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International Building Codes (IBC) 2000, 2003 and 2006 for

Generator Systems in Areas of Seismic Activity Information Sheet # 21

1.0 Introduction
Several areas of the U.S. are designated as areas of higher seismic activity. (See diagram 2) For such areas, system designers must consider the International Building
Code standards for key buildings applicable to those areas.
A system designer must consider the behavior of non-structural elements during seismic activity/earth quakes. This data sheet discusses methods to make a generator
installation compliant with codes for Seismic activity areas.
2.0 Code Development:
Prior to the latest IBC publication, building codes for seismic prone areas focused on a structure’s ability to withstand seismic loads and the anchorage of internal
equipment. New IBC codes now consider critical equipment to be part of a structure and require certification of an equipment’s ability to perform after experiencing
seismic shocks.
Applicable Code: International Building Code (IBC) 2000, 2003 & 2006 is an ICC publication funded by FEMA. International Code Council (ICC): ICC was formed to draft
one set of national construction codes and encompasses:
1) Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA)
2) International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO)
3) Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI)
Definition of seismic: Seismic is the term given to forces resulting from the motions of an earthquake. Seismic forces affecting structures primarily move horizontally,
but there may be significant vertical ones too.
3.0 Enforcement of IBC:
The IBC code is not a government mandate. However, all states are expected to adopt the codes and FEMA will withhold emergency funding for states that fail to comply.
All 50 states and Washington D.C. had adopted the code at state or local levels as of 4/10/2008.
Specifics of the IBC code: If a building is still standing after the seismic shocks triggered by an earthquake, systems or components within that building labeled
EMERGENCY, such as an emergency generator system, must continue to function. The IBC specifies detailed responsibilities that equipment manufacturers, suppliers,
installers, design team managers and engineers are required to follow to design and install a life safety component that must remain On-line and Functional after
a seismic emergency (Refer to seismic use groups III (IBC-2000) and IV (IBC-2003/2006) building for buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities
such as hospitals, fire/rescue/police stations, shelters, etc) (Continued Over)

Diagram one - Seismic arrangement for vibration isolators

Generator or engine foot

Generator set base Rubber integral mount

Sub-base Spring isolator added for

earthquake protection

Concrete mounting pad

Some state and local codes require vibration isolators that provide protection for seismic or earthquake ground effects. If the
generator set is already fitted with integral neoprene mounts, the addition of spring mounts for earthquake conditions should be as detailed.
The spring mounts should equal the integral mounts and be located in the skid rails vertically inline with the existing neoprene isolators.

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Central Power Systems & Services team maintains up-to-date technology and information standards on Power Industry
changes, regulations and trends. As a service, our Information Sheets are circulated on a regular basis, to existing
and potential Power Customers to maintain awareness of changes and developments in engineering standards, electrical
codes, and technology impacting the Power Generation Industry.
The installation information provided in this information sheet is informational in nature only, and should not be considered the advice of a properly licensed and qualified electrician or used in place of a detailed review of the applicable National
Electric Codes and local codes. Specific questions about how this information may affect any particular situation should be addressed to a licensed and qualified electrician.
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Liberty - Corporate Office
9200 Liberty Drive Certification - Manufacturers providing equipment termed “EMERGENCY” (Ip =1.5), must have their equipment certified by testing, independent
Liberty, MO 64068 analysis or a combination of both to verify essential functions will perform after a seismic event.
816.781.8070 Ph Emergency generation systems for certification - Generators, sub-base tanks, day tanks, pumps, piping, mufflers, exhaust system, radiators,
816.781.2207 Fax enclosures and electrical components are tested for IBC certification. (See diagrams 1, 3, 4 & 5)
Buildings and Structures Designated as Essential Facilities: The following chart details sample building and structures seismic use group III (IBC-
2000) and use group IV (IBC-2003/2006) building codes, designate as essential facilities:
4.0 Specifics of the IBC code:
Liberty, MO Branch
1900 Plumbers Way If a building is still standing after the seismic shocks triggered by an earthquake, systems or components within that building labeled EMERGENCY, such
Liberty, MO 64038 as an emergency generator system, must continue to function. The IBC specifies detailed responsibilities that equipment manufacturers, suppliers,
816.415.6700 Ph installers, design team managers and engineers are required to follow to design and install a life safety component that must remain On-line and
816.415.6767 Fax Functional after a seismic emergency (Refer to seismic use groups III (IBC-2000) and IV (IBC-2003/2006) building for buildings and other structures
designated as essential facilities such as hospitals, fire/rescue/police stations, shelters, etc)
Certification - Manufacturers providing equipment termed “EMERGENCY” (Ip =1.5), must have their equipment certified by testing, independent
analysis or a combination of both to verify essential functions will perform after a seismic event.
Springfield, MO Branch Emergency generation systems for certification - Generators, sub-base tanks, day tanks, pumps, piping, mufflers, exhaust system, radiators, enclosures
3100 E. Kearney and electrical components are tested for IBC certification. (See diagrams 1, 3, 4 & 5)
MO 65803
Buildings and Structures Designated as Essential Facilities: The following chart details sample building and structures seismic use group III (IBC-2000)
417.865.0505 Ph
417.865.4304 Fax
and use group IV (IBC-2003/2006) building codes, designate as essential facilities:
Hospital and other healthcare facilities with surgery and emergency treatment Power stations and other public utility facilities required for category III/IV structures
Fire, rescue and police stations and emergency vehicle garages Structures containing max. allowable highly toxic materials per section 307 table 307.7 (2)

Wichita, KS Branch Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions
4501 W. Irving 911, communication, data, switching, operation centers Water treatment facilities required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression
KS 67209
316.943.1231 Ph 5.0 When is Seismic Certification Required?
316.943.4560 Fax
The following three parameters dictate when certification is required:
1. An SDS of 0.167 or greater
2. Building classification or seismic use group III, (IBC200) of IV, (IBC-2003/2006) (See sample chart above)
3. Seismic design category of C, D, E, or F (See diagram 2)
Salina, KS Branch
1944B N. 9th St. 6.0 Defining the seismic level required
KS 67401 To determine the specific seismic level for any given installation, the specifying engineer must provide the seismic local code requirement, installation
785.825.8291 Ph zip code, facility occupancy, the short and normal mapped spectral accelerations, site soil class, below or above grade, and, if installed inside, height
785.825.8282 Fax of building and height location of equipment. (See diagram 2)
7.0 Requirements to attain guideline detailed in IBC
The generator manufacturer must use an approved, established agency that is recognized as regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing
inspection services. An approved agency will issue certificate of compliance stating that materials and products meet specified standards or that work
Great Bend, KS Branch was done in compliance and with approved construction documents. (See Diagrams 3, 4 & 5)
625 E. 10th St. For further reference go to the two sites listed below:
KS 67530
620.792.1361 Ph http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/earthquake/professionals.shtm _FieldManual.pdf http://www.iccsafe.org/cc/
620.792.1364 Fax

Diagram two - US Seismic areas Seismic Use Group III (IBC-2000)

Colby, KS Branch or Use Group IV (IBC-2003/2006)
1920 Thielen Ave. Design Category A
KS 67701
785.462.8211 Ph Design Category C
785.462.8286 Fax Design Category D
Design Category D/F

Liberal, KS Branch
1150 E. Hwy. 54
KS 67901
620.624.7274 Ph
620.624.7277 Fax
Diagram One

Woodward, OK Branch
127 NW Hwy. 270
OK 73801
580.256.6014 Ph
580.256.0314 Fax
Diagram three- Propane tank installation Diagram four - Restraints to prevent upward and lateral movement Diagram five - Mounting electrical equipment
Propane Tank should Anchor bolt
There should be enough gap to permit normal spring isolator movement
be laterally supported in both
directions between neoprene pads
Sheet
metal
Flexible hose connection screw
Steel angle bracket
Minimum of 12 gauge to
prevent vertical and lateral
movement

Concrete pad Generator sub-base

large enough not Control panel
to overturn
due to earthquake Cast in place
induced motions anchor bolt
Alternate anchorage
through the control
panel

Maximum
12 inches Interior stud wall
Seismic grade spring isolator Walls should have strength to
Anchor bolt support the weight of
Rebar control gear
Two steel restraints are fitted at each corner of the generator base to prevent upward Floor
and lateral movement motion by an earthquake

CPSS-INFO#21 2013 PLC Enterprises, LLC