During these tests, a less than 1-second outage will occur as the system switches from the emergency electrical power source to the emergency generator. After approximately 30 minutes of testing, a less than 1-second outage will occur as the system switches back to the emergency electrical power source.

Only the emergency electrical circuits are interrupted during these tests, which includes emergency lighting, exit signs, and red power outlets. Regular power outlets in the labs and offices, and normal lighting will not be affected.

It is recommended that any equipment using emergency power be plugged into a red outlet, such as -80 freezers, spectrometers, and air compressors. All at-risk equipment should also be plugged into surge protectors. If the equipment can be powered off during the monthly test, it is recommended to power it down. If the equipment cannot be powered down, it is recommended to plug it into a UPS.

Again, this testing only requires two, short interruptions of the emergency electrical power. Regular power outlets in the labs and offices, and normal lighting will not be affected.

UCR faculty and building stakeholders — to help protect your sensitive research equipment and systems, we invite you to learn more about our campus electrical infrastructure from our How Power Works Presentation. Below is the presentation, set to start at the building generator segment.