Services

Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS) Evaluations and On-Site Mock Surveys: We use a 176 point checklist to assure all EPSSs are code, standard and regulatory compliant with regard to design, installation and operation. Evaluations include attention to:

  • NFPA 110, 2010 Edition, Emergency and Standby Power Systems
  • NFPA 101, 2012 Edition, Life Safety Code®
  • NFPA 99, 2012 Edition, Health Care Facilities
  • NFPA 70, 2011 Edition, National Electric Code®
  • NFPA 70E, 2012 Edition, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace ®
  • OSHA Regulations - Lockout/Tagout, PPE, Eye Wash Stations and Arc Flash
  • The Joint Commission Environment of Care, and DNV Standards
  • OEM Requirements
  • State and CMS Requirements
  • Possible Legal Actions Resulting from Non-Compliant Issues
  • Switchgear Anomalies
  • Expansion Opportunities Using Existing Equipment
  • Component Replacement and Planning for Upgrades
  • Current and Pending EPA Regulations
  • Demand Response Feasibility
  • EPSS Maintenance and Repair Contract reviews and RFP Development

Total Electrical Review: The electrical review will add electrical distribution systems, grounding, EPSS connectivity, overall electrical system reliability, and NEC compliance for the entire system - both normal and emergency.

Commissioning/Retro-Commissioning: Most equipment and system failures occurring during the first year are the result of poor and/or non-compliant design, installation and testing. Our aim is to eliminate failures through a six step proven process. Unfortunately, testing is seldom performed according to engineering specs, and the latest edition of NFPA 110. Impending failures should be found before occupancy when there are fewer repercussions. We thoroughly exercise the equipment by simulating all power outage scenarios during an integrated testing process.

Generator Paralleling and Other Redundant Systems: We provide system studies to improve generator redundancy and reliability through the proper use of paralleling systems, priority load selector switches, and other generator control systems. These services include paralleling generators of different KW ratings and alternator pitch, modernizing old synchronizing switchgear, updating load priority systems, implementing load demand control, and trouble-shooting systems that are not meeting facility needs.

Demand Response Feasibility Studies and Contract Negotiations: Large utility rebates are possible by agreeing to run EPSS when the utility’s capacity is strained. Caution should be exercised before committing EPSS assets to long term contracts. Three of the ten major points to consider include: age of equipment, critical loads and EPA restrictions. We also represent owners during negotiations with aggregators.

Automated Monitoring/Management System Design: With decreases in personnel and increases in complexity of EPSS components, manual recording of any event (maintenance, testing and power outages) has become burdensome and sometimes dangerous. Prices for software and hardware to automate this process have decreased substantially. We can assist with product selection and testing, and can customize systems to fit your facility’s equipment configuration. Our control platforms allow healthcare institutions to carefully monitor and maintain equipment for peak system readiness, perform remote testing as required on EPSS and fully document all testing and events in accordance with Joint Commission and DNV requirements. Interface modules allow connections to Cummins, Caterpillar, ASCO, RussElectric, Veeder Root, and Pneumercator thereby reducing costs.

EPSS Peer Reviews: We provide 3rd party reviews of all architectural/engineering drawings and specifications for the schematic design of proposed infrastructure upgrades.

Arc Flash Studies and Implementation: Facilities must provide Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and electrical switchgear and panel labeling according to OSHA regulations and NFPA 70E. It is just a matter of time before the requirements of 70E becomes strictly enforced by the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70). The push will actually come from insurance companies, especially workman’s compensation, to make employers implement steps to ensure employee safety. Costs for compliance can be astronomical if hospital personnel are not involved with data collection. A suitable approach can only be determined during a site visit and review of the facility electrical one-line/riser diagrams. We can provide the required coordination and arc flash studies or we can act as program managers using your preferred arc flash vendors. Either way, we can utilize your personnel and your contractors for safe data collection.

Arc Flash Program Management: As program managers we provide a preliminary assessment, which addresses the availability of one-line diagrams, drawings, shop drawings, equipment inventories, etc. which will be needed. We also assess the need for coordination and arc-flash studies, infrared testing, and interim measures as may be recommended. Steps would be as follows:

Construct a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Coordination and Arc-Flash Study. This may or may not include an infra-red study which can be useful in gathering data for the coordination and arc flash study. The RFP will include information required for vendors to quote the study (i.e. Building SF and number of panels, transformers, breakers, ATS, generators, services, etc.) The RFP will also describe the method of data acquisition preferred.

Make a bidder's list and mail out the RFP.

Receive and evaluate proposals and make recommendation regarding award of contract.

Review and approve the coordination and arc flash study when complete (by our state licensed electrical PE).

Obtain copy of data files for the facility's future use.