Backup power terminology
Backup-power and generator record terms for Australian standby, transfer, UPS and runtime worksheets.
Backup power terms for generator and UPS work
Clarify backup-power terms without selecting equipment, certifying runtime or finalising a transfer arrangement.
| Term | Meaning | Used with | Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standby load | Load intended to operate during backup supply. | Generator load worksheets | Backup scope must match the project transfer design. |
| Starting kVA | Apparent power needed during motor or equipment starting. | Generator starting checks | Actual starting demand depends on product and starter data. |
| Transfer arrangement | Manual or automatic transfer context recorded for backup operation. | Switchboard and generator records | This table does not select transfer equipment. |
| UPS runtime | Estimated duration a UPS can support a load under stated conditions. | UPS and critical load notes | Runtime needs product curves, battery condition and load profile. |
| Load shedding or priority | Which loads are retained, delayed or excluded during backup. | Backup scope records | Priority decisions are project-specific. |
- Use these terms to keep backup-power records clear.
- Equipment selection, transfer design and runtime require manufacturer data and competent review.
Where backup terminology affects sizing reviews
Use the terms to keep load, runtime and transfer assumptions clear before reviewing backup power calculations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Clarify backup-power terms without selecting equipment, certifying runtime or finalising a transfer arrangement. |
| How to use the source | Term table only; load and energy arithmetic lives on calculator pages. |
| Standards and project context | AS/NZS 3010, AS/NZS 3000, product and manufacturer context noted for project review; verify current sources and equipment data. |
| Where judgement is still needed | Use this table for lookup, labelling or worksheet context; do not treat it as a project-specific calculation result. |
| Before relying on it | Confirm current standards, local authority requirements, DNSP conditions, project documents and manufacturer data before relying on a decision. |
Standards basis for backup power terminology
Review the standards context, checked date and site backup scope before relying on a term.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Source | AUWiring generator, energy and backup-power guide field models. |
| Source type | AUWiring field model with standards context |
| Derivation basis | AUWiring terminology table for backup-power records; equipment selection, runtime certification and transfer requirements are not reproduced. |
| Last checked | 2026-07-13 |
| Review interval | Annual or when backup-power guide wording, generator calculator fields, standards context or product-record practice changes. |
| Review trigger | Calculator field change, standards update, product rule change, transfer arrangement change or project feedback. |
| Version used | R42-2026-07-13 |
| Australian application | Australia; generator product data, UPS product data, transfer equipment, fuel/runtime requirements and project review govern final decisions. |