Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT …...ELT-AAA Wayne J. Aho Principal...

Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT-AAA)

MEMORANDUM

DATE: March 24, 2014 TO: Principal and Alternate Members of the Technical Committee on Electronic

Computer Systems (ELT-AAA) FROM: Jon Hart, Fire Protection Engineer/NFPA Staff Liaison SUBJECT: AGENDA PACKAGE– NFPA 75 First Draft Meeting (F2015) ________________________________________________________________________

Enclosed is the agenda for the NFPA 75 First Draft meeting of the Technical Committee on

Electronic Computer Systems, which will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 through

Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the Holiday Inn – Inner Harbor Baltimore, in Baltimore, MD.

Please review the attached public input in advance, and if you have alternate suggestions, please

come prepared with proposed language and respective substantiation.

If you have any questions prior to the meeting, please do not hesitate to contact me at:

Office: (617) 984-7470 Email: [email protected]

For administrative questions, please contact Elena Carroll at (617) 984-7952.

I look forward to working with everyone.


NFPA 75 First Draft Meeting (Fall 2015) Tuesday, April 22, 2014 through Thursday, April 24, 2014

Holiday Inn – Inner Harbor Baltimore 301 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

AGENDA

Tuesday (AM), April 22, 2014 – Joint NFPA 75 + 76 Meeting

1. Call to Order – 8:00 am

2. Opening remarks from Steve Dryden and Ralph Transue

3. Presentation of preliminary findings from Hughes Associates on the Fire Protection Research Foundation project: Validation of Modeling Tools for Detection in High Air Flow Environments

4. Open Discussion

5. Technical Committees will adjourn for lunch and then meet separately in the afternoon

Tuesday (PM), April 22 through Thursday, April 24, 2014

1. Call to Order of NFPA 75 First Draft Meeting

2. Chairman Comments

3. Introductions and Attendance

4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

5. Staff Liaison Presentation

6. Report of assigned task groups.




7. Preparation of the First Draft

Review Public Inputs

Create First Revisions

8. New Business

9. Adjournment

10. (Time permitting) Electrical task group meeting will be held to review correlation between NFPA 75 and Article 645 of NFPA 70 to determine if any proposals for amendments to NFPA 70 are appropriate.

Please submit requests for additional agenda items to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting. Please notify the chair and staff liaison as soon as possible if you plan to introduce any second revisions at the meeting. Key Dates for the Annual 2014 Revision Cycle

Public Input Closing Date January 3, 2014 Final Date for First Draft Meeting June 13, 2014

Posting of First Draft and Ballot August 1, 2014

Final First Draft Posted September 5, 2014 Public Comment Closing Date November 14, 2014Final Date for Second Draft Meeting May 1, 2015 Posting of Second Draft and Ballot June 12, 2015 Final Second Draft Posted July 17, 2015 NITMAM Closing Date August 21, 2015 Issuance of Document with No NITMAM November 10, 2015NFPA Annual Meeting (Las Vegas) June 2014 Issuance of Document with NITMAM August 12-14, 2014

Technical Committee deadlines are in bold.




Note from the Staff Liaison Dear Technical Committee Members: We are very pleased that you will be participating in the processing of the 2016 Edition of NFPA 75, Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment. Development of this document would not be possible without the participation of volunteers like you. Meeting Preparation Committee members should review the published Public Inputs prior to the meeting and to be prepared to act on each item. Handout materials should be submitted to the chair and staff liaison at least seven days prior to the meeting. Only one posting of the Public Input will be made; it will be arranged in section/order and will be pre-numbered. This will be posted to the NFPA 75 Document Information page (www.nfpa.org/75) under the “Next Edition” tab. If you have trouble accessing the website please contact Elena Carroll at [email protected].

Mandatory Materials: Last edition of the standard Meeting agenda Public Input Committee Officers' Guide (Chairs) Roberts’ Rules of Order (Chairs; An abbreviated version may be found in the

Committee Officer’s Guide) Optional Materials:

NFPA Annual Directory NFPA Manual of Style




Regulations and Guiding Documents All committee members are expected to behave in accordance with the Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process. All actions during and following the committee meetings will be governed in accordance with the NFPA Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in challenges to the standards-making process. A successful challenge on procedural grounds could prevent or delay publication of the document. The style of the document must comply with the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents.




