Property Management
Building ownership entities and property management firms have a specific set of requirements in regards to servicing and testing of emergency generators. This is based on the classification of generator as installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) and the National Electric Code (NEC).
The regulating agency in regards to the testing and servicing of a generator in this application is the local state, county and/or city fire marshal. Local governments are free to set the code requirements and regulate the enforcement of those codes as they see fit, but for the most part, they are based off a set of national standard recommendations laid out under the following codes:
Free access to the NFPA online can be achieved by registering with the NFPA at the link here which will allow free viewing of the referenced codes. Purchasing hard copies or .pdf copies of current (and some previous) codes are available on the same site.
You may also access our Resource Guide for more information on NFPA and other regulating agencies.
Testing Recommendations
The below recommendations for maintenance and testing are based on the requirements in NFPA 110 - 2016 Edition. This code is revised every 3 years, so changes may be made in the future. Again it is important to note that these are recommendations only, and contacting your local regulating agency or jurisdiction having authority will clarify any deviations or requirements that differ from the below recommendations.