While emergency power discussions often center on generators, many critical facility functions rely on stationary battery systems that rarely receive the same level of attention. This session examines the often‑overlooked DC battery systems that support medium‑ and low‑voltage switchgear, protection relays, controls, and power distribution throughout a facility. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of where these batteries are used, how aging infrastructure impact reliability, and the trade‑offs involved in battery chemistry and replacement decisions. The session will also explore modern battery monitoring approaches and why voltage alone is an insufficient indicator of battery health, helping facilities improve visibility, reduce risk, and extend the lifecycle of essential DC power systems.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

NFPA 110 Chapter 8 requires more than simply proving that a generator starts — it requires verification that the entire emergency power supply system performs as intended, including automatic transfer switches. This session moves beyond routine weekly exercising to examine what NFPA 110 actually requires facilities to inspect, test, operate, and document related to transfer switch performance. Attendees will gain clarity on the difference between exercising, operational testing, and performance verification, and how sensing, time delays, transfer mechanisms, contacts, and control functions must be evaluated under real conditions. The discussion bridges code language with practical field realities, helping facilities move from assumed compliance to demonstrated readiness.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Distinguish between exercising and performance testing under NFPA 110 Chapter 8.
   Understand how routine exercising differs from the Chapter 8 requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) of transfer switches, and why “it transferred once” does not satisfy performance verification.
2. Identify the specific transfer switch functions that NFPA 110 expects to be verified.
   Learn which ATS components and operations must be evaluated, including:
   • Normal and emergency power sensing
   • Time delays (start, transfer, retransfer, cool‑down)
   • Mechanical operation and contact condition
   • Control circuitry and annunciation
   • Proper load transfer and retransfer sequencing
3. Recognize common compliance gaps related to transfer switch testing.
   Identify where facilities often fall short of Chapter 8 expectations — such as lack of load involvement, failure to observe transfer under actual conditions, incomplete documentation, or assuming generator tests cover ATS performance.
4. Apply Chapter 8 testing concepts to improve real‑world reliability.
   Learn practical, code‑aligned approaches to testing and documenting transfer switch performance that support life safety system reliability, reduce failure risk during outages, and withstand AHJ or surveyor review.

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What Facilities Often Miss (Built Into the Session)

This session intentionally clarifies that NFPA 110 Chapter 8 is not just about running equipment, but about verifying that:

• The ATS senses power correctly
• Transfers occur within required time parameters
• Loads are actually transferred and returned
• Mechanical and electrical components are observed and evaluated
• Results are documented, not assumed

 Read Carlos’ Bio

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe why generators can appear reliable without actually being ready
   Understand how idle and lightly loaded operation can mask mechanical, electrical, and combustion‑related deficiencies that only surface under load.

2. Interpret NFPA 110 load testing requirements correctly
   Identify when load bank testing is required, how it differs from routine exercising, and what AHJs and surveyors expect to see documented for compliance.

3. Recognize the consequences of inadequate loading
   Explain how wet stacking, carbon buildup, incomplete combustion, and reduced engine life result from insufficient load—and how these conditions increase failure risk during an emergency.

4. Apply load bank testing to validate emergency power reliability
   Learn best practices for planning, executing, and documenting load bank tests that prove generator capacity, support compliance, and improve long‑term system reliability.

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Emergency power systems must remain operational during seismic events while also managing vibration during normal operation—two requirements that often work against each other if not properly coordinated. This session explores how seismic restraint, vibration isolation, and equipment anchorage interact, and why misalignment between these elements can compromise compliance, reliability, and long‑term equipment performance. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of IBC and ASCE 7 seismic considerations, the impact of structure‑borne vibration on adjacent hospital spaces, and how improper restraint or isolation choices can lead to premature failures, maintenance challenges, and noise complaints. The session emphasizes coordination—not just compliance—to ensure emergency power systems are both secure and resilient.

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Learning Objectives

1. Explain seismic restraint requirements for emergency power systems
   Understand how IBC and ASCE 7 seismic provisions apply to generators and associated equipment, including certification expectations and compliance documentation.
2. Describe how vibration isolation impacts reliability and equipment lifespan
   Recognize how isolation strategies influence long‑term generator performance, maintenance needs, and wear on connected systems.
3. Identify risks associated with structure‑borne vibration and noise transmission
   Understand how improperly managed vibration can transmit into adjacent hospital and critical care spaces, creating operational and patient‑care impacts.
4. Coordinate isolation, restraint, and anchorage to maintain compliance and performance
   Learn best practices for aligning seismic restraint, vibration isolation, and anchorage methods so systems remain code‑compliant without sacrificing isolation effectiveness.

 Read Mark’s Bio

1. Recognize freight as a critical component of emergency power system reliability
   Understand how transportation decisions affect equipment integrity, installation readiness, and downstream operational risk.
2. Identify common freight‑related risks to emergency power equipment
   Learn how improper loading, securement, routing, environmental exposure, and communication failures can damage high‑value power assets before they ever reach the site.
3. Evaluate transportation providers beyond lowest‑cost selection
   Identify key qualifications, capabilities, and questions facilities should consider when procuring freight services for generators, switchgear, and other critical power components.
4. Apply best practices to protect emergency power assets in transit
   Understand how proactive logistics planning, specialized equipment, experienced carriers, and clear coordination reduce risk, protect schedules, and preserve long‑term system reliability.

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 Read Robb’s Bio