VHA PROGRAM GUIDE PG -18-3
March 2004
TOPIC 8. ELECTRICAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS CLOSETS AND
COMPUTER ROOMS
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR NEW BUILDINGS
a. Provide at least two means of egress from switchgear rooms, transformer
vaults, generator rooms, and rooms over 1800 mm (6 feet) wide containing
equipment rated over 1200 amperes. Provide egress to the exterior on
grade or into a corridor. Egress by means of a ladder in an areaway is
prohibited.
b. Provide paddle operated door hardware on all doors leading from
switchgear rooms, transformer vaults and generator rooms with door swing
in the direction of exit travel.
c. Provide standard hardware on doors of electrical and telecommunications
closets. Doors must swing out.
d. Stack all electrical and telecommunications closets vertically, except
for electrical closets in VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) as
indicated in paragraph 3d.
e. Refer to the HVAC Design Manual for necessary mechanical ventilation or
mechanical cooling system to maintain indoor temperatures as required
for proper operation of the equipment for all electrical and
telecommunications closets, elevator machine rooms, emergency generator
rooms, fire alarm equipment rooms and computer rooms.
2. SWITCHGEAR ROOMS AND TRANSFORMER VAULTS IN NEW BUILDINGS
a. Locate switchgear rooms and transformer vaults as close as practical to
the utility service entrance side of the building. Locate these areas on
or above grade, but not in pipe basements.
b. For switchgear rooms and the vaults, provide one wall with double swing
doors to the exterior, on grade with access to a service road. Establish
the required size of switchgear rooms and transformer vaults after the
electrical loads and equipment layouts have been determined. For high
and low voltage switchgear, allow a minimum clearance of 4200 mm (4 ft.)
on both ends and rear, and 1800 mm (6 ft.) in front, from any wall,
column or other equipment.
3. ELECTRICAL CLOSETS IN NEW AND MAJOR ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
a. Except for the VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS) concept, provide one
centrally located electrical closet for each wing length of 45 000 mm
(150 ft.) or less. When the wing length exceeds 45 000 mm (150 ft.),
provide a minimum of two electrical closets. Where feasible, centrally
locate electrical closets in the area to be served. The minimum size of
electrical closets containing step-down transformers should be 2400 mm
(8 ft.) by 3000 mm (10 ft.). Size closets that do not contain
transformers per the number of panels installed with space allotted for
a future normal panel and a future emergency panel. Walk-in closets
should be a minimum 2100 mm (7 ft.) wide.
b. Where only one or two panels are to be installed in an area, shallow
closets may be permitted. The depth of the closet should be 600 mm (2
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