As part of an overall facility improvement program, St. Mary’s Hospital undertook a feasibility study of its electrical distribution system. As part of this study, the engineers and electricians analyzed the existing emergency system and developed a conceptual design to improve the reliability of emergency power at the facility in Waterbury, CT.
Establishing an effective emergency power distribution system for a hospital is vital. A properly implemented emergency backup power system can mean the difference between life and death.
Emergency power distribution system
Continuous power to life-support machines and hospital surgery rooms is deemed essential
Continuous power to life-support machines and hospital surgery rooms is deemed essential. Strict rules and regulations govern hospital emergency power requirements to ensure the availability of power to essential loads. These standards include the Healthcare Facilities Code (NFPA 99) and the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101).
Using the collective experience, the in-house engineers and electricians analyzed the emergency power distribution system from a component-wise perspective to assess the general condition and develop an overall conceptual design.
Scope of the analysis included:
- Diesel Generators
- Generator Switchgear
- Paralleling Control Devices
- Automatic Transfer Switches
- Load-Shed & Load-Add Control Schemes
To establish a reliable electrical distribution system for a hospital, it is important to ensure the immediate availability of backup power to essential loads. They make specific recommendations to ensure compliance with applicable codes, rules, and regulations.
