Generator Regulations for New Apartment Building Construction

Commercial settings often require an uninterrupted power supply. Outages can quickly impact productivity and create unsafe environments. However, these systems are especially critical for apartment complexes and multifamily residences.

Many times, having reliable backup power is a requirement for commercial settings, as there are laws and ordinances that demand these spaces to have emergency backup generators.

Learn more about apartment complex backup generators, why you need them, the different types available and how to find the right model for your apartment complex below.

National and State Housing Regulations to Know

National backup power requirements for apartments provide a foundation for complex standards, but state regulations can demand additional adherence, depending on where you live. For example, some states and municipalities may require emergency power availability for features like elevators, alarms, smoke control systems, communication tools, emergency lighting or other critical systems to keep occupants safe.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created a standard to detail the performance requirements for standby and emergency power. Adhering to these regulations is crucial for safety, reliability and compliance. Specific regulations to note include the length of time before specific power systems are operating after a power outage, types of acceptable generators, testing and maintenance requirements for optimal system function and which systems your emergency power must support.

Adhering to national and state regulations allows you to experience benefits like:

• Continuous power: The most apparent benefit of a backup generator is delivering continuous power. They ensure emergency systems, such as lighting and communication devices, are operable and can provide help to occupants. Some apartment generators can also be suitable to support activities like using appliances and lights within the residential units to create a safe and comfortable space during an otherwise uncertain time.
• Overload protection: Power outages can cause significant damage to appliances and critical systems. Sudden grid fluctuations can spike voltages much higher than some appliances and systems can safely handle, which can cause severe damage or make a system inoperable. Backup generators combat this issue by acting as a buffer, delivering a steady power supply and preventing surges from delivering damage.
• Emergency preparedness: Delivering reliable power during an outage is critical for ensuring emergency preparedness. Backup generators ensure emergency lighting and fire safety systems remain operable, keeping occupants safe and aware of the situations around them.

Sizing Apartment Complex Generators

Sizing your generator correctly is crucial for ensuring the utmost protection while having the power necessary to operate critical systems. Your state or municipality may have specific guidelines regarding generator size and capabilities to make this process easier.

You can determine what size generator you need by following considering these factors:

• Starting wattage: Consider the systems your generator needs to support to determine the amount of watts you need.
• Voltage: If you own a large complex, you’ll likely need a high-voltage generator, such as a three-phase unit. Alternatively, smaller businesses may be able to opt for lower outputs from single-phase generators.
• Run time: Do you need a generator to run at all times or only require it to operate until power outages are over?  Determine how long you need the generator to run.

You can also use full load capacity to determine the right size generator. Calculate an electrical load estimate by using these steps:

1. Take full load measurements at your service panel during peak usage times.
2. Adding all measurements together to find the total amps.
3. Divide the amps by two if using a single-phase generator or three if using a three-phase model.
4. Multiply the previous number by your supply voltage.
5. Multiply the previous number by 1,000 to determine full load kilowatts.
6. Select a generator to support your full load kilowatts and reserve capacity.

Types of Backup Power in Residential Buildings

You can opt for one of two types of power supply systems for your apartment complex — emergency or standby generators.

Emergency generators come in two levels. Level 2 generators are suitable for situations where lives will not be at risk. Generally, these power critical systems, such as elevators, fire alarms and emergency lighting, support safe building exits. Level 1 systems encompass all Level 2 capabilities but can provide critical assistance if power failure can result in the loss of human life.

Standby generators are those that can support business operations to reduce downtime. For example, standby systems may be able to power databases, standard equipment, POS systems or servers. While these models may not be suitable for supporting your apartment occupants, you could invest in a standby generator to allow administrators and office workers to continue operations during a power outage. However, you would need to employ both types to meet national regulations for resident safety.

How Woodstock Power Meets Backup Power Requirements for Complexes

At Woodstock Power, we understand that ensuring efficient and reliable power is critical for keeping your tenants safe and satisfied. We also understand the importance of finding the right size generator with the proper performance capabilities and technology integrations to support your complex.

With us, you can find the power you need to ensure satisfaction, safety, added convenience and productivity. Woodstock Power has years of experience helping property management teams find reliable power solutions. Our team can assist you in finding primary sources, backup generators and emergency equipment to ensure safety and productivity.

Our solutions help ensure your tenants always have the power they need. Backup generators ensure safety systems operate but also allow mechanical building elements to function, ensuring tenants can safely exit elevators, rely on alarm systems, avoid sump pump flooding, prevent injuries on escalators and more.

Find Backup Power Generators for Apartments From Woodstock Power

As an industry leader in buying and selling used generators, we understand the unique needs of various industries, including apartment complexes and multifamily housing units. When you need a commercial solution to support your business and tenants, you can trust us to help you find the right equipment.

Our experts have vast experience and deep industry knowledge, empowering them to answer questions about peak and average power requirements, fuel preference, available space, exhaust restrictions and more. We proudly offer a wide range of power management products to ensure you can find what you need to support your business and occupants.

Woodstock Power carries top-rated power generators, offering immense value at a cost-effective price. We thoroughly inspect, service, and verify each of our generators so you can feel confident in your choice. We also offer full-service support, aiding in installation, planning for your site’s power consumption and more. Browse our inventory, or reach out to request assistance finding the right model for your complex.

The Woodstock Power Company Experience

We have industry experts that focus on generator sets and generator engines, with in-depth industry knowledge to help you choose the right generator that fits your needs.

Our experts are ready to assist you from answering any questions you may have about power generator sets to helping you find the best selection in our inventory based on:

• Peak & Average Power Requirements
• Fuel Preference (Natural Gas or Diesel)
• Portability & Stationary Power
• Prime & Standby Generator Requirements
• Available Space & Exhaust Restrictions

Our experts are also able to help coach you on Final Tier 4 regulations and the potential impact it can have on your generators.

We carry only the most top rated new, used, and surplus power generator sets for sale, providing you with a great value generator that will fit your budget.

Our generators have been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and verified, which ensures that you will be buying a quality generator that you can depend on. If a generator is not up to par with industry standards, we make all necessary repairs or modifications, and fully test every generator before we sell. This ensures a full turnkey generator that’s ready to fire up and go!

Due to our wide selection of generator sets, we’re confident that we can find the model that best suits your operational needs.

We also buy used generators in good quality, if you have already upgraded and you’re looking to sell your older model.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, concerns, or inquiries to learn more about the Woodstock Power Company experience and the quality level of products & services we provide.