General Procedures for Meetings

Use of tape recorders or other means capable of producing verbatim transcriptions of any NFPA Committee Meeting is not permitted.

Attendance at all NFPA Committee Meetings is open. All guests must sign in and identify their affiliation.

Participation in NFPA Committee Meetings is generally limited to committee members and NFPA staff. Participation by guests is limited to individuals, who have received prior approval from the chair to address the committee on a particular item, or who wish to speak regarding public proposals or comments that they submitted.

The chairman reserves the right to limit the amount of time available for any presentation.

No interviews will be allowed in the meeting room at any time, including breaks.

All attendees are reminded that formal votes of committee members will be secured by letter ballot. Voting at this meeting is used to establish a sense of agreement, but only the results of the formal letter ballot will determine the official action of the committee.

Note to Special Experts: Particular attention is called to Section 3.3(e) of the NFPA Guide for the Conduct of Participants in the NFPA Codes and Standards Development Process in the NFPA Directory. This section requires committee members to declare any interest they may represent, other than their official designation as shown on the committee roster. This typically occurs when a special expert is retained by and represents another interest category on a particular subject. If such a situation exists on a specific issue or issues, the committee member shall declare those interests to the committee and refrain from voting on any action relating to those issues.

Smoking is not permitted at NFPA Committee Meetings.

Technical Committee Roster

Address List No PhoneElectronic Computer Systems ELT-AAA

Jonathan Hart03/21/2014

ELT-AAA

Ralph E. Transue

ChairThe RJA Group, Inc.Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.600 West Fulton Street, Suite 500Chicago, IL 60661-1241Alternate: Thomas L. Allen

SE 8/5/2009ELT-AAA

Scott R. Lang

SecretaryHoneywell InternationalSystem Sensor Division3825 Ohio AvenueSt. Charles, IL 60174Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Alternate: Max McLeod

M 10/20/2010

ELT-AAA

Mark J. Aaby

PrincipalKoffel Associates, Inc.8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21045-2107Alternate: William E. Koffel

SE 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

Wayne J. Aho

PrincipalXtralis, Inc.700 Longwater Drive, Suite 100Norwell, MA 02061

M 10/27/2009

ELT-AAA

Alastair R. Brown

PrincipalRushbrook Consultants, Ltd.216 West George StreetGlasgow, G2 2PQ Scotland

SE 7/12/2001ELT-AAA

Thomas M. Burke

PrincipalUL LLC455 East Trimble RoadSan Jose, CA 95131-1230Alternate: Kerry M. Bell

RT 1/1/1991

ELT-AAA

Peter M. Campos

PrincipalReliable Fire Equipment Company12845 South Cicero AvenueAlsip, IL 60803National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors

IM 03/05/2012ELT-AAA

Timothy Carman

PrincipalTyco Fire Suppression & Building ProductsOne Stanton StreetMarinette, WI 54143Alternate: Gary Girouard

M 4/14/2005

ELT-AAA

Vincent A. Crowder

PrincipalFireman’s Fund Insurance Company11475 Great Oaks WayRoyal Centre Three, Suite 200Alpharetta, GA 30022Alternate: Robert V. Scholes

I 3/4/2008ELT-AAA

Thomas G. Deegan

PrincipalThe Viking Group, Inc.3033 Orchard Vista SE, Suite 308Grand Rapids, MI 49546National Fire Sprinkler AssociationAlternate: James Archer

M 7/12/2001

ELT-AAA

Jeffry T. Dudley

PrincipalNational Aeronautics & Space Administration503 Glenbrook CircleRockledge, FL 32955

U 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

Ronald A. Durgin

PrincipalMohave County Development Services3250 East Kino AvenuePO Box 7000Kingman, AZ 86402-7000

E 07/29/2013

ELT-AAA

Edward S. Goldhammer

PrincipalQualcomm5775 Morehouse DriveSan Diego, CA 92121-1714

U 03/03/2014ELT-AAA

Lee A. Kaiser

PrincipalOrr Protection Systems, Inc.11601 Interchange DriveLouisville, KY 40229

IM 8/9/2011

1



ELT-AAA

Stanley Kaufman

PrincipalCableSafe, Inc./OFSPO Box 500082Atlanta, GA 31150-0082Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.

