The Truth About Biocides in Diesel Fuel

Fuel quality is of utmost importance for the efficient performance and longevity of equipment. To address fuel contamination issues, biocides have been commonly used in fuel management.

However, it’s essential to understand the disadvantages and limitations associated with biocides. In this article, we will explore the drawbacks of using biocides and introduce a superior alternative known in the fuel management industry as fuel polishing.

What are Biocides?

Biocides are used in a myriad of applications across the world. From food preservatives to hospital-grade disinfectants, biocide products “are those that are intended to destroy, render harmless, prevent the action of, or otherwise exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.

Biocides are often used in fuel tank applications to kill and prevent the proliferation of harmful fungi, microbes, and yeasts within the fuel.

In fact, even the EPA recommends the use of biocides in underground storage tanks (USTs).

Although biocides serve their purpose when used within the proper application, there are several reasons why biocides are not always the best option when it comes to proper fuel management.

Biocide Safety and Health Concerns

Biocides may pose risks to both human health and the environment. Exposure to biocides can result in severe skin irritation, burns, allergic reactions, liver damage, and serious eye irritation and damage.

According to PAN Germany, biocides can often contain substances of concern with allergic, ecotoxic, carcinogenic, developmental neurotoxic or endocrine-disrupting properties.

For these reasons, it is crucial that biocides are handled and used by trained professionals who understand the associated risks.

Environmental Concerns with Biocides

Not only are biocides toxic to humans, they also pose an environmental risk.

Microbiocides, such as the ones used in many common fuel biocides, have been shown by the EPA to be toxic to aquatic life, including fish and ducks.

If a fuel tank leaks, it can cause harm to the surrounding environment. However, the negative effects would be further amplified if the fuel had been treated with biocides. The potential environmental impact calls for a more sustainable approach to fuel management.

The Limitations of Biocides in Fuel Contamination Removal

One significant drawback of biocides is their inability to remove contaminants and organic matter from the fuel itself. While biocides can effectively target microbial growth, they leave behind contaminants that can clog filters and impact fuel performance.

Biocides leaving behind dead organic matter after killing various microbes

This frequent clogging leads to increased maintenance and operational costs, as well as potential equipment malfunctions.

The main issue with biocides is that they only temporarily treat a symptom of the overall problem.

In a tank, where there is sludge and microbial contamination, there is water. The mere presence of water in fuel creates a breeding ground for harmful contaminants.

Microbes live in water and feed off of fuel. This microbial growth creates its own layer of sludge (commonly thought of as algae) in your tank.

Unfortunately, it takes the presence of only one spore or microbe to cause a problem, as these microbes reproduce asexually at a rapid rate.

Not only does the presence of water in a tank create a breeding ground for contaminants, water contamination can also cause other problems such as tank and fuel system corrosion as well as injector damage.

Treating a tank with biocide may kill the microbial contamination and temporarily stop the proliferation of sludge. However, once it is treated, dead or alive, your fuel tank will still contain sludge.

Beyond this, using excessive biocides in fuel treatment dilutes the fuel with an increased amount of non-petroleum foreign contaminants.

Instead of solely treating a fuel tank with biocide, fuel site managers should consider actively filtering out the sludge and contamination to completely remove it from the storage tanks.

Risk of Resistance with Biocides

Frequent use of biocides in a fuel tank may cause the bacteria and microorganisms within the tank to build up a resistance.

Microbes demonstrating resistance to biocide

This occurrence happens within the fuel industry and many other industries that use biocides including food manufacturing, cosmetics, and other consumer products.

Just as some bacteria that infects humans and animals are developing a resistance to antibiotics, microbes found within the tank ecosystem are following suit. This means that repeated use of a biocide in a tank may eventually become ineffective.

Fuel Polishing: A Better Option for Fuel Management

Fuel polishing equipment offers a superior alternative to biocides, addressing their limitations and providing comprehensive contamination removal. By physically removing contaminants, water, and organic matters from fuel, fuel polishing ensures higher fuel quality.

Because of this, there are a few key factors why fuel polishing is the preferred option for effective fuel management today.

  1. Fuel polishing tackles the root causes of fuel contamination, going beyond symptom treatment.

By eliminating contaminants, water, sediments, and organic matter that accumulate in storage tanks, fuel polishing prevents blockages, injector foiling, and fuel system corrosion. This approach enhances equipment performance and reduces maintenance costs.

