UPS - NEC 110.26(E)

[bhluchan]

I have a job where the contractors incorrectly installed the UPS and sprinkler pipe such that the piping run directly overhead of the UPS. What is everyone's opinion on whether this violates NEC 110.26(E) for Dedicated Equipment Space? The section specifically calls out 'switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, and motor control centers'.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Does the pipe go directly over it? Is it in the dedicated space the width and depth of the panel?

 

[Strathead]

Does the pipe go directly over it? Is it in the dedicated space the width and depth of the panel?

It isn't a piece of equipment listed in 110 anyway, so it doesn't matter.

 

[bhluchan]

Does the pipe go directly over it? Is it in the dedicated space the width and depth of the panel?

Dennis,
Yes the pipe goes directly over the UPS but is more than 6ft above it so not technically in the dedicated space.
According to the code, we could add drip protection but that would really defeat the purpose of have a sprinkler head there. The question is really whether 110.26(E) applies to UPS's or not. Seems like a terrible idea to have a potential leak over a 400kW UPS whether the code applies or not.

 

[jaggedben]

No violation of 110.26.

 

[ron]

Depending on the size of the UPS, it may have components that are listed as switchboards or panelboards, such as the bypass cabinet on a large system.

 

[bhluchan]

Depending on the size of the UPS, it may have components that are listed as switchboards or panelboards, such as the bypass cabinet on a large system.

For reference, this is an Eaton 93PM 400kW. The product manual makes no reference to UL67, 891, or 1558. That being said, the wiring diagram refers to 'Battery Switchgear' and 'Inverter Switchgear'.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Regardless of whether 110.26 applies I would assume that it does. If the pipe is not in the dedicate space I would put a rainguard or gutter under the sprinkler where it passes over the UPS

 

[acrwc10]

Regardless of whether 110.26 applies I would assume that it does. If the pipe is not in the dedicate space I would put a rainguard or gutter under the sprinkler where it passes over the Ups

good luck getting that passed by the fire dept. inspection.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The language is specific in 110.26(E) and UPS in not in the list of equipment covered by that rule. However as Ron, mentioned there may be parts of the UPS that are listed as switchboards, switchgear or panelboards.

 

[masterinbama]

For reference, this is an Eaton 93PM 400kW. The product manual makes no reference to UL67, 891, or 1558. That being said, the wiring diagram refers to 'Battery Switchgear' and 'Inverter Switchgear'.

How is it the design didn't call for a dedicated room with inert fire suppression equipment, although not required it would be good insurance.
a 400 KW UPS is not an inexpensive item.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

How is it the design didn't call for a dedicated room with inert fire suppression equipment, although not required it would be good insurance.
a 400 KW UPS is not an inexpensive item.

By the time that something like a UPS has activated a fire suppression system, the UPS is already junk. The fire sprinklers will protect the rest of the building from the UPS.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

good luck getting that passed by the fire dept. inspection.

Why not.... the gutter would redirect any condensation etc from affecting the equipment. In this case we don't know about the UPS but it seems to me it would be smart to protect the equipment.

(b) Foreign Systems. The area above the dedicated space
required by 110.26(E)(1)(a) shall be permitted to contain
foreign systems, provided protection is installed to avoid
damage to the electrical equipment from condensation, leaks,
or breaks in such foreign systems.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Why not.... the gutter would redirect any condensation etc from affecting the equipment. In this case we don't know about the UPS but it seems to me it would be smart to protect the equipment.

But nothing prevents a fire sprinkler system from discharging on the electrical equipment even where 110.26(E) applies.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

But nothing prevents a fire sprinkler system from discharging on the electrical equipment even where 110.26(E) applies.

Yep but if that happens you properly have bigger problems.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Yep but if that happens you properly have bigger problems.

Yes, like I said about the UPS ...if the electrical equipment activates the fire suppression system, the electrical equipment is already junk and the water will prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the building.