megloff11x
Senior Member
NFPA 79 states in part:
12.2.2.1 Machine compartments containing control equipment shall be completely isolated from coolant and oil reservoirs. The compartment shall be readily accessible and completely enclosed.
12.2.2.2 Pipelines, tubing, or devices for handling air, gases, or liquids shall not be located in enclosures or compartments containing electrical controls equipment...
Exception no. 1: Equipment for cooling electronic devices.
Exception no. 2: Pipelines, tubing, or devices that are an integral part of listed equipment and are separated by suitable barriers
I have two upcoming machine installations that have this issue. One has liquid cooled motors, the other a liquid cooled curing light source.
My own strategy is to have the coolant reservoir, heat exchanger, and pump partitioned off from the rest of the equipment to contain spray from a burst. Provide a catch pan capable of holding all of the fluid spilled. Provide a leak detector. On the plumbing to the cooled devices, I can route away from sensitive devices and provide a baffle to deflect fluid from a rupture. I think a rupture is unlikely, but I have seen more than one burst or split hose or pipe in my day.
They do want everything in the same "box," but I can partition the overall box.
Is anyone who has installed a similar system willing to share any insights or experiences, or suggest more, less, or alternate protection?
I've had de-energized equipment get flooded by sprinklers or leaks before and it worked fine when dried out.
12.2.2.1 Machine compartments containing control equipment shall be completely isolated from coolant and oil reservoirs. The compartment shall be readily accessible and completely enclosed.
12.2.2.2 Pipelines, tubing, or devices for handling air, gases, or liquids shall not be located in enclosures or compartments containing electrical controls equipment...
Exception no. 1: Equipment for cooling electronic devices.
Exception no. 2: Pipelines, tubing, or devices that are an integral part of listed equipment and are separated by suitable barriers
I have two upcoming machine installations that have this issue. One has liquid cooled motors, the other a liquid cooled curing light source.
My own strategy is to have the coolant reservoir, heat exchanger, and pump partitioned off from the rest of the equipment to contain spray from a burst. Provide a catch pan capable of holding all of the fluid spilled. Provide a leak detector. On the plumbing to the cooled devices, I can route away from sensitive devices and provide a baffle to deflect fluid from a rupture. I think a rupture is unlikely, but I have seen more than one burst or split hose or pipe in my day.
They do want everything in the same "box," but I can partition the overall box.
Is anyone who has installed a similar system willing to share any insights or experiences, or suggest more, less, or alternate protection?
I've had de-energized equipment get flooded by sprinklers or leaks before and it worked fine when dried out.