  1. Fuel polishing focuses on achieving and maintaining optimal fuel quality.

By removing impurities and organic matter, fuel polishing ensures cleaner and more stable fuel. This improves combustion efficiency, reduces emissions, and ensures reliable equipment operation. Higher fuel quality translates to smoother running engines, increased fuel efficiency, and extended equipment lifespan.

  1. Unlike biocides that only target microbial growth, fuel polishing eliminates contaminants that heavily contribute to filter clogging.

By proactively removing impurities before they reach the filters, fuel polishing ensures uninterrupted flow. This saves time, money, and minimizes operational disruptions.

  1. By incorporating fuel polishing into your fuel management strategy, you protect your equipment investment.

Fuel contamination can damage equipment and lead to premature failure. Continuous removal of harmful contaminants, water, and sediments reduces the risk of corrosion, component wear, and engine damage. This extends equipment lifespan, reduces repair costs, and enhances overall reliability.

Considering the points above, it is clear the advantages of fuel polishing far surpasses the limitations of biocides in fuel management. Fuel polishing offers comprehensive contamination removal, ensures optimal fuel quality, prevents filter clogging, and extends equipment lifespan.

AXI International is a globally-recognized leader in fuel management solutions, and offers a vast product line of fuel polishing equipment that can meet the unique demands of any fuel storage tank.

The Importance of Fuel Quality

Fuel quality plays a critical role in the performance, efficiency, and longevity of equipment and machinery.

Whether it’s generators, vehicles, or industrial machinery, relying on clean and high-quality fuel is essential for optimal operation. Because of this, fuel site managers routinely test the quality of stored fuel to ensure that the fuel meets the operational standards of their application.

Fuel stability is crucial, particularly for stored fuel. Over time, fuel can degrade due to oxidation and the presence of contaminants. This degradation can result in the formation of sludge, fuel stratification, and the growth of harmful microorganisms.

By preserving fuel quality through proper fuel management techniques such as fuel polishing, you can maintain fuel stability, preventing fuel degradation and associated problems.

Fuel quality directly impacts combustion efficiency and emissions. Contaminated fuel can lead to incomplete combustion, resulting in reduced power output, increased fuel consumption, and higher emissions of harmful pollutants.

By ensuring clean and quality fuel, you can optimize combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with environmental regulations.

Maintaining high quality fuel is paramount for equipment performance and reliability. While biocides have been commonly used in fuel management, they come with significant limitations.

Biocides cannot remove contaminants and organic matter from fuel, leading to frequent filter clogging and potential equipment issues.

Instead, adopting fuel polishing as an alternative provides a comprehensive solution for fuel contamination, ensuring optimal fuel quality and maximizing the performance of your equipment.

Prioritizing fuel quality is a smart investment that yields long-term benefits in terms of operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.

Maximizing Efficiency: The Power of Fuel Metering and Net Fuel Consumption Monitoring

It's All About The Flow

The precise measurement of fuel flow and other fuel characteristics are vital across numerous industries.

Whether it’s for propelling heavy equipment, generating electricity, or powering industrial processes, effective fuel management ensures safety, efficiency, and the smooth functioning of mechanical equipment such as engines, generators, or other heavy equipment. 

In this article, we will explore the importance of fuel metering and monitoring in several key industries, including transportation, energy, and manufacturing, and discuss the benefits of measuring other various fuel characteristics as well. 

fleet of green trucks

Where are Fuel Metering Systems Used?

Fuel metering systems are commonly used in automobiles, airplanes, and ships to ensure that the engines receive the optimal amount of fuel for a given operating condition.

This is important not only for achieving maximum fuel efficiency and quantifying emissions but also for maximizing engine performance and reliability.  

jets flying in formation

In the aviation industry, for example, fuel metering systems are used to precisely control the amount of fuel delivered to the engine at various stages of flight. This is critical for achieving optimal engine performance and ensuring safe operation of the aircraft.  

In power plants that burn fossil fuels, fuel metering systems help to ensure that the correct amount of fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber to generate the desired amount of energy. This not only improves efficiency but also reduces emissions, as excess fuel can lead to incomplete combustion and the release of harmful pollutants. 

In the manufacturing industry, the same metering technologies are used to measure the flow-rate of different liquids in various industrial processes.

For example, in the chemical industry, metering systems are used to measure and control the flow of chemicals, ensuring that the facility operations are efficient and safe.

generator on a farm

In the farming and food processing industries, metering systems are used to control the flow of liquids such as water or milk. This is done during various cooking and baking processes to ensure consistent quality and reduce facility waste. 

