Understanding the Withstand and Close-On Rating for Transfer Switches

Numerous short circuit current ratings and references exist for transfer switches that are often confusing and seemingly contradictory. This paper provides some explanation and clarification to help engineers specify the proper equipment to meet local and national regulations. For an electrical system to operate safely, the design should consider a variety of scenarios where things […]

Understanding IBC Wind Load Requirements For Generating Systems

It is important for standby power system enclosures to withstand loads produced by hurricanes and windstorms. These enclosures must be designed to endure the forces of wind loads that are determined by many complex factors. Standards have been created to establish common methodology for design and analysis to minimize losses due to wind events. Building […]

Understanding Seismic Isolation and IBC Certification

It is important for standby power systems to function after natural events including hurricanes and seismic events, specifically earthquakes. Standby power systems located in regions where earthquakes are possible should be certified to function properly after a seismic event. Standby power systems are designed in various ways to achieve seismic certification. A critical element in […]

Managing Emergency Generators With Nonlinear Loads

In this paper we will be focusing on the harmonic distortion that occurs in an emergency power solution. The source of this harmonic distortion will be specifically from nonlinear loads. By the end of this paper you will be able to understand the effects of nonlinear loads and its advantages, enabling you to create better […]

Power Up with A Load-Management System: Setting Up a Load-Management System Part 3

There can be many differences between load-management systems, but common design practices and setup procedures can be applied to most systems and applications. The following are functional descriptions, configuration tips and example scenarios for some of the more common techniques for load management: Startup shed Generator online load add kW capacity load add Engine failure […]