VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION
VA REGIONAL OFFICE TECHNICAL CRITERIA
ELECTRICAL
Electrical and Telephone/Data Closets
Separate electrical and telephone/data closets should be provided, with clearances in accordance
with the requirements of the NEC and EIA/TIA. In buildings having multiple floors, these closets
should be stacked. Electrical and telephone/data closets and the computer room should be located
adjacent to one another allowing them to share an Uninterruptible Power System (UPS).
Public Utility Requirements
Contact servicing agencies and comply with their requirements for electric and telephone services.
Make necessary submittals to utility companies for approval of equipment to be installed.
Seismic Restraints
Requirements shall be as specified by local codes and ordinances. Work shall comply with detailed
provisions made by local authorities having plan check and inspection jurisdiction.
Electrical System Characteristics
Contact the local electric utility company for the type and availability of service. Three phase,
480/277 volt or 208/120 volt secondary systems are acceptable. A utility owned, pad mounted
transformer is preferred for these services. High intensity discharge (exterior use only) and
fluorescent lighting shall be at 277 or 120 volts. Motors half horsepower and above shall be at 480
or 208 volts, three-phase. Motors less than half horsepower shall be at 120 volts, single phase.
Incandescent lighting and receptacles shall be at 120 volts by 120/208 volts dry-type transformers, if
service is 480/277 volts. Meters shall be provided on main and feeder devices to monitor demand,
energy voltage and amperage. Busways shall be provided where flexibility is needed to add
distribution equipment in the future.
UPS/PDU
A UPS and its associated Power Distribution Unit (PDU) are essential equipment in the computer
room. When locating these systems, consider adjacent support systems. The UPS should be sized
based on the equipment requirements of the VARO and future anticipated growth. The attached
load should not be less than 30 percent of the UPS capacity and not more than 70 percent capacity
for the initial sizing. In general, a 50 to 70 percent load should be the goal for sizing the UPS.
Battery systems should be sized to allow for 20 minutes or more of battery backup at full rated
output. For more detailed information, refer to the VBA Computer Room Design Guidelines at
http://vbahinesweb.vba.va.gov/engconse.htm.
ELECTRICAL
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