Raised Floors in Information Technology Spaces

[smccluer]

When NEC Article 645 talks about raised floors, the underlying assumption seems to be that under the floor is always an air plenum, but that is not necessarily the case. Access floors might be used to run chilled water pipes, cabling, etc., but are not used to distribute air.

DO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDER-FLOOR, SUCH AS SMOKE DETECTORS, TYPE DP CABLE, ETC. STILL APPLY IF IT IS NOT AN AIR PLENUM?

 

[kevinware]

Re: Raised Floors in Information Technology Spaces

Just this apprentice's opinion, but if the room doesn't follow the requirements of 645.4 (2005) then the room is not an "information technology equipment room" and thus article 645 does not apply at all. But the room must follow article 300 Just an opinion, lets see what others have to say........

[ December 05, 2005, 04:12 PM: Message edited by: kevinware ]

 

[websparky]

Re: Raised Floors in Information Technology Spaces

I agree with Kevin.

 

[ron]

Re: Raised Floors in Information Technology Spaces

If you wish to install flexible cords through the raised floor, which is typically a violation of Article 400, and you want to use the leniencies of 645 to run those cords through the raised floor, you still must use type DP cable even if it isn't an air plenum.

Just a guess at an application of your question.

[ December 05, 2005, 08:57 PM: Message edited by: ron ]