Statistics show that the number of natural disasters, as well as their intensity, are on the rise. There is a potentially large cost impact for businesses without backup power in the event of an extended utility power outage. Being diligent and taking appropriate steps to minimize operational downtime is good business practice. While some standby power solutions can be quite costly, ESL’s StormSwitch™ (manual transfer switch) offers a safe, simple, and economical solution for a portable generator to connect to a building’s electrical grid during a utility power outage.
Climate Disasters From 1980 – 2012
*Source: NOAA Satellite and Information Service
For additional information visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/
*Source: NOAA Satellite and Information Service
For additional information visit: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/
*Source: FEMA Diasater Declarations
For additional information visit:http://www.fema.gov
Applicable Manual Transfer Switch Legislation
Understanding the Florida State Generator Law 526.143
Alternate generated power capacity for motor fuel dispensing facilities
As of June 1, 2007, all retail outlets selling motor fuel must be able to operate its distribution loading racks using an alternate generated power source for a minimum of seventy-two hours. Within thirty-six hours of major disaster, the facility must be operating off an alternate generated power source, if deemed safe. Installation of appropriate wiring, including a transfer switch shall be performed by a certified electrical contractor. Documentation of this must be provided to corporate headquarters as well as on site.
Any retail fuel outlet within one-half mile to an interstate highway, state or federally designated evacuation route must be pre-wired with an appropriate transfer switch. Additionally the facility must be capable of operating all fuel pumps, dispensing equipment, life safety systems, and payment-acceptance equipment using an alternate generated power source.
Understanding the Legislature of Louisiana Section 1. R.S. 30:2195.12: §2195.12 (Act No. 527). Alternate generated power capacity for motor fuel dispensing facilities
A newly constructed or completely rebuilt motor fuel retail outlet for which a certificate of occupancy is issued on or after October 1, 2009, shall be prewired with an appropriate transfer switch, and capable of operating all fuel pumps, dispensing equipment, life safety systems, and payment-acceptance equipment using an alternate generated power source. Installation of appropriate wiring and transfer switches shall be performed by a certified electrical contractor. Local building inspectors shall include this equipment and operations check in the normal inspection process before issuing a certificate of occupancy.
The provisions of this Section shall apply to newly constructed or completely rebuilt motor fuel retail outlets in the areas of the state located within the boundaries of the parishes of Beauregard, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry, Pointe Coupee, West Feliciana, East Feliciana, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington and all parishes located south thereof.
