Updated November 13, 2026 · No Shorts Electric
The weekly, monthly, annual and three-year tests NFPA 110 sets out for standby generators, when a load bank test is required, what the transfer switch check involves, and a Long Island storm-season checklist.
NFPA 110 is the standard for emergency and standby power systems. Chapter 8 covers routine maintenance and operational testing, and it is the schedule inspectors, accreditation surveyors and insurers expect a commercial generator to follow. The schedule is not complicated, but it has to be done and recorded.
The schedule
- Weekly: a visual inspection of the unit, fuel, oil, coolant, battery and charger, and the control panel.
- Monthly: run the generator under load for at least 30 minutes, with the load at or above the level the standard sets, and record the readings.
- Annually: full service, including fluids, filters, belts and hoses, battery load test, and a check of all alarms and shutdowns.
- Every 36 months: a longer continuous test under load, commonly four hours, for systems that supply life-safety loads.
When a load bank test is required
If the monthly test cannot reach the minimum load, because the building load is too small or the transfer switch cannot be exercised, the standard requires an annual load bank test to bring the engine up to the required load for a set period. This clears wet stacking in diesel units and proves the engine can carry its rating.
The transfer switch
The automatic transfer switch is tested as part of the monthly run where the building allows: utility power is interrupted, the switch transfers to the generator, and after the run it transfers back. The time to transfer is recorded. Buildings that cannot tolerate the interruption test the switch during a planned window.
Long Island storm-season checklist
- Fuel level and fuel quality checked, with diesel polished or treated if it has sat for a season.
- Battery load tested and the charger output confirmed.
- Block heater working so the unit starts cold.
- Transfer switch exercised and the transfer time within specification.
- Enclosure, louvers and exhaust clear of debris and nests.
- Contact numbers for service and fuel delivery posted at the unit.
What we do about it
- Generator service and maintenance →
Monthly exercise and inspection, annual service, transfer switch testing, load bank coordination and storm-season readiness for standby generators at commercial and multifamily buildings in Nassau and Suffolk.