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) on a full range of Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) products.

The GE Digital Energy Zenith ZTX, ZTG, ZTS and ZTE Series of transfer switches meet this Seismic standard. Excluded are ZTSMV, ZTSSL, and ZTGSE Series transfer switches.

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).

IBC-2006 Test Criteria

lp    Equipment importance factor (from 1.0 to 1.5). All GE equipment with IBC-2006 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 certificate.