The recent storm in North East Ohio caused extensive power outages due to various factors. While we can’t control the reliability of the National Power Grid, we are able to control our own buildings. In most cases, this means everything between the meter and the device we plug into the wall outlet. Loss of power in our homes causes problems ranging from no tangible effect, to minor inconvenience, to very serious problems if the building affected contains vital equipment.
While a typical “out of the box” approach will yield some level of protection during power outages, EBM Electric And Maintenance believes that each building’s solution should be specifically designed for each building and fully consider the owner’s needs. Although in some particular cases this would involve a highly engineered system, the majority of buildings affected by power outages will be amply protected by consideration of the specific building requirements including selection of a reliable system manufacturer, proper installation, and properly implemented maintenance program.
Here are some things to think about when considering a backup power system for your building:
How much backup power capacity is needed?
The answer ranges from powering a refrigerator or chest freezer a few times each day to ensure food safety, to ensuring that power is available to provide heating and cooling capabilities for sick, young, or elderly occupants, to possibly providing enough power capability to keep the entire building online for an extended period of time ensuring water supply and/or hot water, lighting, temperature control and all the conveniences experienced during normal power conditions.
Historically, how frequently have power outages occurred in an area?
There are multiple factors beyond the building owner’s control including the age of the grid components supplying the building, vulnerable trees between the grid and building, the above-mentioned storms… In general, it’s safe to say that most utility companies have achieved a high level of reliability in their equipment and technician skill levels. A properly designed and installed backup power system protects against the inevitable times when something happens outside of the norm.
What does the backup power system need to accomplish?
A well-designed system will take into account things like placement of system components, size requirements of the system, and transition requirements of the building owner. There are several important considerations and a good plan will cover all of these considerations. For example: Some systems are designed for sudden, unpredictable power outages such as a vehicle accident which knocks down a power line, or unusual demand in a heat wave overloading the grid. In this same system, a known potential power outage can be averted by simply turning the generator on and allowing the system to utilize the generator as the primary power source- for example, hospitals/health care facilities, airports, or industry wherever inclement weather is approaching.
Requirements after design and installation:
Like any machine, a backup power system requires regular maintenance to ensure that it will function properly when needed. A reputable manufacturer will clearly detail the maintenance requirements of the specific unit. Ultimately it falls on the system owner to take the steps necessary to ensure reliable backup power.
What happens when it’s time to sell the building?
As with any major upgrade, cost is a major factor in selecting a backup power system. In many cases, any major electrical system upgrade that has been properly designed, installed, and maintained will maintain much of its value upon sale of the building. Any time a major improvement is done on a building, the company performing the work should be vetted to ensure proper qualifications, licensure, insurance, and some form of guarantee of the quality of work performed. Additionally, a company focused on providing a job well-done will notify the building owner of problems that are discovered as work is performed. A good relationship between the designer, installer, and building owner means that known issues can be discussed and resolved immediately, or planned for a later time. Generally speaking, a major upgrade means that a particular system has been reviewed by the associated tradesperson. That system review/installation translates to added building value, provided the work was performed properly, documented, and maintained properly afterwards.
How is a backup power system return on investment determined?
This is slightly different from the above question. In some instances such as a grocery store ensuring food safety and minimizing loss during power outages, the actual dollar amount may be determined. In other cases, it is more abstract. For example: how important is the big game? How uncomfortable will the building become if power goes out in the middle of summer or winter? Sometimes value can be determined on a dollar basis, other times it’s determined on a convenience basis. In short, some backup power systems are vital to operation of a business, agency, or individual while other systems are strictly for convenience. Typically speaking, the building owner is the one ultimately responsible for the decision of whether or not a backup power system will be installed.
These points are just the beginning in determining system needs. A competent designer or installer, typically a licensed electrician as required in most localities, will be able to provide information concerning building-specific considerations. A comfortable dialogue should occur early on between the electrician and client. Simply stated: The client might not know available options, technical jargon, labor involved, or code requirements. This is the job of the electrician. The electrician should be able to clearly illustrate all factors of the process and accurately match the building owner with an appropriate system. If the client doesn’t know what questions to ask, the electrician should be able to provide the necessary information, addressing any issues or concerns that arise before, during, and after the project.
EBM Electric And Maintenance works hard to ensure client satisfaction and is honored to say that many of our clients have chosen us as their exclusive electrical contractor. Please consider EBM Electric And Maintenance for your electrical needs!
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