ASCO NFPA 110 User Manual
NFPA 110 Overview
Part 1: Key Requirements for Emergency
and Standby Power Systems
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NFPA 110 Overview
Part 1: Key Requirements for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA 110 – Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
provides basic requirements for the performance of
backup power systems.1 Often referenced by other standards and regulations, a useful understanding of NFPA 110 is
essential for professionals engaged in the installation and operation of critical power equipment. The first of a two-part
series, this document summarizes key highlights from the standard.
PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND APPLICABILITY
The purpose of NFPA 110 is to provide performance standards for Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS). It
addresses the installation, maintenance, operation and testing of emergency and standby power systems. With the
exception of
Maintenance and Operational Testing
Section 8
, the standard applies to newly installed systems. The requirements in
apply to both new and existing systems. Notably, NFPA 110 does not specify
Section 8 - Routine
where backup power systems must be used; other standards provide such requirements.
RELEVANCE TO OTHER CODES
•
International Building Code
power is required. It identifies Emergency Systems (including but not limited to fire alarm, exit signage, and
egress illumination systems) and Standby Systems (including but not limited to smoke control, powered door,
and emergency ventilation systems).
•
NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
from electrical hazards.3 Table 1 identifies key sections that relate to backup power systems and the loads
they power.
- The International Building Code is one code that does identify where backup
2
- The purpose of the NEC is to safeguard persons and property
The NEC also specifies requirements for generators and healthcare facilities in Articles 445 and 517,
respectively. For additional information, review the ASCO power Technologies document entitled
Changes for Backup Power
.
2020 NEC
Table 1. NEC Article Summary
Article Focus Type Installation Operation Maintenance Monitoring Control Systems Aected
700
701
702
708
1
NFPA 110 – Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 2019 Edition
2
International Building Code, 2018 Edition
3
NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition
Emergency
Systems
Legally
Required
Standby
Systems
Optional
Standby
Systems
Critical
Operations
Power Systems
Permanent X X X
Permanent X X X
Temporary
or
Permanent
Temporary
or
Permanent
. International Code Council. Washington, DC, USA. 2018.
X X
X X X X X
. National Fire Protection Agency. Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. 2019.
. National Fire Protection Agency. Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. 2018.
Lighting and power for
human safety
Power to eliminate
hazards and aid
rescue/reghting
Power to eliminate
discomfort or damage
to product/process
Power for national
security, economy,
public health/safety
2
•
NFPA 99 – Health Care Facilities Code
- NFPA 99 specifies requirements for mitigating hazards from facilities,
equipment, materials and other sources in healthcare facilities.4 For power systems, it specifies requirements for
loads served by the
personnel; the
Life Safety Branch
Critical Branch
, which addresses systems needed to ensure the safety of patients and
which serves area and functions involved in patient care; and the
Equipment Branch
which serves other systems such as medical air, suction, and smoke control systems.
CATEGORIZATION OF EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
NFPA 110 applies performance standards to Emergency Power Supply Systems (EPSS). The requirements necessarily
vary by application. Section 4 of the standard thus dierentiates systems by
Class, Type
, and
Level
as follows:
,
• Class: Class is identified by the amount of time in hours that a backup power system is designed to operate without
refueling or recharging. The classifications are presented in Table 2.
5
• Type: Types define the maximum time, in seconds, that the EPSS will permit the load terminals of the transfer switch
to be without acceptable electrical power, as listed in Table 3.
6
• Level: Level 1 systems are installed where a failure of backup power could result in loss of human life or serious
injuries.7 Level 2 systems serve systems and equipment that are “less critical” to human life and safety.
Table 2: Classification of EPSSs
Class Minimum Time
Class 0.083 0.083 Hr. (5 Min.)
Class 0.25 0.25 Hr. (15 Min.)
Class 2 2 Hrs.
Class 6 6 Hrs.
Class 48 48 Hrs.
Class X As required by code, application, or user
Type Minimum Time
Type U Basically Uninterruptible (UPS)
Type 10 10 Seconds
Type 60 60 Seconds
Type 120 120 Seconds
Type M
Table 3: Types of EPSSs
Manual Stationary or Nonautomatic
– No Time Limit
8
4
NFPA 99 – Health Care Facilities Code, 2018 Edition
5 NFPA 110. Article 4.2. p. 110-8.
6 Ibid. Article 4.3. p. 110-8.
7 Ibid. Article 4.4.1. p. 110-8.
8 Ibid. Article 4.4.2.p. 110-8.
. National Fire Protection Agency. Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. 2017.
3
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