Environment of Care (EC) (Hospital and Hospital Clinics / Hospitals)
Emergency Generator 4-hour Load Test
Publish | January 01, 0001
Can the generator load bank test be combined to meet the 36-month test as well as the 4-hour load test?
The Joint Commission allows the 25% minimum test level described by EC.02.05.07 to be run at 25% or 30% (preferably 30%) for 30-minutes, therefore the test would only have to be 4-hours in duration to also satisfy the requirements of the 36-month test described by EC.02.05.07. The final two hours of the test can be at any load above 30%. It is also compliant for the organization to utilize the CMS Categorical Waiver described by CMS S&C letter 13-58-LSC, Item 3. Emergency Generators and Stand-by Power Systems. The CW allows for following the 1.5 hour testing requirements of NFPA 110 (2010 edition) 8.4.2.3 to accomplish the annual load bank test when required by EC.02.05.07. The starting load for this test method is to be not less than 50% of the emergency generator nameplate kW rating. This testing method may also be combined with the required 4-hour load test described by EC.02.05.07, where the full duration of the test is required to be not less than 30% of the emergency generator nameplate kW rating. (see the Frequently Asked Question concerning proper invocation of a Categorical Waiver) [EC.02.05.07]
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