The operative term is "public utility". Generators that utilize on site storage systems whether they be Diesel or Natural Gas are NOT solely dependent upon a public utility. There are NG generators that utilize an automatic changeover to an on site LP supply when low utility NG gas pressures are detected on the public utility.
John Drucker Fire Protection Subcode Official New Jersey -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Pinigis Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 1:15 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: back-up power How does the propane supplier differ from the diesel fuel supplier?? Are diesel suppliers somehow more reliable in an emergency? NFPA 70 says that the prime mover shall not be solely dependant upon a "public utility" for their fuel supply. Joe's propane delivery is not a public utility. I can understand the not relying on a public utility that may be subject to the same event that interrupted the electric supply to begin with (e.g. both utilities damaged by an earthquake). Paul J. Pinigis, P.E. Chief Life Safety Engineer -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thom McMahon Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 1:07 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: back-up power Propane supplier or local gas company - a gas fired generator is solely dependent on a gas system for their fuel supply. - These are typically considered unreliable during an emergency Thom McMahon Firetech, Inc. 2560 Copper Ridge Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80488-2136 Tel: 970-879-7952 Fax: 970-879-7926 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Pinigis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 9:51 AM Subject: RE: back-up power I do not see this prohibition in the NEC. The closest that I find is that prime movers shall not be solely dependent on a public utility gas system for their fuel supply. This does not mean that they cannot be powered by gas. Which section of the NEC are you referring to? Paul J. Pinigis, P.E. Chief Life Safety Engineer -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thom McMahon Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 11:31 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: back-up power The NEC doesn't allow life safety systems to operate of a gas fired generator. You need local AHJ approval to use them. Thom McMahon Firetech, Inc. 2560 Copper Ridge Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80488-2136 Tel: 970-879-7952 Fax: 970-879-7926 ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 8:35 AM Subject: RE: back-up power Why propane versus the more common and probably cheaper diesel? Environmental issues, i.e. exhaust? Is your primary power source considered non-reliable thus necessitating a secondary backup source? Craig L. Prahl, CET Fire Protection Group Mechanical Department CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.lg.com -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Todd Williams - work Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 9:39 AM To: [email protected] Subject: back-up power I am working on a project where an electric fire pump (diesel not an option) and tank is the only source of water for the sprinkler system. The primary supply is the public utility and the back-up is to come from an on-site generator. The builder is proposing to use a propane-fired generator. I looked in NFPA 20 and 110 and didn't see anything saying this was a no-no. Is there a problem with this arrangement? Todd G. Williams, PE Fire Protection Design/Consulting Stonington, Connecticut 860-535-2080 www.fpdc.com _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum ************************************************************************ ********************** IMPORTANT: The contents of this email and any attachments are confidential. They are intended for the named recipient(s) only. 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