EPO's in Laboratories
- Thread starter GarrettH
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chicar
Senior Member
- Location
- Lancaster,Pa
What is a EPO ?
hockeyoligist2
Senior Member
- Location
- close to greenville sc
chicar said:
Electricians Personal Opinion?
- Location
- Massachusetts
chicar said:
Emergency Power Off
Often a button used unnecessarily in computer rooms.
Located at the exit door a simple push of the button kills all computer room power including UPS output and HVAC.
See 645.2(1) and 645.10
- Location
- Massachusetts
I do not believe there are any requirements for an EPO in a lab...at least not NEC requirements.
The use of EPOs in computer rooms is not IMO good design.
The only reason to use an EPO in a computer room is to allow the use of the less restrictive wiring methods that article 645 allows.
The result is often unexpected and costly down time when the EPO system is tripped by accident.
Would the lab be happy with unexpected power outages?
The use of EPOs in computer rooms is not IMO good design.
The only reason to use an EPO in a computer room is to allow the use of the less restrictive wiring methods that article 645 allows.
The result is often unexpected and costly down time when the EPO system is tripped by accident.
Would the lab be happy with unexpected power outages?
I'm not sure if its some code or a fire marshall desirement or just custom. But in the building where I currently work, the fire code people are extremely paranoid. I beleive they wanted an EPO in every "computer room" or every room with its own power cart. This building has no windows, so they want toxic smoke stopped as soon as possible. We must test or smoke detectors and EPO system every 6 months. I don't think we've ever had a false or accidental trip, but the EPO tests are annoying because we have to shutdwon all the computers. We did have an accidental Halon release though -- that one cost some money.
We are also given nebulous requirements for the amount of non-plenum LV cable that we can use based on whether we have a fire suppression system or not. If not, you are allowed a bundle about the size of your hands. I asked for the guy they have who has the largest hands...
It seems about half of what I do is working with compliance officials, whether building code or security. Everyone is working from vague requirements (and an industrial facility may have its own code book that is more stringent than the state mandated book), and unfortunately just about every individual gives you a different answer as to what you can or can't do. It can be extremely frustrating. The less they really know, the more frustrating it is because they keep padding the safety factor until they're comfortable.
We are also given nebulous requirements for the amount of non-plenum LV cable that we can use based on whether we have a fire suppression system or not. If not, you are allowed a bundle about the size of your hands. I asked for the guy they have who has the largest hands...
It seems about half of what I do is working with compliance officials, whether building code or security. Everyone is working from vague requirements (and an industrial facility may have its own code book that is more stringent than the state mandated book), and unfortunately just about every individual gives you a different answer as to what you can or can't do. It can be extremely frustrating. The less they really know, the more frustrating it is because they keep padding the safety factor until they're comfortable.
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
I think in some areas, it may be a state education department requirement.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Its not an NEC issue at all. However the NEC would cover the wiring.
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