[CCMC 13316-R] CCMC Canadian code compliance evaluation

It is the opinion of the Canadian Construction Materials Centre that the evaluated product, when used as an emergency power supply for lighting in accordance with the conditions and limitations stated in this evaluation, complies with the following code:

National Building Code of Canada 2015

The above opinion(s) is/are based on the evaluation by the CCMC of technical evidence provided by the evaluation holder, and is bound by the stated conditions and limitations. For the benefit of the user, a summary of the technical information that forms the basis of this evaluation has been included.

Product name

Always On™ ELI AC Inverter - Borealis and Aurora Series

Product description

The product is a battery powered, uninterruptible power system that provides emergency AC power for lighting circuits in the event the primary power source fails. The selected loads continue to receive safe and clean AC power during major power events, such as blackouts, brownouts, and over- or under-voltage conditions.

The equipment consists of:

• a battery bank;
• a battery charger;
• a transformer; and
• Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) to convert DC power to AC.

The microprocessor-controlled unit also provides self-diagnostics and monitoring of the operating parameters.

The Aurora Series is offered in many configurations, which are outlined in the manufacturer’s literature. These configurations include unit ratings and critical load models ranging from 3 kW to 15 kW (single phase). The kW ratings and corresponding input/output voltage combinations are indicated in Table 1.

The Borealis Series is offered in many configurations, which are outlined in the manufacturer’s literature. These configurations include unit ratings and critical load models ranging from 8 kW to 48 kW (3 phase). The kW ratings and corresponding input/output voltages are indicated in Table 2.

The system is capable of powering any combination of lighting (e.g., electronic ballast, power factor-corrected ballast and self-ballasted fluorescent, incandescent or high-intensity discharge [HID]).

Manufacturing plant

This evaluation is valid only for products produced at the following plant:

Product evaluated by the CCMC Indicates that the product from this manufacturing facility has been evaluated by the CCMC

The CCMC’s compliance opinion is bound by this product being used in accordance with the conditions and limitations set out below.

• The product is intended for use as an emergency power supply for lighting in buildings that require a separate emergency power supply.
• After installation, the system must be inspected and tested in accordance with the System Operating and Maintenance Manual, which must be kept on-site at all times, and certified and stamped by a professional engineer.
• The system is not considered applicable for hospitals or nursing homes unless it qualifies under CAN/CSA-Z32-04, “Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities.”
• Operating parameters can only be changed by a professional engineer who will certify that the life safety parameters will not be affected. The manual must be updated accordingly.
• Required site-specific information includes:
  • a single line diagram of the installation;
  • panel schedules for all lighting panels connected;
  • the equipment room layout showing the location of the system and required auxiliary equipment;
  • the sprinkler zone shutoff valve location (when installed in a sprinklered room); and
  • a list of external devices required for the operation, including:
    • the location of feeder circuit switches, and/or circuit breakers for the system; and
    • interlocking devices.
• Batteries must be labelled with the manufacturer’s model and contact number along with a certification mark. They must be kept in a ventilated locked cabinet.
• The output of the inverters must be a true no-break supply to ensure that all types of lighting load can be used.
• When the system is located in a sprinklered building, the service room where the system is installed must be sprinklered and the enclosures housing the inverters must be sprinkler-proof.
• The system must be located in a ventilated room where the ambient temperature must be maintained at not less than 10°C.
• Where permitted, auxiliary loads must be supplied from separate circuits than the emergency lighting loads.
• All aspects of the installation must be in compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code and applicable local requirements.
• The product must be labelled with the following information:
  • product name;
  • handling precautions;
  • manufacturer’s name;
  • UL 924-2012, “Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment” certification mark;
  • electrical certification mark;
  • manufacturer’s certification mark for battery times other than 90 minutes; and
  • “CCMC 13316-R”.

This evaluation is based on demonstrated conformance with the following criteria:

The evaluation holder has submitted technical documentation for CCMC’s evaluation. Testing was conducted at laboratories recognized by CCMC. The corresponding technical evidence for this product is summarized below. The emergency power supply is designed and installed so that, upon failure of the regular power supply to the building, the emergency power supply will assume the electrical load automatically for a period of 2 hours, 1 hour or 30 minutes as required by the NBC and incorporated in the electrical system design by a professional engineer.