ACG Members Jesse Felter, SSRCx and Mark Gelfo, CxA, TLC Engineering Solutions discuss how commissioning emergency power supply systems requires thorough knowledge of codes and several building systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.
The commissioning of complex emergency power systems requires the commissioning provider (CxP) to possess technical knowledge of applicable regulations, standards and codes in addition to considerable real-world experience with emergency power systems and integrated systems testing.
When discussing emergency power systems, it is important to understand a few key distinctions in equipment and system terms. NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems defines emergency power supply systems (EPSS) as including the emergency power source (generator), distribution (such as paralleling switchgear) and transfer switches. Whereas the emergency power supply (EPS) includes only the emergency power source (generator) and any distribution upstream of the transfer switches.
Jesse Felter is an electrical engineer at SSRCx. Felter has been a senior commissioning authority with SSRCx since 2007 and is currently the electrical commissioning discipline manager. An electrical engineer, Felter is also an active committee member with the AABC Cx Guideline Revision. Mark A. Gelfo is a managing principal at TLC Engineering Solutions. Gelfo specializes in energy-efficient facility design, sustainable design strategies, and energy management. Gelfo serves on the Board of Directors of AABC Cx Group, the EMA and is a past vice-chair of the USGBC National LEED Implementation Advisory Committee.
