Disaster Recovery Journal

If only certain functions at the facility will require power, it is a good idea to prioritize individual loads. If there is a question about the priority, think about the potential loss in profits, employee safety issues or any problems that might arise from a decrease in productivity resulting from downtime. Computers, lights, HVAC systems, process equipment and pumps are examples of critical loads. Prioritizing is especially important in the event of an emergency outage, as it may take a few hours or more to secure all of the rental equipment needed on-site during a larger-scale situation such as hurricanes or flooding.

In order to feed critical loads, a separate distribution box is set up in most buildings. One building may already be set up to handle enough temporary power to manage the loads served by a specific set of circuit breakers. If so, it is possible to take an ammeter reading with just the critical loads running. The nameplate on the equipment will also help determine amperage or voltage of a specific piece of equipment.

Once the power needs are determined for a facility, the next step is to select a generator set supplier. If you can tolerate momentary power outages' from four hours to one day' rental power can be an affordable solution. A generator set can be rented and kept on standby during critical months. If your facility can not tolerate more than a momentary lapse in power' fifteen seconds or less' a permanent, back-up power installation is the best investment. For critical power needs that cannot tolerate any power interruption, a UPS system is required in conjunction with a permanently installed generator set. The key to best serving your business' needs is to find the power equipment supplier who can provide a full line of permanent or rental generator sets, with all associated equipment and services, as well as a qualified staff for maintenance.

A few questions to ask a potential sales or rental supplier include:

• What kilowatt range of generator sets is available?
• Does the dealership deliver the generator sets and related equipment? If so, how long will it take to receive the equipment on-site?
• Will the dealership deliver in the middle of the night or during a holiday?
• What experience does the dealership have in sales and rental for this industry?
• What type of technical support is provided?
• What happens if the generator set goes down while on-site?
• Does the dealership provide equipment operator training?

As part of the decision, the equipment supplier should be able to provide a detailed breakdown of the scope of services, assistance with equipment selection, and installation advice for the application. A brief checklist of items may include:

• Does the location require the use of sound-attenuated equipment to meet local codes or OSHA requirements?

• Where will the generator sets be placed once on-site? This is important because generator sets vary in size. Larger units, also known as power modules, can measure up to eight feet wide by 40 feet long. Additionally, sufficient space around the equipment is required for airflow and cable attachments.
• Who is responsible for getting the rental units on-site? Regardless of how the unit is transported to the site, make sure the right-sized truck and delivery equipment is used. Or, shop around and get a fair contract with a local trucking firm that can handle the job safely and efficiently on short notice.
• When routing cable from the generator set outside a building to the electrical distribution boxes inside, consider installing a weather-head or cable access door that can be closed when not in use.
• Will the equipment supplier provide an extra supply of fuel if the rental generator set will be running for an extended period of time? Also inquire as to double-walled fuel tanks or spill containment basins for greater environmental protection against leaks and spillage.
• What are the supplier's capabilities for hooking up and maintaining the rental equipment? A qualified electrical contractor can handle those duties as long as they are comfortable with the critical requirements associated with the project.

Depending on the situation, securing back-up power can be a time-consuming challenge. It is best to keep a copy of your company's plan of action on file at a secure location or with a key contact who can be reached during emergencies, especially when severe weather is involved. Keep files readily available that include information on the priorities of critical load requirements, required voltage and amperage, as well as the location of the electrical schematic drawings. As an added precaution, be sure to specify the loads that must be isolated from the main breaker before delivering power from the generator set. Also, ensure that you have access to a complete contact information file on the in-house maintenance and operations staff, the generator set supplier and fuel supplier.

The issues affecting power supplies are complex, and they will not go away quickly. Now is the time to analyze back-up power needs and take whatever steps necessary. There are several avenues available for assistance. One is the local electric utility. Another is an electrical consultant familiar with your business, industry, and local power-supply situation. A generator set dealer also has information on power reliability issues and can help guide you to appropriate solutions. It is not too early to start planning to protect power for the future.

In nearly every business situation, planning ahead will almost certainly determine your chances for success. This is especially true when it comes to making sure that power stays on during the most chaotic situations.