How quickly should an emergency generator start providing power after an alarm?

An emergency generator should start providing power within 60 seconds after an alarm. This timeframe is critical because in a high-rise building, quick access to emergency power can be essential for safety and functioning systems during an incident, such as a fire.

Having the generator activated within this timeframe ensures that essential systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarms, and smoke control systems, can be operational as soon as possible to assist with evacuations and to maintain a safe environment. The 60-second mark strikes a balance between allowing enough time for the generator to properly initialize and transfer power while still prioritizing the immediate need for safety during emergencies.

Meeting this requirement is crucial for compliance with safety regulations and for the overall efficacy of emergency response protocols in high-rise buildings.