Technical Requirements -
Computer Room
General Description
VBA computer rooms shall be constructed in accordance with NFPA 75, "Electronic
Computer/Data Processing Equipment", The BOCA National Building Code and
the VA Fire Protection Design Manual. This guideline describes the VBA minimum
performance specifications for a typical Regional Office computer room.
Building Construction
On new construction and when otherwise possible it is highly recommended that the
building have lightning protection including service entrance protection and
protection for HVAC and other rooftop equipment in addition to a general rooftop
protection grid which is properly grounded. Only utilities specifically required for the
computer room should pass through the area. Other than sprinkler system piping,
no other plumbing should be installed in the computer room ceiling.
Location
The preferred location for a VBA computer room is on the first floor, interior of the
building, away from any exterior windows. The location satisfies several objectives
of the VBA:
1. Provides physical security of equipment and media.
2. Avoids increasing floor load requirement for location above the ground floor. 3.
Reduces adverse effects of direct sunlight, radiant heating and lightening strikes.
4. Minimizes cable runs to client PC's, printers and terminals in office areas as well
as telecommunications lines. 5. Minimizes wiring run from power source. 6.
Lowers construction cost: it is cost effective to pour a depressed slab (18" below
finished floor) for the computer room to eliminate the wasted space from ramps,
entryways and steps.
Size
The nominal size of a regional office computer room is 1,000-1,200 sq. ft. that can
be used for estimating purposes. Square footage requirements must be
determined on a case by case basis taking into account equipment footprint, space
to configure and test new systems, ramps, doors and aisle ways, UPS, batteries
and associated power distribution units (PDU), maintenance access to equipment,
ceiling and subfloor and furnishings. Typically smaller computer rooms are in
existing buildings with space constraints, have no Sequent equipment, may not
contain the UPS and ramps are external in the corridors.
VBA Design Guide
Page 4-1
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