M 7/23/2008ELT-AAA

Stephen McCluer

PrincipalAPC by Schneider Electric3903 Walden WayDallas, TX 75287-4918Alternate: Vince Hawxhurst

U 10/23/2003

ELT-AAA

Tina R. Nelissen

PrincipalAmerex CorporationPO Box 17908Anaheim, CA 92817Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationAlternate: Derek P. Wester

M 08/09/2012ELT-AAA

Michael Paras

PrincipalEnvironmental Systems Design, Inc.175 West Jackson Blvd., Suite 1400Chicago, IL 60604

SE 08/09/2012

ELT-AAA

Keith J. Polasko

PrincipalUS National Security Agency9800 Savage Road, ATTN: M445/SAB1Fort Meade, MD 20755-6000

E 1/1/1993ELT-AAA

Jack Poole

PrincipalPoole Fire Protection, Inc.19910 West 161st StreetOlathe, KS 66062-2700

SE 03/05/2012

ELT-AAA

Bryan K. Powell

PrincipalXL Global Asset Protection Services10112 Lindsay Meadow DriveMechanicsville, VA 23116Alternate: Steven M. Guthrie

I 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

Brian P. Rawson

PrincipalInternational Business Machines (IBM)61 Wellingwood DriveEast Amherst, NY 14051-1744

U 7/24/1997

ELT-AAA

Mark L. Robin

PrincipalDuPont Fluoroproducts107 Saint Andrews CourtMiddletown, DE 19709Fire Suppression Systems AssociationAlternate: Robert J. Ballard

U 03/05/2012ELT-AAA

Patrick S. Saba

PrincipalHewlett Packard Company1707 Ritchie HighwayAnnapolis, MD 21409

U 10/18/2011

ELT-AAA

Joseph A. Spataro

PrincipalLiberty Mutual Commercial Markets135 Dalton DriveBuffalo, NY 14223Alternate: William T. Schwartz

I 10/1/1993ELT-AAA

Mark Suski

PrincipalAon Fire Protection Engineering Corporation4 Overlook PointLincolnshire, IL 60069

I 10/27/2009

ELT-AAA

Randy Willard

PrincipalUS Central Intelligence Agency3960 Point of Rocks RoadJefferson, MD 21755Alternate: Stacie K. Tunnessen

U 4/16/1999ELT-AAA

Thomas J. Wysocki

PrincipalGuardian Services, Inc.111 Luther LaneFrankfort, IL 60423

SE 1/1/1988

2



ELT-AAA

David Zolotar

PrincipalOracle America, Inc.Product Safety Engineering500 Eldorado BoulevardMail Stop UBRM05-223Broomfield, CO 80021Information Technology Industry Council

M 4/4/1997ELT-AAA

Robert Kasiski

Voting AlternateFM Global1151 Boston Providence TurnpikePO Box 9102Norwood, MA 02062-9102Voting Alt to FM Rep.

I 8/9/2011

ELT-AAA

Thomas L. Allen

AlternateThe RJA GroupRolf Jensen & Associates, Inc.14502 Greenview Drive, Suite 500Laurel, MD 20708Principal: Ralph E. Transue

SE 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

James Archer

AlternateNational Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc.42 Blueberry LaneStormville, NY 12582National Fire Sprinkler AssociationPrincipal: Thomas G. Deegan

M 03/05/2012

ELT-AAA

Robert J. Ballard

AlternateVictaulic Company of AmericaPO Box 31Easton, PA 18044Fire Suppression Systems AssociationPrincipal: Mark L. Robin

