and apply sound engineering principals to the application. This is especially true with Designing backup,
the increasing diversity of projects and the complexity that can come from paralleling power for high-
generators. performance buildings
 Specifying
Joseph Thornam is a principal electrical engineer at Stanley Consultants. paralleled
generation systems
Stanley Worcester is the chief electrical engineer at Stanley Consultants. Your questions
standby, and backup
generators
60
Your questions answered: Emergency,
standby, and backup generators
Presenters from the critical power webcast on Dec. 11, 2018, answer questions
left unaddressed during the live presentation.
rooms
W hen designing generator systems, electrical engineers must ensure that generators
and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the spe-
cific application. Whether providing standby power for health care facilities or power for
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
other facility types, engineers must make decisions regarding generator sizing, load types, Selecting, sizing
transformers in
whether generators should be paralleled, fuel storage, switching scenarios, and many oth- nonresidential buildings
er criteria.
Designing backup,
Presenters from the webcast on critical power: emergency, standby, and backup genera- power for high-
tors respond to questions not addressed during the live event.
generation systems
Presenters:
Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, senior vice president, WSP USA, Dallas
 Your questions
answered:
Kenneth Kutsmeda, PE, LEED AP, engineering design principal, Jacobs, Philadelphia Emergency,
standby, and
Question: What are some paralleling challenges and solutions for large backup generators
facilities?
Jensen: Large facilities have larger load demands. And when dealing with level 1 systems
where a certain amount of the loads must be back up and running in a little as 10 seconds,
it can be challenging to overcome this requirement with larger engines. It takes longer
61
Your questions answered: Emergency, standby, and backup generators
to parallel two larger

engines as opposed to
smaller ones, but the
smaller ones my not
support your load. One How to design electrical
rooms
solution to this is to
have multiple parallel- Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
ing switchgear with a tie 2017
breaker in between. This
Selecting, sizing
allows for faster response transformers in
times and larger loads.
Designing backup,
Question: NFPA power for high-
110: Standard for performance buildings
Emergency and Standby Power Systems requires a load bank testing of Specifying paralleled
generator systems. How do you avoid having the generator system over- generation systems
load if the normal power fails during the test?  Your questions
answered:
Kutsmeda: Use what is called a “load bank dump signal.” Add an under-voltage relay Emergency,
standby, and
on the incoming feeder that senses loss of utility power and sends a signal to dump the
backup generators
load bank load.
Question: Are there any special considerations to keep in mind if one

would like to be able to have load-shedding capabilities? Do you need a
certain type of generator control panel to have this capability?
62
Jensen: Load shedding can be done in a number of different ways. They can be accom-
plished via the paralleling switchgear controls directly to the automatic transfer switch
(ATS), or by distribution breakers, or through another set of relays themselves. The most
important aspect of load shedding is to fully test and commission the system to ensure it is
programmed and operates as intended. How to design electrical
rooms
Understanding the
Question: What are some recommendations for generators feeding unin- changes to NFPA 70-
terruptible power supply (UPS) systems? Discuss UPS compatibility with 2017
generators and de-rating. Selecting, sizing
transformers in
Kutsmeda: Older UPS system had very high harmonics that required you to oversize the
generator to compensate. Newer UPS system have filters to minimize harmonics so that is Designing backup,
no longer required. You’ll want to make sure the UPS has very low input current distortion power for high-
(5% or lower). With that you can put about 75% UPS power onto the generator without performance buildings
having to oversize. Specifying paralleled
generation systems
Another thing to avoid is large UPS systems with very low load. At low loads, the UPS put  Your questions
capacitance back onto the system, which drives the power factor to leading. On the UPS answered:
Emergency,
end, make sure the UPS ramping function is turned so that it soft load the generator. You
standby, and
also can reduce the battery charging current while the system is on generator to reduce backup generators
load.
Question: How does the CAT scan momentary load play out sizing of the
generator?
63
Jensen: Any imaging equipment has a high in-rush load and are very sensitive to voltage
drop (typical manufacturers say their equipment must be fed from “clean” power with only
+/-2% voltage drop. This could lead to oversizing of generators to be able to maintain
such a strict tolerance. Another option is to include a UPS with power conditioning to ride
through any of the start-up and voltage dips on a generator system. Use a manufacturer’s How to design electrical
rooms
sizing software and plug in the appropriate parameters in order to get the best recom-
Understanding the
mended system size.
changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Question: How does the reliability of a Tier 4 genset fare with critical fa- Selecting, sizing
cilities? Or is Tier 2 preferred in critical systems? transformers in
Kutsmeda: EPA Tier 2 and Tier 4 are determined by the emission and runtime require- Designing backup,
ments. If a generator is only used to provide power with the loss of utility power and it power for high-
operates less than 100 hours a year for maintenance/testing, then it can be Tier 2. If the performance buildings
generator provides power for peak shaving, storm avoidance or maintenance and testing Specifying paralleled
exceed 100 hours per year, then the generator must be a Tier 4. generation systems
 Your questions
There are, however, two types of Tier 4 generators. Tier 4 certified means the SRC are in- answered:
Emergency,
stalled and certified in the factory with the engine. Tier 4 certified requires shutdown of the
standby, and
generator with loss of urea or issue with the SCR. Tier 4 compliant means the SCR system backup generators
is installed in the field. Tier 4 compliant does not require the generator to be shutdown
with loss of urea. Because of this Tier 4 compliant is more widely used for critical applica-
tions if emissions reduction is required.
Question: How do you determine how much spare capacity we have on a

