VHA PROGRAM GUIDE PG-18-3
April 2001
TOPIC 10. COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1. GENERAL. Size the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center Central Computer
Room to include the following:
a.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Equip each computer providing
centralized support to medical center users with a UPS capability to provide ongoing power to the
computer in the event of a power outage. Typically, each individual computer will have a dedicated
UPS, although UPS devices with the capacity to support multiple computers will sometimes be used.
The UPS should be able to supply power to the computer(s) from its batteries until the medical center
emergency generator activates. The generator should serve the UPS from the Equipment System
Transfer Switch and should provide sufficient power to operate all centralized computers and to
recharge UPS batteries associated with these computers. The automatic transfer from UPS to
generator should occur within five minutes.
b. Power Distribution. A minimum 225A, 3-phase, 4-wire, 208/120 volt distribution panel with an
isolated ground bus. Base the final power determinations on equipment estimates provided by the
Medical Center in conjunction with the Chief Information Office (19).
c. Floor System. Provide a grid type computer access floor system in the computer room. For
computer rooms 112 m2 (1,200 sq. ft.) and smaller, depress the floor slab a minimum of 300 mm (12
in.) or provide an access floor system 300 mm (12 in.) above the finished floor level with ramp access
at a maximum 1:12 slope. For rooms with areas larger than 112 m2 (200 sq. ft.), depress the floor slab
a minimum of 450 mm (18 in.) or provide an access floor system 450 mm (18 in.) above the finished
floor level with ramp access at a maximum 1:12 slope. An access floor system constructed in existing
buildings should provide a minimum of 300 mm (12 in.) clear space.
d. Communications Wiring. Include all communications wiring with telephone installation. Install
ADP/data in the same faceplate as the telephone outlet. The VAMC will make the connector
determinations. Include the connector determinations in the telephone installation specifications.
e. Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system
(1) Base air conditioning load on room requirements and actual values of ADP equipment to be
installed. The VAMC should verify the actual values.
(2) Base air conditioning requirements for power conditioning unit or UPS equipment on total
equipment heat loss values.
(3) Where possible, install UPS equipment in a separate room adjacent to the computer room.
Install a separate air conditioning unit in the UPS room.
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