M 03/05/2012ELT-AAA

Kerry M. Bell

AlternateUL LLC333 Pfingsten RoadNorthbrook, IL 60062-2096Principal: Thomas M. Burke

RT 4/1/1993

ELT-AAA

Gary Girouard

AlternateTyco/SimplexGrinnell50 Technology DriveWestminster, MA 01441Principal: Timothy Carman

M 10/4/2007ELT-AAA

Steven M. Guthrie

AlternateXL Global Asset Protection Services1328 Airport RoadCoatesville, PA 19320Principal: Bryan K. Powell

I 10/29/2012

ELT-AAA

Vince Hawxhurst

AlternateAPC Corporation85 Rangeway RoadNorth Billerica, MA 01862Principal: Stephen McCluer

U 10/29/2012ELT-AAA

William E. Koffel

AlternateKoffel Associates, Inc.8815 Centre Park Drive, Suite 200Columbia, MD 21045-2107Principal: Mark J. Aaby

SE 08/09/2012

ELT-AAA

Max McLeod

AlternateSiemens Industry, Inc.285-A Cahaba Valley Parkway NorthPelham, AL 35124Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc.Principal: Scott R. Lang

M 10/20/2010ELT-AAA

Robert V. Scholes

AlternateFireman's Fund Insurance Company16200 Pacific Highway, Unit 26Lake Oswego, OR 97034Principal: Vincent A. Crowder

I 9/30/2004

3



ELT-AAA

William T. Schwartz

AlternateLiberty Mutual Commercial Markets200 Galleria Parkway SE, Suite 550Atlanta, GA 30339Principal: Joseph A. Spataro

I 10/28/2008ELT-AAA

Stacie K. Tunnessen

AlternateUS Central Intelligence AgencyNHB 5X62Washington, DC 20505Principal: Randy Willard

U 08/09/2012

ELT-AAA

Derek P. Wester

AlternateAmerex Corporation7595 Gadsden HighwayPO Box 81Trussville, AL 35173-0081Fire Equipment Manufacturers' AssociationPrincipal: Tina R. Nelissen

M 10/29/2012ELT-AAA

Edward D. Leedy

Member Emeritus2033 Butterfly Lane, CC304Naperville, IL 60563

SE 1/1/1978

ELT-AAA

Donald E. Reilly

Member Emeritus36 Delafield AvenueStaten Island, NY 10301

I 1/1/1984ELT-AAA

Jonathan Hart

Staff LiaisonNational Fire Protection Association1 Batterymarch ParkQuincy, MA 02169-7471

2/25/2011

4

Technical Committee

Distribution

03/21/2014

Electronic Computer SystemsELT-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Ronald A. Durgin Mohave County DevelopmentServices

E Principal

Keith J. Polasko US National Security Agency E Principal

2Voting Number Percent 7%

Vincent A. Crowder Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company I Principal

Bryan K. Powell XL Global Asset Protection Services XLGAPS I Principal

Joseph A. Spataro Liberty Mutual Commercial Markets I Principal

Mark Suski Aon Fire Protection EngineeringCorporation

AON I Principal

Robert Kasiski FM Global FM I Voting Alternate


Peter M. Campos Reliable Fire Equipment Company NAFED IM Principal

Lee A. Kaiser Orr Protection Systems, Inc. IM Principal


Scott R. Lang Honeywell International AFAA M Secretary

Wayne J. Aho Xtralis, Inc. M Principal

Timothy Carman Tyco Fire Suppression & BuildingProducts

TYCO M Principal

Thomas G. Deegan The Viking Group, Inc. NFSA M Principal

Stanley Kaufman CableSafe, Inc./OFS SPI M Principal

Tina R. Nelissen Amerex Corporation FEMA M Principal

David Zolotar Oracle America, Inc. ITIC M Principal


Thomas M. Burke UL LLC UL RT Principal


Ralph E. Transue The RJA Group, Inc. RJA SE Chair

Mark J. Aaby Koffel Associates, Inc. SE Principal

Alastair R. Brown Rushbrook Consultants, Ltd. SE Principal

Friday 3 21, Friday

Electronic Computer SystemsELT-AAAName Representation Class Office

Distribution by %

Company

Michael Paras Environmental Systems Design, Inc. SE Principal

Jack Poole Poole Fire Protection, Inc. SE Principal

Thomas J. Wysocki Guardian Services, Inc. SE Principal


Jeffry T. Dudley National Aeronautics & SpaceAdministration

U Principal

Edward S. Goldhammer Qualcomm U Principal

Stephen McCluer APC by Schneider Electric U Principal

Brian P. Rawson International Business Machines(IBM)

