There are a lot of Florida nursing homes with new emergency generators as part of their compliance efforts to have air conditioning during a power loss emergency as required by the Florida Administrative Code.
In some instances, the new generator comes equipped with a “maintenance free” battery. The maintenance director should verify that this battery is indeed a sealed lead-acid battery, however. Many times, these “maintenance free” batteries are not sealed and the battery must still have its deionized water level checked on a regular basis.
Additionally, when replacing the batteries on an emergency generator there are different options available that facilities might consider. However, NFPA 110 (2010) 5.6.4.5 does not allow too many options as far as the type of battery that is allowed to be used on an emergency generator. NFPA 110 (2010) 5.6.4.5 says:
5.6.4.5 Type of Battery. The battery shall be of the nickel-cadmium or lead-acid type.
Choosing the appropriate nickel-cadmium or lead-acid battery for your emergency generator, and maintaining it on a regular basis, is critical to the generator’s operation. Following the battery manufacturer’s recommendations as well as the requirements of NFPA 110 will ensure your facility will have emergency power when needed.
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