Hospitality Industry & Required Emergency Power

The hospitality industry includes any business that provides services to both long-term and short-term customers or guests. NFPA determines and enforces emergency power requirements for this industry. This blog shares the basic requirements for various hospitality divisions.

Divisions of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry boasted $1,600,000,000,000 US (1.6 trillion) in economic output in 2017, according to SELECTUSA.gov. This industry can be divided into the following divisions:

• Food & Beverage - One of the largest divisions of the industry. Any business that prepares and/or serves meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Travel - Airports, train, and bus terminals all represent standard methods of transportation. This covers longer distances and include both business and leisure travel.
• Lodging - Hotels and motels are the largest of the lodging division. Some establishments feature rental cabins, cottages, or lodges within the property complex.
• Recreation - This division has many faces. Casinos are one form of the division that offers a possible payoff. Theaters, zoos, museums, and sports arenas are just a few examples of available types of recreation.

Resorts offer guests an all-inclusive experience. These businesses often offer packages that include all of the divisions of the hospitality industry. Amusement parks, ski, golf, spa, and luxury resorts are just a few on the list.
 
Each division is regulated and monitored by state and federal agencies. Often, processes and procedures are evident to guests during the completion of typical day to day tasks.
 
Emergency power and supporting systems are not noticeable to guests. They offer power when the utility supply fails. Emergency standby generators are not usually noticed until the power fails, and they too fail. Each building is constructed with required emergency or backup power generators.

Emergency generators supply power to circuits that are critical for guest safety during a utility outage.
Elevators and egress lighting are commonly on this circuit. Without emergency power, folks are stranded in a dark elevator until power is restored.
 
Large resorts and complexes can install backup power systems. Partial or complete operation can be obtained, depending on the size of the backup system. All generators require maintenance and testing to ensure proper operation.

Maintenance, Testing, Troubleshooting & Repair

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global self-funded, non-profit organization. They strive to eliminate death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire and electrical and related hazards. In most cases, membership is voluntary. However, state and federal agencies can mandate membership in their regulations.
 
NFPA 110 Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems Handbook defines maintenance and testing for generators. Following these procedures will identify upcoming issues and keep the generator in good working condition.

It is not uncommon to hear that a client was not aware of an installed outdoor generator for the building. Many times, this happens when the business transfers from one owner to the next. Often, the failed generator is discovered when utility power is lost. The lucky owner will experience only minor guest inconvenience, while the unlucky can experience a safety-related occurrence.
 
When a generator failure is discovered, an experienced technician is needed to employ the use of the latest tools to isolate the failed component. Industry-standard repair practices should be used for the issue at hand.
 
The best defense against generator failure is a good offense to fix or address problems before they are discovered when you need the power. This consists of an established maintenance and testing program.

Generator Source has over 40 years of generator experience. We can provide a one-time troubleshooting and repair or maintenance service or develop a service contract designed to client needs.

We also offer deinstallation/installation and decommissioning services if you need to sell a generator. Contact us for more information or schedule maintenance and/or repair.

Story Summary

Why do hotels need backup power?
Hotels require backup power to ensure guest safety and comfort during outages, maintain critical operations, and minimize business disruption and revenue loss.

What systems should be powered by hotel backup generators?
Critical systems to power include emergency lighting, elevators, fire alarm and suppression systems, security systems, refrigeration, and some guest amenities like limited lighting.

Are hotels required to have emergency generators?
While not universally mandated, many building codes and safety regulations require hotels to have some form of emergency power, especially for life safety systems.

What standards govern emergency power systems for hotels?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets standards for emergency and standby power systems, including NFPA 110 which defines maintenance and testing requirements.

How often should hotel generators be tested?
Generators should be tested regularly with load, typically monthly, to ensure proper function. Many hotels conduct weekly no-load tests and monthly load tests.

What maintenance is required for hotel backup generators?
Regular maintenance includes fuel filtration, battery checks and replacement, load testing, and inspection of transfer switches and distribution panels.

How can hotels prepare for power outages beyond generators?
Hotels should have a comprehensive emergency response plan, train staff on outage procedures, stock emergency supplies like flashlights, and have plans for guest communication and comfort.

What areas of a hotel are most critical to power during an outage?
Priority areas typically include emergency lighting, elevators, security systems, limited food service capabilities, and some guest room power for essential needs.