Fuel metering is also important in industrial heating systems, such as those used in foundries or metallurgical processes. In these applications, fuel metering systems help to control the flow of fuel to the heating elements, ensuring that the temperature is maintained within a safe and efficient range. 

Net Fuel Consumption Monitoring

Fuel consumption monitoring refers to the process of measuring and tracking the amount of fuel consumed by a vehicle, machine, or equipment over a specific period of time.

This monitoring is typically done using sensors, meters, or electronic devices that record the amount of fuel used during operation. 

Fuel consumption monitoring is crucial for several reasons, especially in applications where these backup power systems play a crucial role, such as data centers, hospitals, and other essential facilities. 

Fuel consumption monitoring systems serve several important purposes:

You Can't Improve What You Don't Measure

One of the greatest operational benefits of fuel metering systems is the ability to measure equipment performance and efficiency. The active monitoring of net fuel consumption allows facility managers to have real quantified insight into the health of mechanical operations. This is why it is ultimately important for flow meters to be accurate in their measurements.

This active monitoring/measuring is done automatically by the fuel monitoring system using meters that record the characteristics of fuel being sent to the engine(s) and then comparing that to the characteristics of the returned fuel. 

By measuring the differential in values between these measuring points, the system is able to accurately calculate the net fuel consumption of the engine. 

Fuel consumption monitoring systems are also used to help monitor engine performance. Thus when the consumption differential reaches irregular levels then it can signal the need for engine or equipment maintenance.  

facility manager monitoring computer systems

These fuel insights not only help equipment managers to better predict engine maintenance, but they also give them the critical data needed to optimize the cyclic operation of the equipment to prevent unnecessary downtime.  

Overall, fuel consumption monitoring is a valuable tool for optimizing operations, promoting sustainability, and ensuring efficient resource management. By optimizing fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and improving process efficiency, fuel consumption monitoring can help to reduce costs, improve safety, and promote sustainable development.  

The ability to measure and control the flow of fuel is essential in many industrial and economic processes. Within many industries, fuel metering and monitoring systems help to ensure efficient and safe operation of various equipment and systems. 

As such, continued investment in fuel metering technology and research is critical for the success of many industries and the overall health of our economy and environment. 

NFCS-025

The Shelf Life of Fuel: How Long Can Gasoline and Diesel Be Stored?

If you're someone who likes to keep a backup supply of gasoline or diesel fuel on hand, or you work in an industry that requires large quantities of fuel storage, you may be wondering how long you can safely store petroleum fuel. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of fuel, storage conditions, and the presence of additives or stabilizers.

How Long Does Fuel Really Last?

In general, gasoline and diesel can be stored for 6 months to 1 year without significant degradation if they are stored in a clean, sealed, and dry container or tank, away from sunlight, heat, and sources of ignition. However, fuel that is exposed to oxygen, moisture, or contaminants can deteriorate more quickly, resulting in reduced quality, lower octane rating, and increased levels of sediments or sludge.

To extend the shelf life of petroleum fuel, manufacturers often add chemical stabilizers to prevent oxidation and microbial growth. These additives can help the fuel remain stable in storage, as long as the fuel is kept in proper conditions.

It's important to note that prolonged storage of gasoline and diesel fuel is not recommended, as it can lead to the formation of harmful varnish, gum, or solids that can clog fuel lines, filters, and injectors. To ensure the fuel you have stored is still usable, you should periodically test for contamination and check the fuel for signs of deterioration, such as changes in color, odor, or sediment levels. If you suspect your stored fuel has gone bad, it's best to dispose of it properly and replace it with fresh fuel.

Person filling gas cans from a gas pump

What is Fuel Degradation?

Fuel degradation is a natural process that occurs when petroleum-based fuels are exposed to environmental factors such as heat, light, oxygen, moisture, and microbial activity. This process causes a breakdown of the chemical composition of the fuel and can lead to changes in its physical and chemical properties, which can affect its performance and usability.

The extent and speed of fuel degradation depend on several factors, including the type of fuel, storage conditions, and the presence of stabilizers or contaminants. Common forms of fuel degradation include oxidation, hydrolysis, and microbial growth, all of which can have negative impacts on the fuel.

Oxidation occurs when fuel is exposed to oxygen, causing the hydrocarbons in the fuel to break down and form gum and varnish deposits. These deposits can clog fuel lines, injectors, and filters, reducing the fuel's quality and performance.

Hydrolysis is caused by exposure to moisture, which reacts with the hydrocarbons in the fuel to create acidic compounds. These compounds can corrode fuel system components and degrade the fuel's quality.

