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The Journal for Public Infrastructure

 

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White Paper: Seismic-Compliant Power Systems

 

It is important for standby power systems to function after a catastrophic event, such as a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or even a terrorist attack. Critical government facilities and communications and operations centers require standby power systems that have been specifically engineered to withstand physical shocks and multi-axis accelerations typical of these disruptive occurrences. Building standards have evolved for decades in the U.S., along with codes for electrical and mechanical systems. The latest edition of building standards is embodied in the International Building Code (IBC 2000, 2003, and 2006), which sets requirements for structures and ancillary systems, including standby power systems.

 

A new white paper authored by two senior staff engineers with Kohler Power Systems—Allan Bliemeister and Michael Little, Senior Staff Engineers—discusses the design requirements for seismic-compliant power systems and makes recommendations on site analysis and installation procedures. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize building owners and power system specifiers with the seismic compliance provisions of the IBC and how they apply to the design and installation of standby power systems in critical-needs facilities.

 

The white paper is available for download at http://www.cccinc.com/pr/kohler/ibc/ibc.doc.