12.3 Emergency source of electrical power
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - HSC 2000 Code - International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 – Resolution MSC.97(73) - Chapter 12 - Electrical installations - PART A - GENERAL - 12.3 Emergency source of electrical power

12.3 Emergency source of electrical power

  12.3.1 A self-contained emergency source of electrical power shall be provided.

  12.3.2 The emergency source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, transitional source of emergency electrical power, emergency switchboard and emergency lighting switchboard shall be located above the waterline in the final condition of damage as referred to in chapter 2, operable in that condition and readily accessible.

  12.3.3 The location of the emergency source of electrical power and associated transforming equipment, if any, the transitional source of emergency power, the emergency switchboard and the emergency electrical lighting switchboards in relation to the main source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, and the main switchboard shall be such as to ensure that a fire or other casualty in spaces containing the main source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, and the main switchboard or in any machinery space will not interfere with the supply, control, and distribution of emergency electrical power. As far as practicable, the space containing the emergency source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, the transitional source of emergency electrical power and the emergency switchboard shall not be contiguous to the boundaries of the main machinery spaces or those spaces containing the main source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if any, or the main switchboard.

  12.3.4 Provided that suitable measures are taken for safeguarding independent emergency operation under all circumstances, the emergency generator, if provided, may be used exceptionally, and for short periods, to supply non-emergency circuits.

  12.3.5 Distribution systems shall be so arranged that the feeders from the main and emergency sources are separated both vertically and horizontally as widely as practicable.

  12.3.6 The emergency source of electrical power may be either a generator or an accumulator battery, which shall comply with the following:

  • .1 Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator, it shall be:

    • .1.1 driven by a suitable prime mover with an independent supply of fuel having a flashpoint which meets the requirements of 7.1.2.2;

    • .1.2 started automatically upon failure of the electrical supply from the main source of electrical power and shall be automatically connected to the emergency switchboard. Those services referred to in 12.7.5 or 12.8.3 shall then be transferred to the emergency generating set. The automatic starting system and the characteristic of the prime mover shall be such as to permit the emergency generator to carry its full rated load as quickly as is safe and practicable, subject to a maximum of 45 s; and

    • .1.3 provided with a transitional source of emergency electrical power according to 12.7.5 or 12.8.3.

  • .2 Where the emergency source of electrical power is an accumulator battery, it shall be capable of:

    • .2.1 carrying the emergency electrical load without recharging while maintaining the voltage of the battery throughout the discharge period within 12% above or below its nominal voltage;

    • .2.2 automatically connecting to the emergency switchboard in the event of failure of the main source of electrical power; and

    • .2.3 immediately supplying at least those services specified in 12.7.5 or 12.8.3.

  12.3.7 The emergency switchboard shall be installed as near as is practicable to the emergency source of electrical power.

  12.3.8 Where the emergency source of electrical power is a generator, the emergency switchboard shall be located in the same space unless the operation of the emergency switchboard would thereby be impaired.

  12.3.9 No accumulator battery fitted in accordance with this section shall be installed in the same space as the emergency switchboard. An indicator shall be mounted in a suitable space at the craft's operating compartment to indicate when the batteries constituting either the emergency source of electrical power or the transitional source of emergency electrical power referred to in 12.3.6.1.3 are being discharged.

  12.3.10 The emergency switchboard shall be supplied during normal operation from the main switchboard by an interconnector feeder which shall be adequately protected at the main switchboard against overload and short circuit and which shall be disconnected automatically at the emergency switchboard upon failure of the main source of electrical power. Where the system is arranged for feedback operation, the interconnector feeder shall also be protected at the emergency switchboard at least against short circuit. Failure of the emergency switchboard, when being used in other than an emergency, shall not put at risk the operation of the craft.

  12.3.11 In order to ensure ready availability of the emergency source of electrical power, arrangements shall be made, where necessary, to disconnect automatically non-emergency circuits from the emergency switchboard to ensure that power shall be available to the emergency circuits.

  12.3.12 The emergency generator and its prime mover and any emergency accumulator battery shall be so designed and arranged as to ensure that they will function at full rated power when the craft is upright and when the craft has a list or trim in accordance with 9.1.12 including any damage cases considered in chapter 2, or is in any combination of angles within those limits.

  12.3.13 Where accumulator batteries are installed to supply emergency services, provisions shall be made to charge them in situ from a reliable on-board supply. Charging facilities shall be so designed to permit the supply of services, regardless of whether battery is on charge or not. Means shall be provided to minimise the risk of overcharging or overheating the batteries. Means for efficient air ventilation shall be provided.

Parent topic: PART A - GENERAL
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