Y splitter in data center

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rururudy

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I lease space at a data center and have a UL-rated twist-lock Y-splitter on a 20 amp circuit routing electricity into two PDU's in a data center. Why? Because my customer requires two power strips (both running at no more than 8 amps each).

The building landlord told me it was a fire hazard, and I had to remove the Y-splitter as it violated the NEC. Their claim is that Y-SPlitters "are defined under the national electric code as "temporary power". Temporary power is only authorized for a period of time long enough to provision the space with the necessary permanent power."

Is this true?
Y.jpg

http://www.monkeybrains.net/~rudy/images/Y.jpg

Another note, the company, GNi, does not seem interested in running another circuit for us due to cooling concerns and their building limit of restricting power to 65W/square foot. (we currently have 8 20 amp circuits all at 80% in 6 telco racks).

Thanks for answers,
Rudy
 
We had an entire thread on this subject recently (cue George running off to find the thread). Y-splitters are a common method of providing power to rack mounted servers.

However, I've never seen them used in the manner described. Typically in a server installation a rack mounted PDU is supplied from premises wiring and the Y-cables (which may have more than 2 female ends) are run from the PDU to the servers.
 
I read you other post, Tallgirl, and in fact was wondering what to do with the small gauge splitters your talked about. I thought about it and I had installed it the same way noted in your diagram. Phew!
 
rururudy said:
The building landlord told me it was a fire hazard, and I had to remove the Y-splitter as it violated the NEC. Their claim is that Y-SPlitters "are defined under the national electric code as "temporary power". Temporary power is only authorized for a period of time long enough to provision the space with the necessary permanent power."
Click to expand...

These are the same people that prohibit power strips because of "fire codes". AFAIC, it's a listed product used in a manner consistent with that listing. Unless the landlord can come with either a citation or a notice of violation from an AHJ, I'd leave it.

Just for fun, you might want to read section the temp power sections (525/527?, the book's at home).

Of course, YMMV.
 
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