5.3 Main source of electrical power
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 2009 MODU Code - Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 – Resolution A.1023(26) - Chapter 5 - Electrical Installations for All Types of Units - 5.3 Main source of electrical power

5.3 Main source of electrical power

  5.3.1 Every unit should be provided with a main source of electrical power which should include at least two generating sets.

  5.3.2 The power of these sets should be such that it is still possible to ensure the functioning of the services referred to in paragraph 5.1.1.1, except for power servicing drilling operations, in the event of any one of these generating sets being stopped.

  5.3.3 Where transformers or converters constitute an essential part of the supply system, the system should be so arranged as to ensure the same continuity of the supply as stated in paragraph 5.3.2.

  5.3.4 A main electrical lighting system which should provide illumination throughout those parts of the unit normally accessible to and used by personnel should be supplied from the main source of power.

  5.3.5 The arrangement of the main lighting system should be such that a fire or other casualty in the space or spaces containing the main source of power, including transformers or converters, if any, will not render the emergency lighting system under section 5.4 inoperative.

  5.3.6 The arrangement of the emergency lighting system should be such that a fire or other casualty in the space or spaces containing the emergency source of power, including transformers or converters, if any, will not render the main lighting system required by this section inoperative.

  5.3.7 The main source of electrical power should comply with the following:

  • .1 Where the electrical power can normally be supplied by one generator, suitable load-shedding arrangements should be provided to ensure the integrity of supplies to services required for propulsion and steering as well as the safety of the unit. In the case of loss of the generator in operation, adequate provision should be made for automatic starting and connecting to the main switchboard of a stand-by generator of sufficient capacity to ensure safe navigation when underway and to ensure the safety of the unit with automatic restarting of the essential auxiliaries including, where necessary, sequential operations. The Administration may dispense with these provisions where the power necessary to ensure the functioning of the service referred to in paragraph 5.1.1.1, except for power servicing drilling operations, is 250 kW or less.

  • .2 If the electrical power is normally supplied by more than one generator simultaneously in parallel operation, provision should be made, for instance, by load shedding to ensure that, in case of loss of one of these generating sets, the remaining ones are kept in operation without overload to ensure safe navigation when underway and to ensure the safety of the unit.

  • .3 Where the main source of electrical power is necessary for propulsion of the unit, the main busbar should be subdivided into at least two parts which should normally be connected by circuit breakers or other approved means; so far as is practicable, the connection of generating sets and other duplicated equipment should be equally divided between the parts.


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