U Principal

Mark L. Robin DuPont Fluoroproducts FSSA U Principal

Patrick S. Saba Hewlett Packard Company U Principal

Randy Willard US Central Intelligence Agency U Principal


30Total Voting Number

Previous Meeting Minutes

ROC MEETING MINUTES

NFPA 75 Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems

Thursday-Friday April 14-15, 2011 Doubletree Hotel, Dallas, TX

1. Call to Order

The meeting of the Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems at the Doubletree

Hotel in Dallas was called to order by Chair, Ralph Transue at 8:00 am on Thursday, April 14,

2011.

2. Introduction of Committee Members and Guests

Self introductions of members and guests were completed. Those present are indicated below:

Name Representing

Transue, Ralph-Chair The RJA Group, Inc.

Spataro, Joseph A.-Secretary Liberty Mutual Property

Carman, Timothy-Principal Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products

Crowder, Vincent-Principal Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

Deegan, Thomas-Principal The Viking Group, Inc.

Kaufman, Stanley-Principal CableSafe, Inc./OFS

Lang, Scott R.-Principal Honeywell International

Langer, Robert L.-Principal Amerex Corporation

Marts, Ronald-Principal Telcordia Technologies

McCluer, Stephen-Principal APC by Schneider Electric

Pikula, Robert M.-Principal Reliable Fire Equipment Company

Powell, Bryan K.-Principal XL Global Asset Protection Services

Puig, Richard-Alternate to B. Bischoff Fike Corporation

Quirk, David V.-Principal Verizon Wireless

Salwan, Sam P.-Principal Environmental Systems Design, Inc.

Schwartz, William T.-Alternate to J. Spataro Liberty Mutual Property

Suski, Mark-Principal Aon/Schirmer Engineering Corporation

Willard, Randy-Principal US Central Intelligence Agency

Wysocki, Thomas J.-Principal Guardian Services, Inc.

Zolotar, David-Principal Oracle America, Inc.

Bielen, Richard-NFPA Staff Liaison National Fire Protection Association

Hart, Jonathan R.-NFPA Staff Liaison National Fire Protection Association DeGiorgio, Vincent-Guest FM Global

Rivers, Paul-Guest 3M

Robin, Mark L.-Guest Dupont

Joseph, Steven-Guest

Tokarsky, E.-Guest Dupont

3. Announcements

NFPA Staff briefly reviewed the purpose of the meeting and NFPA’s procedures. Jonathan Hart was

introduced as the new Staff Liaison for the committee. Key dates were published in the

meeting notice as:

Dates for ROC Meeting April 11-13, 2011 Ballots Mailed to TC before May 20, 2011 ROC Published August 26, 2011 Intent to Make a Motion Closing (NITMAM) October 21, 2011 Issuance of Consent Document (No NITMAMs) December 13, 2011 NFPA Annual Meeting (Las Vegas) June 2012 Issuance of Document with NITMAM August 9, 2012

4. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the July 13-14, 2010 ROP Meeting held at Rolf Jensen & Associates

headquarters in Chicago, IL were approved without changes.

5. Task Group Reports

Ralph Transue reported on NFPA 75/76 convergence issues, and NFPA 75 correlation

issues related to language in article 645 of the National Electrical Code. Ralph reviewed the

evolution of Chapter 10 of NFPA 75 starting from requirements in NFPA 75 for power shutdown

with the NEC picking up the “How To” by creating Article 645, a permissive section in NFPA

70, and eventually NFPA 75 extracting pertinent paragraphs from NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 645

with citation. The NFPA 70 Code Making Panel 12 created a Task Group to re-examine the

requirements found in Article 645 soliciting input from NFPA 75.

