Air Conditioning for FACP Room

[krista]

Is air conditioning required for FACP room? Historically, the companies in Florida I've worked for have always done it; however, we have a building owner who wants to use dehumidifiers instead of A/C. I am not finding a Code that covers this.

Thanks!

 

[gadfly56]

Is air conditioning required for FACP room? Historically, the companies in Florida I've worked for have always done it; however, we have a building owner who wants to use dehumidifiers instead of A/C. I am not finding a Code that covers this.

Thanks!

There is no code directly requiring this. However, you must pay attention to the manufacturer's requirements for the operating conditions of the panel. A simple dehumidifier, if located in the room and directed to a permanent drain, will raise the operating temperature of the room. As an example, the Silent Knight IFP-1000 has an operating range of 32°F - 120°F and a humidity range of 10% - 93% non-condensing. At elevated temperatures you can expect adverse effects on electronic components and battery life, and they recommend an operating range of 60°F - 80°F.

 

[mgookin]

Florida has its own fire prevention code.

OP: You can call the fire marshal who has jurisdiction or wait until I get back (or look it up). I'm headed out right now.
But post #2 is pretty close.
Most people use a mini-split.

 

[nhfire77]

Is air conditioning required for FACP room? Historically, the companies in Florida I've worked for have always done it; however, we have a building owner who wants to use dehumidifiers instead of A/C. I am not finding a Code that covers this.

Thanks!

Its not uncommon to put a panel in an interior closet/utility room with just a heater if temps rarely drop below 32 and never get above 120 (on the interior of a building with breezeways, not on the roof ). There are places in TX they allow them on the side of a building in a NEMA 3R enclosure without heat or AC......Wacky Texans.

Personally I hate it but, AHJ's allow it and owners want to save $ NOW, no matter the cost down the line. Like the batteries cooking as Gadfly said or the panel blowing up due to temperature swings.

 

[low_voltage]

I've never seen an Ac unit in the same room as the FACP in NYC. Elevator mech rooms will usually have one - and I tend to take a brake there in the summer when on the roof..

 

[mgookin]

Is air conditioning required for FACP room? Historically, the companies in Florida I've worked for have always done it; however, we have a building owner who wants to use dehumidifiers instead of A/C. I am not finding a Code that covers this.

Thanks!

I just read through the FFPC and find:
A) Requirements for the equipment to be able to operate in prescriptive environmental conditions, and,
B) Requirements that the equipment be installed consistent with the listing for the equipment.

The Florida version of NFPA 1, NFPA 101 & NFPA 72 all pretty much say the same thing.

If the fire marshal's office for your job believes temps in that room will exceed 120F it seems they have the authority to mandate the a/c. If you can convince them that temps won't exceed 120F you have an argument for dehumidifier(s) only. I suggest you call them. No matter what we say on this forum, it's them that has to accept the work.

 

[krista]

Thank you!

Thank you!

Great input! Thank you all so much!