Recommended Practice

The document provides guidance for the installation and installation design of VRLA batteries. This recommended practice is intended for all standby stationary installations. However, specific applications, such as emergency lighting units and semi-portable equipment, may have other appropriate practices and are beyond the scope of this recommended practice. Alternative energy applications are not covered.

The document provides seismic design recommendations for substations, including qualification of each equipment type. Design recommendations consist of seismic criteria, qualification methods and levels, structural capacities, performance requirements for equipment operation, installation methods, and documentation.

The document outlines fire safety recommendations for gas, oil, coal, and alternative fuel electric generating plants, including high voltage DC converter stations and combustion turbine units used for electric generation. Fire prevention and fire protection recommendations advance the safety of construction and operating personnel, physical integrity of plant components, and the continuity of plant operations.

The document provides fire prevention and fire protection recommendations for hydroelectric generating plants to safeguard personnel, protect physical property, ensure continuity of power production, and control the impact of fire and firefighting activities on the environment. NFPA 851 offers guidance for the design, construction, and operation of hydroelectric facilities. In addition, general plant design, fire protection systems, identification and protection of hazards, and development of a fire risk control program are also covered.

The guidance covers the key elements to consider when devising safe working practices and is for people who carry out work on or near electrical equipment. It includes advice for managers and supervisors who control or influence the design, specification, selection, installation, commissioning, maintenance or operation of electrical equipment.

The document provides recommendations for installation design and for installation, maintenance, and testing procedures to optimize life and performance of vented Nickel Cadmium batteries in stationary standby applications. Also provides guidance for determining when these batteries should be replaced.

The recommended practice is limited to maintenance, test schedules, and testing procedures that can be used to optimize the life and performance of VRLA batteries for stationary applications. Also provides guidance to determine when batteries should be replaced. The maintenance and testing programs described represent “the best program” based on the information reviewed at the time this document was developed. Stationary cycling applications such as those found in alternative energy applications are beyond the scope of this recommended practice.

The document covers descriptions of products, methods, and procedures relating to stationary batteries, battery electrolyte spill mechanisms, electrolyte containment and control methodologies, and firefighting considerations are provided.

The document defines the areas of recommended knowledge for installers and maintainers of stationary batteries and related systems to the extent that they affect the battery. Design of the dc system and sizing of the dc battery charger(s) are beyond the scope of this recommended practice. This document covers Lead-Acid and Nickel Cadmium battery technologies.