MINNEAPOLIS - Cummins Power Generation has become one of the first manufacturers to announce International Building Code (IBC) certification on all its production generator sets under 230 kW. The certification will apply to products shipping from the factory starting in March 2008. The IBC code, in various editions (IBC-2000, 2003, and 2006), is currently used at the state or local level in 47 states plus Washington, D.C. It addresses both the design and installation of building systems with an emphasis on performance in emergency situations. The certification process is continuing on larger units and the company’s goal is to have all generator sets certified by the end of 2008.

“The IBC code certifies that Cummins Power Generation generator sets can withstand specific seismic forces and remain ‘online and functional’ after an emergency has occurred,” said Gary LaFine, product director, commercial genset business, Cummins Power Generation. “The code recognizes that a standby power system is a critical component of a building and needs to continue to operate during and after disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or even terrorist attacks.”

The IBC certificate of compliance qualifies the company’s generator sets rated at 230 kW and under for use in emergency power systems wherever the IBC code requires that seismically rated equipment must be considered. Emergency standby power systems serve a critical need by providing electrical power to life-safety systems after the primary (utility) source has failed.

The primary applications for IBC-certified emergency power systems will be in earthquake- and hurricane-prone areas of North America. However, because the design parameters recommended by IBC affect a significant number of facilities in both public and private sectors, many types of facilities must now consider IBC-certified generator sets. They include hospitals and health care facilities; fire, rescue, and police stations; emergency shelters; telecommunications centers; power plants; air traffic control centers; military and government buildings; and water treatment facilities.

In accordance with section 1708.5 of the IBC, to be certified compliant with the code, a generator set must survive an actual test on a shake table or be proven to withstand specified seismic design forces through modeling and analysis in accordance with the American Society of Civil Engineers document 7 (ASCE 7).

“For generator sets, the IBC equipment certification confirms the design and anchorage of the product and performance under analysis and test conditions,” said LaFine. “Installation requirements of the complete power system in an application need to be met locally by other suppliers, installers, and design team managers.”

For more information, visit www.cumminspower.com.

Publication date: 02/11/2008