An information technology (IT) data center is defined as a physical location that consists of computing and networking components such as servers, routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as supporting facilities such as backup equipment, fire suppression systems, and air conditioning. A data center can be a dedicated simple building or complex of buildings, or simply a room housing several servers. Data center should support by reliable electrical system. This articel would discuss brief about electrical arc flash hazard study and assessment in information technology (IT) data center facility. —Omazaki Consulant is a consultant provides It data center comprehensive new or renew arc flash safety hazard analysis or risk study and assessment consulting services for information technology (IT) data center electrical infrastructure. Contact us by sending an email to cs@omazaki.co.id or by filling in the form in contact.
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Electrical Hazards in IT Data Center Infrastructure
Electrical hazards in data center infrastructure are no different than electrical hazards in industry.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Section 1910 CFR 29, electrical hazards can be categorized as follows:
- B = Burn
- E = Electrocution
- S = Shock
- A = Arc flash
- F = Fire
- E = Explosion in hazardous area
The acronym for those electrical hazard is BE SAFE.
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Arc Flash Event in Electrical Installation of Data Center
As has been described in other article, electrical arc flash definition is he sudden release of unexpected heat and light energy produced by electricity passing through the air like a lightning. Electrical arc flash is also a phenomenon that is usually caused by accidental connection between live conductors, or between live conductors and the ground.
The key word in an arc flash study or assessment is the potential for incident energy. This incident energy (IE) is an indicator of the danger and impact of an arc flash on a device.
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Arc Flash Assessment or Study in IT Data Center
Main Purpose of An Arc Flash Study or Assessment
- Arc flash study is conducted on a new system or facility or an existing facility that is being modified.
- The ultimate goal of an arc flash study is to obtain an electrical installation where no device has an incident energy level (an indicator of arc flash hazard) exceeding a certain predetermined level. For example, industrial and commercial systems generally target a maximum of level 2.
- Arc flash assessment is conducted on an existing system, with the goal of assessing the incident energy levels of existing devices. Based on NFPA 70E, arc flash assessments must be carried out every 5 (five) years.
Targeted Objects
According to NFPA 70E, any equipment operating above 50A alternating voltage shall be assessed in term of shock and arc flash hazards.
Procedure
- Updating electrical single-line diagram
- Software-based incident energy analysis
- System modelling
- Short-circuit analysis
- Protection relay coordination analysis
- Arc flash analysis
Pragmatical Outcome
- Recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)
- In-placed arc flash warning label
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Reference
- NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
- IEEE 1584 – IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations
- Book of Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards by EasyPower
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Contact Omazaki Consultant if you are looking for new and renewal electrical arc flash safety analysis study and assessment consultant service for information technology (IT) data center in Indonesia and South East Asia, both existing and planning systems.
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