DC power wiring

C

Cursitti

Member
Location
Maryland
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
I have a project in a small data center involving (4) data racks that need DC power. The power is being supplied from a (what vertiv is calling a DC power plant). This power plant is supplied by (6) phase 40 amp circuits. The problem that is rising is I called out de rating for the 1/0 cables supplying DC power to the data racks. So the engineer proposed six. 2 1/2 EMT pipes. The six conduits will consist of eight DC circuits. I have limited room because the customer put the DC power supply in the area where chill waterlines are above. They are not willing to move it. The conductors for the DC power are supposed to enter from the top. So now my conduits will come down through the ceiling about 4 feet away from the power supply. They will not let me run conduits underneath the ceiling as there is too many cable trays in the way and they are looking for aesthetics. So I will have about 48 1/0 going to the top of this power supply. My question is where my conduit stop could I free air the wiring onto some fiberglass strut and then waterfall it into the top of the power supply? My space is limited and they will not budge on moving the power supply due to cost. Any help is much appreciated
 
The amount of power sounds like it is not Article 725 or Chapter 8, so unless this is a utility (such as a telephone company) you will need to follow Chapter 3 wiring methods and need a trough or raceway.
 
I think I’ve came up with a good idea with a trough and have the wires dump out over top of the equipment. I’m being told this isn’t how this system is usually installed it’s usually cable trey like I asked for but client took it upon themselves to engineer. Just keeping fingers crossed I can get a nice L shaped trough made up by next week.
 
Cursitti said:
I think I’ve came up with a good idea with a trough and have the wires dump out over top of the equipment. I’m being told this isn’t how this system is usually installed it’s usually cable trey like I asked for but client took it upon themselves to engineer. Just keeping fingers crossed I can get a nice L shaped trough made up by next week.
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When you say "engineer it", I hope that is from a competent engineer, and if so, get both their written plans and a sign off that you are building to their spec.

When you are talking 48, 1/0 conductors, that will be some weight, and that is not something any EC should be guessing on.
 
Yes vertiv is the ones who specd this stuff. They said they normally run basket tray with tray rated cable. But client wanted conduit. Apparently this power station isn’t supposed to be mounted the way it is but they didn’t have room so vertiv mounted it on a special rack. I’ve used double strut for the rack for the 6 conduits. They are pretty much leaving it up to me on how to get wires into the power station. I have a plan with a L shaped trough but like you said i will have support it very well with all those 1/
 
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