Does the critical/life safety panels/transfer switches need to be in a separate room from normal power? In healthcare facilities?

[Cartoon1]

Im working on a ambulatory type facility that is going to fall under category 1. Based on NFPA 99 (6.4.1.1.8.1 The EPS shall be installed in a separate room for
Level 1 installations. EPSS equipment shall be permitted to be installed in this room). My understanding is that any emergency panels and transfer switches need to be in a different room as normal power? Is that correct? Can someone clarify this?

I would like to per NFPA 110 7.2.3* (Level 1 EPSS equipment shall not be installed in the
same room with the normal service equipment, where the service equipment is rated over 150 volts to ground and equal to
or greater than 1000 amperes.)

Does that mean that if the service is less than 1000A , EPSS could be put in same room as normal electrical room?

Thank you

 

[roger]

I understand it the way you do per NFPA 99 (now it's 6.7.1.2.3). The last ambulatory buildings I was involved with did have separate rooms. I would forget NFPA 101.

 

[steve66]

If I remember correctly, the EPS is the generator, while the EPSS includes the ATS and the panels.

So I believe the EPSS can go in the same room with the normal service if the normal service is 208V, or less than 1000 amps. But the generator has to be in a dedicated room (if its inside the building).

That doesn't mean it's a good design. And there may be other standards like JAHCO (https://www.jointcommission.org/standards/) that come into play.

But I've had to put them in the same room in some retrofits.

 

[garbo]

Retired from a large hospital/research center and a 12 floor ambulatory building. Except for the original portion of hospital that was built in early 1970's all emergency power was in seperste electrical rooms or closets. To keep rooms appearing neat we were not allowed to install anything but conduit. Often had ten or more normal or emergency power panels in one room so having separate rooms made it easier.