Dave Quirk presented extensive work on a task group studying HVAC air containment

systems. This was supported by an animated PowerPoint presentation. HVAC airflow

containment products were researched during 20+ conference calls over 3 months. The

objective of air containment is to save energy and to maintain proper temperature conditions

at the inlet to the equipment. ASHRAE TC9.9 guidelines were referenced for control of air

flow, temperature, and humidity in both the hot aisle and the cold aisle using collar

containment systems. Air containment systems are not plenums; they are part of the

equipment. The task group worked on fire prevention, detection, suppression, and response.

Vinnie DeGiorgio gave a presentation on increased use of combustible plastics in data

centers. These are being used in cable ducts, and the partitions used in air containment

systems, resulting in an increased fuel load in equipment spaces. Server rack fire behavior

would be a good topic for research. What are the ignition source and the combustible load?

Fire spread, smoke generation, risk tolerance (redundant location) and the effects of out-

gassing caused by exposure of plastics to elevated temperatures over time could also be

examined.

6. Action on Comments

The committee acted upon the 29 public comments that were received and created 5 additional

committee comments. Refer to the F2011 Report on Comments (ROC) for the specific actions

taken on each.

7. Old Business

There was no old business.

8. New Business

After action had been taken on each of the public and committee comments, the committee

discussed many issues that may be more closely examined and researched prior to the next

revision cycle of NFPA 75. It was determined that it may be useful for members to act as liaisons

with other committees including Code Making Panel 12 of the NEC, and the ones responsible for

applicable sections of NFPA 2001, NFPA 13, NFPA 72, and others that may be related.

Task Groups may need to be formed to address the following topics:

a) Risk assessment with exemplars in Annex or create a performance based chapter similar

to NFPA 76.

b) Take a fresh look at correlation with the NEC Article 645.

c) Determine enhancements that could be made in requirements related to the development

and use of risk assessments including consideration of the SFPE method for performance-

based analysis and solutions. This would include review of under floor combustibles and

protection requirements.

Some of the topics which the committee feels may be useful to undergo further research include

the following:

a) Return air monitoring for smoke detection.

b) The effectiveness of automatic methods for removing obstructions (specifically those

created by aisle containment) prior to suppression system operation.

c) Equipment (fan) airflow direction effect on agent concentrations for suppression within

obstructed areas.

d) Smoke detection and related threshold for fire size (“large” facility), technology (detector

type), and fire products.

e) Maximum fire size to be expected in such facilities.

f) Relations to NFPA 2001.

g) Literature review to find pertinent statistics as to what starts a fire in IT equipment, what

the initial materials are and other feature that can help to provide a risk informed design

process.

h) Determining test criteria that includes a consideration of the increased use of plastics.

i) HVAC control/shut-down, how this can best be required and what effects this will have

in possible thermal overloads through unintended shutdowns.

9. Adjournment

The NFPA 75 ROC meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm.

Air Containment Task Group Report

NFPA75 ROC

NFPA76 ROC

April 2011

Dallas, Texas

2

NFPA 75 & 76 ROP ActionsJoint Task Group on Air Containment

Task Group Objectives

Task Group Participants and Efforts

Air Containment Systems 101Purpose of them

Industry drivers

Types and configurations

Topics CoveredPlenum Issue

Fire Resistance & Materials

Suppression

Detection

Other topics (detachable links, etc)

Overview

3

• Review FIRE PROTECTION risks, potential hazards,

the application, and general fire safety requirements

associated with HVAC airflow containment products and

strategies that are installed in Data Centers and

Telecommunications facilities. Perform a review of

existing published literature on the topic.

• Recommend necessary research to NFPA and FPRF to

uncover unknown or uncertain aspects related to the

above review.

• Develop proposals that provide a MINIMUM level of fire

protection in accordance with the scope of each

Standard, necessary to minimize risks associated with

fire and the associated loss of services and/or

information.

