As of January 1, 2022, the VA Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation requires that a portion of the VA Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) code changes pertaining to electrical installations be included in electrical continuing education programs.

During the 2018 VA USBC code adoption process, a change was made to add Section 2702.1.2 requiring piping protection for fuel lines supplying a generator inside a high-rise building. The intent is to ensure proper protection of the fuel lines and survivability of all aspects of the generator installation.

Since this code change is under Section 2702, it applies to both emergency and standby systems as defined in Chapter 2 below:

Emergency Power System. A source of automatic electric power of a required capacity and duration to operate required life safety, fire alarm, detection and ventilation systems in the event of a failure of the primary power. Emergency power systems are required for electrical loads where interruption of the primary power could result in loss of human life or serious injuries.

Standby Power System. A source of automatic electric power of a required capacity and duration to operate required building, hazardous materials or ventilation systems in the event of a failure of the primary power. Standby power systems are required for electrical loads where interruption of the primary power could create hazards or hamper rescue or fire-fighting operations.

When reviewing the VA USBC for code changes, technical code changes from the previous edition of the International Codes are shown in blue text.

USBC [F] 2702.1.2 Fuel-line piping protection.

Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a high-rise building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by an approved method, or an assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.