DESIGN ALERT ON MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
IN INTERSTITIAL SPAC E
ISSUE:
Is mechanical equipment with small motors located in the interstitial space hazardous?
BACKGROUND:
Some Resident Engineers believe, it is hazardous to locate electrical motors in the
interstitial space as this space is not sprinklered. Consequently, they have issued some
change orders to relocate the fans to an adjacent mechanical room.
DISCUSSION:
This issue was discussed with Ken Faulstich (138) during recent review of New
Hospital at Brevard County, FL. The A/E for this hospital is considering use of 4-pipe fan
coil units for the perimeter zone as one of the schemes for life cycle cost analysis
purposes of three different systems. The fan coil units would be located in the interstitial
space. Ken believes, it's o.k. to locate fan coil units in the interstitial space due to its
large volume and heat sink. Ken, also believes, that anything that could be located
above a suspended ceiling (an unsprinklered space) would be o.k. to locate in the
interstitial space including motors, unless the motors are really big.
RECOMMENDATIONS/CONCLUSION:
1. It's o.k. to locate small fractional HP motors in the interstitial space.
2. The HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals would clarify this issue.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFOR MATION:
Contact Satish Sehgal at 202.565.5032 in the Standards Service (187C).
3 May 1995
FM-187C-DA33
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