Microbial growth occurs when fuel is exposed to moisture, providing a breeding ground for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms can cause the fuel to break down, resulting in slime and sediment formation.

Fuel tank showing many types of contamination

Fuel degradation can lead to reduced fuel quality, lower octane ratings, and decreased engine and equipment performance. To minimize fuel degradation, it's important to store fuel in clean, dry, and sealed containers or tanks, away from direct sunlight, heat, and sources of ignition. The use of fuel stabilizers or periodic fuel system maintenance can help prevent or slow down the degradation process.

If you're concerned about fuel degradation, it's important to monitor your stored fuel regularly for signs of deterioration, including changes in color, odor, and sediment levels. If you suspect your fuel has degraded, dispose of it properly and replace it with fresh fuel.

By storing fuel correctly, using fuel stabilizers, and performing periodic fuel system maintenance, you can help prevent or slow down the degradation process and maintain the quality and performance of your fuel.

Laws, Rules, and Regulations

Laws and regulations around fuel storage can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they're designed to protect public health, safety, and the environment. In the United States, federal, state, and local authorities have established rules and standards for storing, handling, and transporting fuels.

One of the key federal regulatory bodies related to fuel storage is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has established the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. This rule requires facilities to develop and implement a spill prevention plan to prevent oil spills and to have appropriate response procedures in place.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is another federal agency that has established several standards related to fuel storage, including regulations on hazardous materials, flammable liquids, and compressed gases. These standards require employers to follow specific requirements for handling, storage, and use of fuels to ensure employee safety.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has also developed several codes and standards related to fuel storage. One example is NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, which provides requirements for the storage, handling, and use of fuels.

In addition to federal regulations, many states have additional requirements related to fuel storage and handling. For example, California has established regulations under the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program, which require owners and operators of USTs to register their tanks, follow specific leak prevention measures, and maintain financial responsibility for any releases from their tanks.

It's important to note that regulations can change over time, and the specific laws and regulations around fuel storage can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Therefore, it's important to consult with local authorities or regulatory agencies for the most up-to-date information.

If you're planning to store fuel, it's essential to follow all applicable regulations to prevent accidents, protect the environment, and avoid potential fines or penalties. By staying informed about the latest regulations and guidelines, you can ensure that your fuel storage and handling practices are in compliance with applicable laws.

Fuel Polishing

Fuel polishing is an essential process for maintaining the quality of stored fuel, such as gasoline or diesel, and ensuring that it stays fresh over time. With fuel polishing, you can remove impurities and contaminants that can accumulate in stored fuel, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the lifespan of fuel storage tanks and equipment.

How Does Fuel Polishing Work?

Over time, stored fuel can accumulate contaminants such as water, dirt, and microbial growth, which can clog filters, corrode tanks, and cause engine failure or result in downtime.

With fuel polishing, fuel is transferred from the storage tank where it passes through a filtration system.

Before and after of polished fuel showing a major difference in quality.

The filtration process typically involves several steps, including:

Fuel polishing can be performed manually or using automated equipment, depending on the size and complexity of the fuel storage system. In either case, it is important to select the right filtration solution for your fuel storage systems and follow proper safety procedures and regulations to ensure that the fuel is handled safely.

By following proper fuel storage and maintenance procedures, including regular fuel polishing, you can ensure that your stored fuel is ready for use when you need it, and prevent costly repairs and downtime caused by engine failure or performance issues.

Unlocking the Benefits of Building Automation Systems

What Do Building Automation Systems Do?

The world is becoming increasingly interconnected thanks to the internet of things and rapidly-growing automation technology.

This is no different when it comes to buildings, which can now be automated to create a more efficient, comfortable, and safe environment.

Building automation systems, also known as building management systems, are a critical aspect of modern building design and operation. These systems are designed to automate and control various aspects of a building’s operations, including heating and cooling, lighting, security, product manufacturing, and more.

outdoor controls panel for integrated automated equipment.

One of the key benefits of building automation systems is their ability to improve energy efficiency.

By automating the control of heating, cooling, and lighting systems, buildings can reduce their energy consumption and save money on utility bills. Through using economically viable and commercially available technologies, the energy footprint of facilities can be reduced using significantly.

These systems are designed to make life easier by automating basic tasks such as turning off lights when no one is in a room or adjusting temperature based on occupancy.

For example, a building automation system may be able to automatically adjust the temperature of a building based on occupancy levels or the time of day, ensuring that the building is not heated or cooled unnecessarily.

