Install in Server room and ac unit

[martinh89]

Evening guy, just wondering if I could get a bit of clarity......
I've been asked to to install some sockets into a new server room and spur off to feed a wall mounted aircon unit.

My thoughts for this would be to install a new circuit and keep it separate from anything else to avoid unwanted tripping.
My question is a 2 parter
1, would you bother spurring off for the ac unit or add another circuit too
2, being a server room and the sockets won't be used for anything else, would an rcd protected circuit be necessary.... Also I've read there is earth leakage with server stacks bit not sure if this is true.

Cheers

 

[Octopus]

Why would you put the air con on an rcbo.

cable installation methods?

 

[Strima]

I would omit RCD protection for the sockets as it can be argued they're for specific use and nuisance tripping would have a negative commercial impact, no access to general public etc.

As for the cable run, as you're using conduit for the final drops would it make sense to do the whole run in conduit and use singles? You could then get away with one containment run for both circuits.

If the AC unit doesn't connect using a plug top then I wouldn't bother with RCD protection unless the manufacturer calls for it.

 

[Pete999]

I would omit RCD protection for the sockets as it can be argued they're for specific use and nuisance tripping would have a negative commercial impact, no access to general public etc.

As for the cable run, as you're using conduit for the final drops would it make sense to do the whole run in conduit and use singles? You could then get away with one containment run for both circuits.

If the AC unit doesn't connect using a plug top then I wouldn't bother with RCD protection unless the manufacturer calls for it.

The A/C Compressor side of the system will be outside, the supply and control wiring to the Evaporator unit will come from the outside unit usually in the form of a single phase supply for the Fan plus controls, isolation wilbe at the outside unit, which as well as isolating the outside unit, will isolate the Evap as well. No need in my mind for any other protection other than a suitably sized OCPD and of course a lockable IP rated isolator. And in many cases a condensate pump and pipework to the outside, will be integral to the Evap unit.

 

[martinh89]

Does the server room have a false floor and when the aircon unit is installed will there be anything in place to monitor the unit for water leakages?

No there's no false floor, the servers will be at one side of the room and the ac unit will be on the other side. Nobody works within or near the room, it's a locked room. It's only purpose is for the server. As for leaks I'd imagine the caretaker of the building will do some inspection whilst cleaning?

 

[martinh89]

I would omit RCD protection for the sockets as it can be argued they're for specific use and nuisance tripping would have a negative commercial impact, no access to general public etc.

As for the cable run, as you're using conduit for the final drops would it make sense to do the whole run in conduit and use singles? You could then get away with one containment run for both circuits.

If the AC unit doesn't connect using a plug top then I wouldn't bother with RCD protection unless the manufacturer calls for it.

Doing the entire run in singles in conduit wouldn't be the best option, there's cable baskets above the ceiling, so I'm going to utilise them.

 

[Pete999]

No there's no false floor, the servers will be at one side of the room and the ac unit will be on the other side. Nobody works within or near the room, it's a locked room. It's only purpose is for the server. As for leaks I'd imagine the caretaker of the building will do some inspection whilst cleaning?

I'm assuming the A/C installation, is the split type system whereby there will be inner and outer units.
The only water that is likely to be present will be in the form of condensate, produced by the cooling and de-humidification produced from the Evap unit within the server room, which in all honesty won't be very much, a condensate pump and well installed pipework will cut the rish to almost nil, regular maintenance and temperature checks will suffice imo. Before anyone comments on my extensive knowledge of A/C work, I did a 2 week course, so as well as being an Electrician, I'm a Refrigeration and A/C Mech as well, got the certificates to prove it as well, although I'm not relly confident on installing A/C as a living.

 

[Midwest]

Surely the socket out lets will be under the control of a trained person, and as long as there is a RA there will be no need for RCD protection, or has that scenario been by passed.

I haven't made any comment on RCD protection, just the implementation date of the 18th?

 

[Midwest]

Before anyone comments on my extensive knowledge of A/C work, I did a 2 week course, so as well as being an Electrician, I'm a Refrigeration and A/C Mech as well, got the certificates to prove it as well, although I'm not relly confident on installing A/C as a living.

Does that make you a 2ww, A/C wise

 

[Pete999]

Does that make you a 2ww, A/C wise

PRrobably, but I don't profess to be a qualified A/C Engineer far from it far to complicated for me to say that, but my firm paid for the training, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth, neither am I an expert just have limited knowledge, enought to make an educated guess. So am I an HVAC tech? not in a million years, need to do an Apprenticeship for that to happen, Electrical Trainee take note.

 

[Midwest]

PRrobably, but I don't profess to be a qualified A/C Engineer far from it far to complicated for me to say that, but my firm paid for the training, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth, neither am I an expert just have limited knowledge, enought to make an educated guess. So am I an HVAC tech? not in a million years, need to do an Apprenticeship for that to happen, Electrical Trainee take note.

I was only making the analogy to the often discredited Electrical Trainee. You've done the two week course, given you enough or some knowledge, to offer your advice here on the subject.

It was given in jest, but do you not see the irony of it?

 

[Pete999]

I was only making the analogy to the often discredited Electrical Trainee. You've done the two week course, given you enough or some knowledge, to offer your advice here on the subject.

It was given in jest, but do you not see the irony of it?

Irony seems to have past me by lately, no offence meant.