Task Group Objectives

Task Group Attendance

Participants Representation Affiliations Voting Present

David Quirk (chair) End User NFPA76 & ASHRAE

TC9.9

Alt

Stephen McCluer

(co-chair)

End User NFPA 75 Y

Ron Marts Consultant NFPA 76/75 Y

Jeff Betz End User NFPA 76 Y

Brian Rawson OEM NFPA 75 Y

Bob Pikula FP manufacturer NFPA 76/75 Y

Ralph Transue Consultant NFPA 76/75 Y

Charles Quillin

Darrell Franchuk

Insurance NFPA 76 Y

Steve Dryden Consultant NFPA 76 Y

Vincent Degiorgio Insurance NFPA 76 Y

Bob Rex

Scott Lang

FP Manufacturer NFPA 76 Y

Wayne Aho Manufacturer NFPA 75 Y

Jonathan Ingram FP manufacturer NFPA 76 Y

Tom Wysocki FP manufacturer NFPA75 Y

Potential non-committee representatives from containment manufacturing

Max Hibner Containment

Manufacturer

ASHRAE TC9.9 N

Rich Kluge Consultant NBrian Donahue

Dave LuciaContainment

Manufacturer

N

Paul Rivers FP manufacturer N

Dan Dahl Consultant

4

Task Group Stats:

19 participants

9 – NFPA76

7 – NFPA75

5 – General industry

All stakeholders

represented

ASHRAE

represented

20 conference calls

Airflow containment solutions are used by HVAC and

Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

professionals to reduce the unintended mixing of HVAC

cooling airflows to serve the following performance

objectives: Ensure proper entering air conditions on ICT hardware in accordance

with ASHRAE TC9.9, Thermal Guidelines (www.ashrae.org) or directly

(http://www.techstreet.com/cgi-

bin/browsePublisher?publisher_id=33&subgroup_id=34767)

Elevate return air temperatures at the HVAC equipment, which drives

up system Coefficient Of Performance (COP) / increases energy

efficiency, thereby reducing energy consumption and associated costs.

Elevate return air temperatures at the HVAC equipment, to permit

additional hours of economizer operation (compressor free cooling),

thereby reducing energy consumption and associated costs.

Containment is commonly separated into 1 of 2 categories: Hot aisle

containment OR cold aisle containment.5

HVAC Air Containment 101

http://www.ashrae.org/

6

Data Center• Raised Floor Air Distribution

• Hot/Cold Aisle Cooling Environment

• Higher power densities

• Server-Centric hardware - AC

powered

Telecom• Overhead Air Distribution

• Mixed Cooling Environment

• Lower power densities

• Variety of network equipment that are

low voltage DC powered

CR

AC

Eq

uip

.

Eq

uip

.

FR

Cable Racks

F R


CR

AC

Dropped Ceiling

Equip

.

Equip

.

RR F F

7

Underfloor

Cold aisle containment

Overhead

Cold aisle containment

HV

AC

ICT

Equip

.


HV

AC

Dropped Ceiling

ICT

Equip

.

8

Underfloor

Hot aisle containment

Overhead

Hot aisle containment

HV

AC

ICT

Equip

.


HV

AC

Dropped Ceiling

ICT

Equip

.

9

Underfloor

“hot collar” containment

Overhead

“hot collar” containment

HV

AC

ICT

Equip

.


HV

AC

Dropped Ceiling

ICT

Equip

.

10

Examples

Hot Air Collars Blanking plates to

prevent recirculation

airflow

11

Examples

Curtains

Contained hot aisle with in-row cooling

Air re-circulated at the floor level only

Air flow, top viewHot air is trapped under

Ceiling tiles

Cooling units in row with

ICTE equipment

Examples

13

Air Containment – Items reviewed

PREVENTION•Materials of construction

•Listings, combustibility, flammability, etc

•Plenums issue

DETECTION

•Detector locations

•Response times

•Temperatures on detectors

SUPPRESSION

•Obstructions for sprinklers

•Gas concentrations

•Removable obstructions

RESPONSE

• Impact to detection response

• Impact on suppression response

• Ability to find fire for first responders

Increasing Use of C b tibl Pl ti iCombustible Plastics in Worldwide Data CentersWorldwide Data Centers

