Session 11
Generators: Backing up Fact from Fiction
Emergency generators are often misunderstood, especially when it comes to their role in supporting fire protection and life safety systems. This session will separate fact from fiction by providing a practical, code-based look at generator requirements and how they intersect with fire alarm and life safety functions. The presentation will compare the key differences between the 2009 and 2015 editions of CSA C282, illustrating how the changes impact system design, installation, and inspection expectations.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to properly size fire alarm power supplies when balancing battery capacity against generator support, and what signals—such as generator trouble conditions, gas valve interlocks, and life safety transfer switch status—must be remotely annunciated. The session will also clarify which signals are required to be integrated with the fire alarm system and which must not be, reducing the confusion that often occurs during commissioning and inspections.
Through real-world examples, participants will explore the operational distinctions between life safety and non-life-safety transfer schemes, as well as the testing requirements that ensure these systems operate as intended during an emergency. Lessons learned from the field will be shared alongside site photos illustrating both compliant and non-compliant installations.
Michael Lonergan, P.Eng.
Lonergan Engineering
With more than two decades of professional experience, Michael Lonergan is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, and holds a Consulting Engineer designation. He is a frequent presenter and educator, sharing practical insights drawn from extensive field and regulatory experience. Michael is an active member of the ULC Technical Committee and contributes his time to the Education Committee, helping to advance industry knowledge through collaboration, best practices, and lessons learned.
Jeremy Walker, ME.
Lonergan Engineering
Jeremy began his career by combining a business degree and a curiosity for "how things work" with experience in his family's electrical company. From apprentice to President & CEO, he led diverse projects and built a reputation for honesty, quality, and collaboration. In 2019, he joined Georgian College as a Professor of Electrical Apprenticeship Studies and in 2022, Jeremy joined Lonergan Engineering to focus on integrated systems testing. He brings real-world insight and a cooperative mindset to every project as well as expertise in ULC-S1001. Jeremy holds a Master Electrician license, a 309A Red Seal, and a B.BA (Hon).