Why Businesses Need Four Maintenance Visits Per Year to Stay NFPA 110 Compliant

It’s one of the most common questions we get: Why do I need four maintenance visits per year to stay NFPA 110 compliant? It may seem like a lot, but there are critical systems on your EPS that should be checked every three months to ensure your commercial generator works properly when needed. Four maintenance visits per year is actually the minimum you need to stay NFPA 110 compliant.

A well-maintained generator can be the difference between uninterrupted operations and costly downtime during a power outage. To guarantee this reliability, many organizations must adhere to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 standards. NFPA 110 is a crucial benchmark for emergency and standby power systems, outlining the requirements for the installation, maintenance, operation, and testing of these systems. One of the key aspects of maintaining NFPA 110 compliance is conducting regular maintenance on commercial generators—specifically, four maintenance visits per year.

Understanding NFPA 110 Compliance

NFPA 110, titled “Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems,” is a comprehensive set of guidelines that ensure the operational reliability of emergency power systems. These systems are vital for providing power during outages, protecting critical operations from failure. The standard applies to systems like generators that supply power to essential equipment and systems in the event of a primary power failure.

The NFPA 110 standard categorizes emergency power systems into two levels:

1. Level 1: These systems provide power to essential safety functions where failure could result in the loss of human life. Hospitals, emergency response centers, and certain industrial processes typically require Level 1 systems.

2. Level 2: These systems provide power to systems where failure is less likely to endanger human life but can still result in significant disruption. Examples include data centers and non-critical building services.

Compliance with NFPA 110 ensures that these systems are ready to perform at a moment’s notice. The standard covers everything from installation and operational testing to maintenance and fuel management. One of the most critical components of NFPA 110 compliance is the ongoing maintenance of the generator system, which is necessary to guarantee its readiness and reliability.

Why Four Maintenance Visits Per Year Are Necessary

To maintain NFPA 110 compliance, businesses must ensure that their commercial generators receive thorough and regular maintenance. While the frequency of maintenance might seem excessive to some, it is essential for meeting the stringent requirements of the standard and ensuring that the generator will function properly when needed. Here’s why four maintenance visits per year are necessary:

1. Seasonal Variability: Generators are exposed to different environmental conditions throughout the year, which can impact their performance. For example, extreme heat in the summer can cause cooling system issues, while cold winter temperatures can affect the battery and fuel system. By scheduling quarterly maintenance, businesses can address these seasonal challenges and make necessary adjustments to the generator system to ensure optimal performance year-round.
2. Regular Inspections Prevent Long-Term Issues: Regular inspections help identify potential issues before they become serious problems. Small issues such as loose connections, minor leaks, or wear and tear on components can be detected during routine maintenance visits and addressed immediately. By catching these problems early, businesses can avoid costly repairs and unexpected generator failures during power outages.
3. Compliance with NFPA 110 Testing Requirements: NFPA 110 requires regular testing of emergency power systems to ensure they are ready for use. These tests include monthly operational testing, which involves running the generator under load to verify its performance. Quarterly maintenance visits ensure that these tests are conducted properly and that any issues identified during testing are promptly resolved. This ongoing testing is crucial for maintaining NFPA 110 compliance and ensuring the generator is always ready to perform.
4. Fuel Quality and Management: Fuel quality is a critical factor in the reliable operation of a generator. Over time, fuel can degrade, leading to issues like clogged filters, poor combustion, and even engine failure. During quarterly maintenance visits, technicians can inspect the fuel system, test the fuel quality, and take corrective actions such as polishing the fuel or replacing it if necessary. This proactive approach ensures that the generator’s fuel system is always in top condition, reducing the risk of fuel-related issues during a power outage.

What Happens During Each EPS Maintenance Visit?

Each of the four maintenance visits conducted throughout the year serves a specific purpose in keeping the generator system in peak condition and compliant with NFPA 110 standards. Though you can think of each visit as “seasonal,” it’s important to check all systems during each visit.

For example, Electro-Motion provides a 50-Point Checklist with each maintenance checkup. Here are just some of the services you should expect:

• • Inspect and test the battery system: Cold weather can take a toll on batteries, so spring is the perfect time to ensure they are fully charged and in good condition.
  • Check the cooling system: Winter conditions can impact the cooling system’s effectiveness, so technicians will inspect the radiator, coolant levels, hoses, and belts.
  • Inspect and clean the air intake and exhaust systems: Ensure that the generator is breathing properly and that there are no blockages in the exhaust system.
  • Test and inspect the fuel system: Check for any condensation or contaminants that may have accumulated in the fuel system during the winter.
  • Test the cooling system under load: Summer temperatures put additional strain on the cooling system, so technicians will test it to ensure it can handle the increased demand.
  • Inspect and test the electrical system: Ensure all connections are secure and that the generator is producing the correct voltage and frequency.
  • Inspect the exhaust system: Check for any signs of leaks or damage that could compromise the generator’s performance.
  • Check and top off fluids: This includes engine oil, coolant, and fuel levels, ensuring the generator is ready for any upcoming demands.
  • Inspect and test the block heater: Ensure that the block heater is functioning correctly to help the generator start in cold weather.
  • Test the battery: Cold weather can cause battery issues, so technicians will ensure that the battery is fully charged and in good condition.
  • Inspect and clean the air intake and exhaust systems: Leaves and other debris can accumulate during the fall, so technicians will ensure these systems are clear.
  • Test the transfer switch: Ensure that the transfer switch is functioning correctly and ready to switch the load to the generator during a power outage.
  • Inspect the battery system: Ensure that the battery is fully charged and capable of starting the generator in cold weather.
  • Inspect and test the fuel system: Check for any condensation or contaminants in the fuel system that could cause problems during cold weather.
  • Test the generator under load: Ensure that the generator can handle the increased demand that may come with winter power outages.
  • Check and top off fluids: This includes engine oil, coolant, and fuel levels, ensuring the generator is ready for the winter season.

Electro-Motion Provides Maintenance To Keep You NFPA 110 Compliant

Maintaining NFPA 110 compliance is essential for businesses that rely on emergency power systems. Four maintenance visits per year are not just a recommendation—they are a necessity to ensure the reliability and readiness of commercial generators. Each visit addresses specific seasonal challenges, helps prevent long-term issues, and ensures compliance with NFPA 110 testing requirements.

Electro-Motion is here to help you by providing regular maintenance visits at an affordable cost. Regardless of your budget, give us a call at (650) 321-6169 or schedule a free consultation to help avoid costly downtime, protect your operations, and ensure the safety and reliability of your emergency power system.