Site Preparation Guide, Third Edition - Server Expansion Unit

Appendix A
General Site Preparation Guidelines
Electrical Factors
10
Electrical Factors
NOTE Electrical practices and suggestions in this guide are based on North American practices. For
regions and areas outside North America, local electrical codes will take precedence over North
American electrical codes.
An example would be the recommendation that the protective earthing (PE) conductor be green
with yellow stripes. This requirement is a North American directive and does not override the
local code requirements for a region or area outside North America.
Local authority has jurisdiction (LAHJ) and should make the final decision regarding
adherence to region-specific or area-specific electrical codes and guidelines.
Proper design and installation of a server power distribution system requires specialized skills. Those
responsible for this task must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of appropriate electrical codes
and the limitations of the power systems for computer and data processing equipment.
In general, a well-designed power distribution system exceeds the requirements of most electrical codes. A
good design, when coupled with proper installation practices, produces the most trouble-free operation.
A detailed discussion of power distribution system design and installation is beyond the scope of this
information. However, electrical factors relating to power distribution system design and installation must be
considered during the site preparation process.
The electrical factors discussed in this section are:
• Computer room safety
• Power Consumption
• Electrical load requirements (circuit breaker sizing)
• Power quality
• Distribution hardware
• System installation guidelines
Computer Room Safety
Inside the computer room, fire protection and adequate lighting (for equipment servicing) are important
safety considerations. Federal and local safety codes govern computer installations.
Fire Protection
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for the Protection of Electronic Computer Data
Processing Equipment, NFPA 75, contains information on safety monitoring equipment for computer rooms.
Most computer room installations are equipped with the following fire protection devices:
•Smoke detectors
• Fire and temperature alarms
• Fire extinguishing system
Additional safety devices are: