We “pulled a bank job” (installed a commercial emergency power generator on a bank in Rogersville MO)

The Seymour Bank recently contacted us about designing and installing an emergency power generator system for their branch in Rogersville, Missouri. Banks are obviously not built like typical office buildings, so this electrical upgrade project presented many obstacles. But at Ron’s Electrical, we’re up for a challenge.

Electrical upgrades start with an on-site evaluation

The bankers were unsure whether they wanted a minimal system to simply keep computer servers running or a full-blown system to keep the whole site operational. We agreed to make an on-site visit to conduct a power evaluation and design some options to meet their needs.

During our initial visit, we made the following observations:

• Their incoming power from the utility company was 120/208 3 phase.
• There was no external disconnect between the utility and the bank. This makes designing a generator system much more difficult.
• There were quite a few challenges to getting a fuel supply to the generator.
• The pre-existing power system was installed in such a way that it would make it very difficult to add a transfer switch.
• The bankers hoped to get a propane-powered generator since they were in a rural setting.

We’re expert dealers for both Kohler and Cummings generators

We looked at the generators available from our trusted vendors and laid out the options.

If they only wanted to power the computer servers, we would suggest a small Kohler RCA 3-phase 20kW generator. Kohler is one of the few companies offering a very small 3-phase generator. This was the only option that would not require an external disconnect. If they decided to power the entire building, we’d have to address the situation of not having an external option to disconnect the facility.

Using real data to design the best commercial emergency power generator

Next, we conducted a power calculation to determine how large a generator was needed to support the entire facility. We analyzed the two years of data to determine the highest possible demand for power. We learned the bank would need an 80kW generator to meet its needs year-round, even in the peak seasons of use.

After careful consideration, we selected a Cummins 80kW generator with a 400 amp service-entrance-rated transfer switch. This option required an external disconnect, which would actually help meet current fire safety requirements.

We also did a site layout analysis to determine the best location for either the smaller or larger generator options. We presented both designs to the bankers along with detailed information and projected costs.

After deliberations, the bankers decided to select the larger option that could power the entire facility. 

Finalizing the plan

There were very few places where we could place a large generator, transfer switch, and propane tank, but we selected a small piece of grass on the back corner of the parking lot, near the main power pole, partially hidden behind the dumpster enclosure.

Here are the basic steps to installing this commercial emergency power generator:

1. Strip the grass: This involved carefully removing the grass while dealing with a maze of underground utilities (sprinkler water lines, fiber optic internet cables, plus the main power lines).
2. Remove old concrete: We also removed a small pre-existing concrete waterway.
3. Locate power: We found the main power feeds under the waterway. We had to be very careful not to damage those live lines.
4. Transfer switch: We intercepted the main power lines that led from the power pole to the bank and rerouted the 400 amp service feed to the new Cummins service-entrance-rated transfer switch.
5. Concrete pad: We prepared and poured one large concrete pad to fit all the new equipment.
6. Tank: We installed a 1,000-gallon propane tank.
7. Generator: We used a skyjack to lift the large generator onto the concrete pad.
8. Plumbing: We partnered with Brooks Gas to connect the propane tank lines to the generator – and fill the tank.
9. Wiring: This involved connecting the generator to the transfer switch and installing all the control cabling.
10. Warranties: We filed the warranties on behalf of the client along with the system setup.
11. Maintenance: We will continue to check on this system over time to ensure it runs smoothly. This includes important software updates and optimizations.

It was a real pleasure working with the Seymour Bank in Rogersville.

Do you need an emergency power system for your home or business? Give us a call at (417) 880-7857.