Another important benefit of these systems is their ability to improve the comfort and safety of building occupants.

They are also used to control the lighting levels in a building, ensuring that they are always at an appropriate level for the time of day and utility of the space.

Additionally, building automation systems can be used to monitor security systems and alert building occupants and authorities in the event of an emergency.

Emergency standby power systems are also integrated within the building automation system, automatically transferring power to backup systems in the event of an emergency.

Components of a Building Automation System

Building automation systems consists of controllers, sensors, actuators, and communication protocols that enable the system to interact with the different systems in the building.

The controllers are responsible for monitoring the different systems and managing their operation, and can be programmed to respond to certain conditions or commands. The sensors are used to measure various conditions in the building, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and monitor other key metrics. The actuators are used to activate the different systems, such as HVAC, lighting, security systems, and more. Finally, the communication protocols enable the systems within the facility to communicate with each other and control their operation.

A modern building automation system will offer continuous monitoring, data collection, and analysis. The most advanced building automation systems will leverage machine learning algorithms to optimize a facility's operational efficiency.

Various equipment used in modern facilities can also integrate into the overall building management systems. These will report important data points to the system allowing the user to monitor many pieces of different equipment from a centralized dashboard where they can oversee the performance of all monitored equipment within the facility. 

fire suppression system in a server room connected with a building automation system.

There are several different types of building management systems available, each of which is designed to control a specific aspect of a building’s operations. Some of the most common types of building automation systems include:

There are a variety of communication protocols that are used in building automation to facilitate communication between different devices and systems.

automations programmer working in front of a screen.

Building Automation Systems Communication Protocols

One of the most widely used protocols in building automation is BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network). BACnet is an open standard protocol that was developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

It is designed to allow different building automation systems to communicate with one another seamlessly, regardless of the manufacturer.

Another commonly used protocol in building automation is Modbus. Modbus is an open and simple protocol that is used to communicate with various types of devices, including controllers, sensors, and actuators. It was first developed in 1979 and is widely used in a variety of industrial applications, including building automation.

A third protocol that is commonly used in building automation is Zigbee. Zigbee is a wireless protocol that is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. It is designed for low-power, low-data rate applications, such as monitoring and controlling lighting, HVAC, and other systems within a building. Zigbee is an open standard that is supported by a number of different manufacturers, and is often used in smaller buildings and facilities.

KNX is a standard protocol for building control systems that is developed and maintained by the KNX Association. It is an open standard, and is used for lighting, shading, HVAC, access control, and other building automation applications.

Lastly, one protocol that is gaining in popularity in building automation is MQTT (Message Queue Telemetry Transport). MQTT is a lightweight, publish-subscribe protocol that is designed for use in low-bandwidth, high-latency networks. MQTT is often used in combination with other protocols, such as BACnet, to provide additional functionality.

How Automation Systems Improve Building Safety and Efficiency

Facilities that benefit from the use of building management and automation systems include hospitals, data centers, municipality and government buildings, and many more. 

One of the main benefits of a building management control system is its ability to optimize the operation of building systems to save energy and reduce operating costs.

professional interacting with a building automation system with his computer.

This can lead to significant energy savings, especially in buildings that are unoccupied for long periods of time, such as schools and office buildings.

In addition to energy savings, building management systems can also improve the comfort of building occupants.

For example, an automation system can be programmed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in a building, which can help to reduce the risk of illness and increase productivity. 

These systems can also improve the safety of a building by monitoring various systems and alert facility management of any potential issues.

For example, an automation system can detect system malfunctions and alert maintenance staff to address the problem before it becomes a larger issue.

The Future of Smart Buildings and Automation Systems

The future of building automation systems is bright. As technology becomes more advanced, building automation systems will become more sophisticated and capable of providing a range of different benefits.

Guidehouse Insights estimate the global market for building automation and controls to grow to over $48 billion by 2031.

Overall, building management control systems can provide numerous benefits to industries by helping to reduce operating costs, improve comfort and safety, and increase the efficiency of building systems.

These systems are an important tool for building managers and facility managers to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of their buildings.

As these technologies grow, automation accessibility will follow suit as more consumer retail and residential buildings will use automation to increase both ease of life and efficiency.

woman interacting with a automated building system digitally.

The integration of building automation systems with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart building systems, can further enhance the capabilities of these systems.

For example, integrating a building automation system with an IoT platform can enable the collection and analysis of data from a wide range of building systems and devices, allowing for more efficient and effective building management.

