Wingrider
Member
- Location
- Northern Virginia
I am the AHJ for a 'Critical Data Information System', with a requirement to make a decision on whether or not to keep the EPO system in the CER. We are performing an upgrade to go from 50 w/sqft to 100 w/sqft in the CER. With this comes the installation of more PDUs, generators, batteries, etc. The Data Center was built in 2005-6, when it was required to have EPOs in the CER, but the new 2011 NEC makes that an option, if certain criteria are met. Just because we can now remove the EPO, is it a good call?
We can argue that the intent of the NEC is to protect life and property, but that gets into a real gray area for this Data Center. Whose life and property? Those in the Data Center, or those depending on the Data Center to remain operational? What is the real possibility of an accidental activation of the EPO vice a neccessary activation? I have never seen one activated intentionally, but have seen them activated many times inadvertently. The inadvertant operation in this facility could put lives in danger.
We can argue that the intent of the NEC is to protect life and property, but that gets into a real gray area for this Data Center. Whose life and property? Those in the Data Center, or those depending on the Data Center to remain operational? What is the real possibility of an accidental activation of the EPO vice a neccessary activation? I have never seen one activated intentionally, but have seen them activated many times inadvertently. The inadvertant operation in this facility could put lives in danger.