generator? 64
Jensen: Once a system is up in operation, an easy way to determine the remaining ca-
pacity is to meter the normal side of the transfer switches for an extended period. The
codes require at last 30 days of metered load when using that to determine spare capacity.
A good option is to include a power metering system on all transfer switches so this data
is always available for the plant engineer to pull up and have a good handle on the overall How to design electrical
rooms
capacity of the system.
Understanding the
changes to NFPA 70-
Question: Referring to NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 2017
700: Emergency and 2 hours onsite fuel storage: How do you design for Selecting, sizing
this if using natural gas? What about dual-fuel with propane? transformers in
Kutsmeda: If the natural gas source is reliable, some authorities having jurisdiction Designing backup,
(AHJs) will allow natural gas because it could potentially be an indefinite source of fuel power for high-
(more than 2 hours). Other options are using propane tanks or a dual fuel generator, which performance buildings
starts using diesel and then transfers to natural gas. The dual fuel would also have the 2 Specifying paralleled
hours of fuel stored onsite. generation systems
 Your questions
Question: What ancillary or generator accessories require power, and answered:
Emergency,
what branch of the emergency power supply system (EPSS) should they
standby, and
be powered from? backup generators
Kutsmeda: Block heaters, jacket water heaters, battery charger, fuel pumps, and lou-
vers. For critical facilities (NEC 708), those loads mush be connected to the critical power
system. For emergency systems, they should be connected to the emergency distribution.
65
Question: Expand on segregation of emergency loads—is a separate

room needed for transfers switches only?
Jensen: NPFA 110 requires the emergency power supply (EPS) to be in a separate ded-
icated 2-hour room for Level 1 systems. Other EPSS equipment is also permitted in this How to design electrical
rooms
room (NFPA 110-7.2.1.2). NFPA 110 also requires the EPSS to be in a separate room from
Understanding the
the normal power service entrance equipment when the equipment is rated over 150 V to
changes to NFPA 70-
ground and equal to or greater than 1,000 amps. So for systems of this size/voltage and 2017
greater, the transfer switches must be in a separate room from the normal power service Selecting, sizing
equipment, but they can share the same room as other EPSS equipment, such as the paral- transformers in
leling switchgear and emergency power distribution boards.
Designing backup,
Question: Is there a code requirement for health care occupancies served power for high-
by single engine systems to be provided with means for connecting a performance buildings
portable/roll up generator in event of failure? Specifying paralleled
generation systems
Jensen: Now there is. New for NFPA 70-2017, Article 700.3(F) states that a temporary  Your questions
source of power for maintenance or repair of the alternate source of power is required and answered:
Emergency,
per NFPA 70 Article 517.26, the life-safety branch must meet the requirements of Article
standby, and
700. A health care occupancy must also have the portable connection. backup generators
Question: NFPA 110 prohibits interconnection of sources. Does this in-

clude banning closed-transition transfer?
Jensen: No. NFPA 100-6.2.3 says that mechanical interlocking or an approved alternate
66
method shall prevent the inadvertent interconnection of the primary power supply and the
EPS, or any two separate sources of power. This requirement does not preclude the use of
closed transition switches, but rather requires that if these type of switches are used, the
proper protection such as reverse power relays are used.
rooms
Question: What type of software should be used for the design and cal-
Understanding the
culation of a power distribution system? changes to NFPA 70-
2017
Jensen: All of the major manufacturers have their own sizing program. It is best to use Selecting, sizing
the manufacturer that is actually being chosen for the site as they have the best insight as transformers in
to how their engine/alternator will react to the different type of load parameters.
Designing backup,
Question: What are some good products to comply with NEC section power for high-
700.3(F)? performance buildings
Jensen: All of the major engine and switchgear manufacturers now make an integrated generation systems
cabinet that works for quick and easy connection of a temporary roll up generator, or they  Your questions
can be custom-built by the electrical contractor. The most important consideration is to answered:
Emergency,
plan for the appropriate space where it is accessible by a roll-up generator. And plan for
standby, and
the proper protection within the switchboard it connects to in order to avoid any revers backup generators
power back on to the utility system or other power source.
Question: Have you any knowledge of retrofitting 2600 kW generator to

Tier IV? What does it entail?
67
Kutsmeda: I have added SCR and particulate filters to an old two-stroke diesel engine
to reduce emissions. It involved removing and reconfiguring the exhaust and muffler sec-
tions to be able to install the SCR and filters. SCR will have a urea system that can either
be a tote system or permanent tank. The urea is temperature sensitive so may need to be
heat traced if in an exposed generator room. How to design electrical
rooms
Understanding the
In this case, there was not enough room between the exhaust on the engine and where the
changes to NFPA 70-
exhaust left the building. Therefore, the exhaust had to be turner so that is went south and 2017
then turned 180 deg north and went through the SCR and out the building. Back pressure Selecting, sizing
was a big issue in this case. transformers in
Question: When it comes to generator sizing tips, loading the system Designing backup,
with the largest motors first, does this “first” mean before all other mo- power for high-
tors or all other smaller loads? For example, in a hospital project largest performance buildings
motors are typically part of the equipment branch and won’t be loaded Specifying paralleled
until after life sand critical loads are connected. generation systems
 Your questions
Jensen: This is correct. In a hospital application, it may not be applicable to load the answered:
Emergency,
largest motor loads first. This would be more of an option in an industrial plant where you
standby, and
can load the largest motors first so that the rest of your load does not see the large voltage backup generators
dip when the motors are added to the system.
Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, WSP USA; and Kenneth Kutsmeda, PE, LEED AP,
Jacobs
68
Electrical & Power
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Electrical

3  How to design electrical rooms

Working vs. dedicated spaces

(see Figure 1). The working space helps

boards, panelboards, and mo-

Main equipment rooms

Sound attenuation and equipment required to meet specific emissions requirements,

Tier 4 versus Tier 2 compliance

close coordination with the architectural, structural, and mechanical disciplines.

evaluated during design and re-

Horizontal pathways can define the

high ceilings. Large-volume spaces like gymna-

In multistory buildings, these spaces should be stacked. The placement of electrical

Supporting the whole building

Scott Kesler is a principal and engineering integration leader at CannonDesign. He is an

New definitions in NFPA 70

The governing body of How to design electrical

terminals of the trans-

How to design electrical

Item 517.45 clar-

How to design electrical

How to design electrical

disabled for maintenance or repair, to include a permanent switching means to connect a

T ransformers are a ubiquitous component of any nonresidential distribution system.

Capacity: Transformers are rated to

falls within exception No. 2.

Standard dry-type temperature rise is 80°C, 115°C, or 150°C. Understanding the

Maximum temperature (°C) = ambient temperature + temperature rise + hot spot

Nameplate: Each transformer is required to have a permanently affixed label indicating 30

ventilated and nonventilated. Ven-

containment. NEC 450.23(A)(1)(f) requires

Harmonic mitigating transformer (HMT): These transformers are specially designed to

K-rated transformer: These transformers are commonly used in applications involving

Consideration also should be given to the location of transformers in relation to surround-

vibration that can

Overcurrent protection: Transformers must be protected like any other component of a

Stephen Berta is a project consultant at NV5. He has experience in electrical design of

The need for backup power

Article 702, Optional

Benefits of parallel generation systems

ways, and a well-document-

power demand can

System testing. A very important

P rogress in developing countries, the proliferation of distributed generation, and an

Paralleled generator systems  Specifying

System reliability is a whole

case scenario. For example, if a main-tie-main switchgear lineup is to operate at full

can parallel with

Low-resistance grounding limits the fault current to hundreds of amps, high-resistance

to parallel two larger

Question: Are there any special considerations to keep in mind if one

Question: How do you determine how much spare capacity we have on a

Question: Expand on segregation of emergency loads—is a separate

Question: NFPA 110 prohibits interconnection of sources. Does this in-

Question: Have you any knowledge of retrofitting 2600 kW generator to

Thank you for visiting the Electrical & Power eBook!

If you have any questions or feedback about the contents