Emergency Power for Commercial and Industrial Entities
Many commercial and industrial entities have comprehensive emergency power systems installed to allow specific electrical systems and appliances to continue operating during power outages. These systems can provide power within 10 seconds to all primary services on the site, including egress lighting, smoke evacuation, fire alarm systems and elevators. An industrial emergency power system is slightly different from a standby power system, as it runs completely separate from the central power system. This separation means the networks have individual conduits, panels and transfer systems, which also ensures it can provide service to the site when access to the primary source is cut.
Introducing an emergency power system is imperative for every construction site. This proactive and preventative approach will not only protect the safety of your workers during a power outage, it will also minimise the disruptions to your daily operations during these unpredictable and unavoidable circumstances. Having emergency power on standby is also a legal requirement for many sites, and it is essential to remain up-to-date with any legislative changes so that you can avoid the costly fines of non-compliance.
The required equipment will vary significantly between sites. Employing the professional guidance and support of skilled technicians such as the team at Reactive Generators will ensure you are adequately equipped to deal with these situations as they arise.
How do you plan your Industrial Emergency Power Equipment?
Preparing an adequate emergency power system for your industrial site can seem overwhelming and complicated. While there are generally extensive legal requirements, every site will require a slightly different arrangement. With the right support and careful planning, you can implement a relevant and reliable emergency power process. The following is an outline of the recommended considerations when sourcing your emergency power equipment.
1. Brainstorm worst case scenarios
The fundamental step in planning the appropriate emergency power equipment for your site is to consider how it intended usage and outcome. Reactive Generators recommends creating a list of the potential circumstances that could trigger a temporary power loss. These situations can include everything from natural disasters and severe weather conditions to planned outages. By considering all of the worst-case scenarios, you can devise an emergency power system that adequately caters to any possible situation.
2. Seek advice from your power company
Working in the industry every day, your power company is a vital resource in the planning process. Consult with your current power supplier as well as the company you are using to supply the temporary power. These professionals can provide insight into how they respond to emergencies, their availability, and how they suggest you best prepare for emergency power in case you need it.
3. Investigate alternative power sources
Once you’ve commenced your planning process and established the requirements of your specific site, you will need to consider the potential alternative power sources. For example, if you’re currently operating on temporary power, you could consider a backup generator with an automatic transfer switch that will sense the power outage and shift the supply from the mains supply to the generator instantaneously.
4. Check your backup system
After planning and implementing your emergency power equipment, you will need to test the system to ensure that it works. This proactive approach will help identify any areas that need further strengthening or any required changes. The system also requires routine testing over time, as the electrical needs of a site are continually evolving. Routine and periodical checks will ensure your procedure is always up-to-date and reliable in the event of an emergency.
5. Devise emergency plans for your employees
While maintaining electrical supply to the site is essential for business functionality in many settings, it is also fundamental to consider the safety of your employees and anyone else on site. Reactive Generators recommends a comprehensive analysis of the premise to identify all hazards and potential areas for concern. These considerations can apply to the power supply but are also relevant to a range of other sectors. This detailed approach will ensure your emergency resources, communication systems and emergency response procedures are appropriate, useful and reliable.
Reactive Generators
Working across Queensland, Reactive Generators are a trusted name in the industry. We provide comprehensive and tailored services for every one of our clients, to ensure they are equipped to deal with any situations that may arise. We offer teams in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Sunshine Coast, and cater to industrial and commercial clients across the region. If you’re seeking any assistance with your emergency power supply system, get in touch with the friendly team at Reactive Generators.