Overall, building automation systems play a crucial role in the operation and management of buildings. These systems can provide numerous benefits, improve facility security, include energy savings, improve comfort and safety, and increase the overall efficiency of building systems.

Building managers and facility managers can use these systems to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of their building, ultimately leading to a better experience for building occupants.

NFPA 110: The Critically Important Standard for Gensets

What is the NFPA?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a non-profit organization that works across the country to promote fire and life safety. The NFPA does this by developing and publishing codes and standards that are used throughout the United States to help prevent and mitigate the effects of fires.

Founded in 1896, the NFPA has since grown to become one of the leading organizations in the field of fire safety. The NFPA's codes and standards play a big part in actively promoting fire safety for a wide range of industries.

The NFPA’s codes and standards are developed through a consensus-based process that involves input from a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, industry experts, and government officials.

Through this process, the NFPA ensures that the codes and standards they publish reflect the latest research and best practices.

The NFPA offers a number of different codes and standards that cover a wide range of topics related to fire safety, including fire prevention, fire protection, and emergency response.

Some of the most commonly-known codes developed by the NFPA include the National Electrical Code, the Life Safety Code, and the National Fire Codes. These codes and standards are widely used by fire safety professionals, building code officials, construction contractors, and others to help ensure the safety of buildings and other structures.

In addition to developing codes and standards, the NFPA also provides a number of other services and resources to support fire safety.

These include training and education programs, technical support, and research and development. The NFPA also works with a network of partners and affiliates around the world to promote fire and life safety on a global scale.

Two fire safety representatives conducting a fire safety presentation to an audience

What is NFPA 110?

NFPA 110, also known as the Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, is a document published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that provides guidelines and requirements for the proper installation and maintenance of emergency and standby power systems.

These systems are essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, airports, and data centers, in the event of a power outage or other emergency.

These power systems include equipment such as generator sets, circuit breaker, transfer switches, control panels, remote equipment, and more.

Emergency power systems are designed to provide temporary power to a facility during an outage or other emergency situation, while standby power systems are intended to provide a continuous source of power in the event of a primary power loss.

Both types of systems are essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of critical infrastructure, as well as protecting the people and property within those facilities.

According to NFPA 110, all emergency and standby power systems must be properly sized and installed to meet the specific needs of the facility where they are being used. This includes taking into account the potential load on the system, as well as the duration and frequency of power outages in the area.

In addition, the standard requires that these systems be tested regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and can provide the necessary power when needed.

NFPA 110 is updated every three years, with the latest revisions being published in 2022. These frequent updates keep the standards up-to-date and reflecting the latest technologies used in emergency and standby power systems.

Technician working on an outdoor genset

The Importance of Maintenance and Regular Testing

One of the key components of NFPA 110 is the requirement for regular maintenance and testing of emergency and standby power systems.

This includes periodic inspections and annual testing of the system itself, regular maintenance of the equipment that make up the system, as well as the proper handling and storage of fuel for these systems.

This is essential for ensuring that the system is able to provide power when needed, as well as for identifying and addressing any potential issues before they become major problems.

Fire safety technician working with a fire prevention system

Fuel testing is an important part of ensuring the smooth operation of mission critical facilities. These facilities rely on a steady supply of fuel to power their critical systems and keep them running.

Without regular fuel testing, it is difficult to know if the fuel being used is of the right quality and composition, and this can lead to a number of problems.

Over time, fuel can degrade and lose some of its key properties, such as its ability to burn cleanly and efficiently. This can lead to reduced power output, increased emissions, and damage to critical equipment.

Critical component damage can render the system inoperable, which can seriously impact the facilities relying on these emergency power systems.

By regularly testing the fuel, it is possible to detect and remove any contaminants before they cause any problems, helping to ensure that the facility can continue to operate at peak efficiency.

Maintaining Mission Critical Reliability

The importance of NFPA 110 lies in its ability to help protect against the potential dangers of power outages and other emergency situations.

In a hospital, for example, the loss of power could have serious consequences for patients who rely on life-support equipment. In a data center, a power outage could cause the loss of valuable data and disrupt critical operations.

By setting minimum requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and testing of emergency and standby power systems, NFPA 110 helps to ensure that these systems are reliable and capable of providing power when needed.

Overall, NFPA is a crucial standard for ensuring the reliability and safety of emergency and standby power systems.

By following the requirements of the standard, facilities can protect critical equipment and maintain essential services in the event of a power outage or other emergency.

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