HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-Location of EPSS equipment
Location ofEPSS equipment
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Noe, Brian
From: Sargent, Jeffrey Usargent@NFPA.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 09,200610:46 AM
To: Noe, Brian
Cc: David Stymiest; Henderson, Carol
Subject: RE: Location of EPSS equipment
To: Brian Noe
From: Jeffrey Sargent, NFPA Senior Electrical Specialist
Date: 11/9/2006
Section 7.2.3 does not prohibit the installation of the EPS (emergency generator in your case) in a basement provided an
assessment of potential flooding conditions has been made and it is determined that the potential for flooding conditions that would
impair the operation of the EPS is extremely remote or flood mitigation measures (drains or other means) have been provided.
Flooding not only may be a result of natural causes or disaster, it may also be caused as a result of fire-fighting operations or
sprinkler system activation. Not all basements are subject to water accumulation, for instance those that are at grade level at some
point around the perimeter and the area is well-drained and not subject to natural flooding.
This correspondence is not a Formal Interpretation issued pursuant to NFPA Regulations. Any
opinion expressed is the personal opinion of the author, and does not necessarily represent the
official position of the NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition, this correspondence is
neither intended, nor should be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services.
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From: Noe, Brian [mailto:bnoe@ci.oshkosh.wi.us]
Sent: Wednesday, November 08,200611:04 AM
To: Sargent, Jeffrey
Subject: Location of EPSS equipment
Brian Noe
Building Systems Consultant
City of Oshkosh
Membership # 148987
P.O. Box 1130
Oshkosh, VVI 54903
bnoe@ci.oshkosh.wi.us
In NFPA 110 section 7.2.3 it states that the room housing Level 1 or Level 2 EPSS equipment shall be designed and located to
minimize damage from flooding, .......
It would appear to me that this section would require the EPSS equipment to be located above grade, so in the event of a sewer
back-up, or other flood event the emergency system could still function. This appears to be further reinforced by the appendix, where
it states" For natural conditions, EPSS design should consider the 100 year storm flooding level.
11/9/2006
Locfltion o,.f EPSS equipment
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That being said, is it acceptable to locate EPSS equipment in a basement below grade? Any additional insight you can provide on
this issue will be helpful.
Thanks for your help.
11/9/2006