GE Digital Energy – Power Quality completed an extensive 3D shake-table test program to certify the seismic capabilities in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC-2006) and OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP) on a full range of Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) and Paralleling Switchgear (PSG) products.
The GE Digital Energy Zenith ZTX, ZTG, ZTS and ZTE Series of transfer switches meet this Seismic standard. Included are Bypass/Isolation transfer switches. Excluded are ZTSMV, ZTSSL, and ZTGSE Series transfer switches. Energy commander two-bay cabinet Paralleling Switchgear (PSG) is included.
Seismic certification is frequently required in mission critical facilities applications and the GE Digital Energy – Power Quality products are rated to perform successfully during and after seismic activity. The IBC code supersedes previous building codes (NBC, SBC, UBC).
What you need to know about GE’s seismic compliance
GE has established IBC-2006 and OSHPD Special Seismic Certification Preapproval (OSP) seismic capable Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) product lines
Products were 3D shake table tested in accordance with ICC-ES-AC156 (“Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Qualification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components and Systems”)
Products are rated to perform successfully during and after seismic activity
Developed for areas and installations with stringent seismic requirements
Needed in mission critical facilities (data centers, hospitals, etc.)
Test Criteria
lp
Equipment importance factor (from 1.0 to 1.5). All GE equipment with seismic certification is qualified to an Ip level of 1.5, indicating the equipment will be fully functional during and after a seismic event.
z/h
The ratio of equipment mounting height (z) to roof height (h) (From 0 to 1). Ground and roof mounted equipment, for example, would have z/h levels of 0 and 1, respectively.
Ss
Mapped maximum considered earthquake response at short periods [%g]. Values are assigned based upon geographic location, probability, and severity of seismic activity; provided on maps in IBC-2006. (From 0% to 300%).
Sds
Design spectral response acceleration at short periods [g]. Adjusted value based upon Ss and installation site characteristics. (From 0.0 to 2.0) Sds =2/3 * Fa * Ss (where 0.8 < Fa < 1). IBC seismic testing qualified each product line to specific Sds levels for ground- and roof-level installation.
Equipment Sds levels must equal or exceed the Sds levels of the installation location.
Seismic Certification and analytical work was performed by W.E. Gundy & Associates, Inc., Registered Professional Engineers. Reports include verification test results as well as qualification to IBC-2006 and IEEE-693-2005 standards. Click here to view the IBC-2006 certificate. Click here to view the OSHPD certificates for PSG.
Click here to view the OSHPD certificates for ATS.