March 2011March 2011

Vinnie DeGiorgioVinnie DeGiorgioPrincipal Engineer

FM Global

The Graduate ‐ 1967The Graduate 1967

Types of Combustible PlasticsTypes of Combustible Plastics

• Rigidg– PVC, lexan (polycarbonate), plexiglass (PMAA), polyethylene and polypropylene

• Flexible– PVC polyurethane kynarPVC, polyurethane, kynar

• Foam– Polyurethane– Elastomeric RubberNeoprene rubber– Neoprene rubber

Properties of Combustible Plastics•Heat Release Rate

– 2‐3 times > ordinary•Toxic Gases

– hydrogen cyanide, HCL,2 3 times > ordinary combustibles

•Burning Rate

hydrogen cyanide, HCL, phosgene

•Flaming Drips•Burning Rate– 10 times > ordinary

combustibles

•Flaming Drips– thermoplastics tend to

melt & flow when heated

•Smoke Produced– Very dense, sooty, black

•Corrosion– severe corrosion damage

smoke potential to sensitive electronic equipment & metal surfaces

ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723)Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723)

• 24ft. long x 20 in. wide specimens exposed tospecimens exposed to controlled –88 kw methane flame–240 ft. /min air flow

•Flame spread, fuel contribution & smoke arecontribution & smoke are measured• Flame spread is pobserved through windows

ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723)Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723)

Provides a comparative measurement of surface flame spread & smoke density measurementspread & smoke density measurement

Per ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface B i Ch t i ti f B ildi M t i l (UL 723)Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (UL 723)

• Does not provide the effect of aggravated flameDoes not provide the effect of aggravated flame spread behavior of an assembly resulting from the proximity to walls and ceiling (x, 2x, 4x)p y g ( , , )

• Testing materials that melt drip or delaminate to• Testing materials that melt, drip or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is interruptedfront is interrupted– Results in low flame spread & smoke density measurements

Cables(Data Center Equipment Room)

CablesUnder Raised Floor

Cable Flammability

Fiber Optic Raceways/Routing Assemblies

Cables Trays

Hot/Cold Aisle ContainmentHot/Cold Aisle Containment

Computer Room Air Conditioning ( )(CRAC) Units

Acoustical foam insulation inside

Chilled Water PipingData Center

ASTM E84Flame Spread = 25 Data CenterpSmoke Developed = 50

FM4910 ‐ Fire Propagation Index = 6.6 FM4910 ‐ Smoke Development Index = 0.35

In Row Cooling Data CenterData Center

Combustible Foam Insulation

Chilled Water Distribution UnitData CenterData Center

C b ibl FCombustible Foam Insulation

Foam Insulation – Under Raised Floor Data CenterData Center

Public Input

NEW PROCESS ACTIONS AND MOTIONS

Possible Action #1: Resolve PI (no change to section)

Action Required Sample motion

Make a statement to resolve a PI I move to resolve PI # with the following

statement . . .

Possible action #2: Create First Revision (make a change to a section)

Action Required Sample motion

Step 1 Create a First revision based one or more

PIs I move to create a First Revision based on PI #

Step 2 If the revision is related to multiple PIs, generate a statement to respond to all of

them together

Step 1 Create a First Revision I move to create a First Revision as follows . . .

Step 2 Generate a statement (substantiation)

Possible Action 3: Create Committee input

Step 1 Create proposed revision for solicitation

of public comments I move to create CI with a proposed revision to X

as follows . . .

Step 2 Generate a statement to explain the

intent and why the Committee is seeking public comment

Public Input No. 95-NFPA 75-2013 [ Global Input ]

Chapter 5 – Performance-Based Design Approach

Add New Chapter 5 as follows:

5.1 Performance-Based Design Approach. The requirements of Chapter 5 shallapply to recognize performance-based practices.

5.2 Goals and Objectives. The performance-based design shall meet thefollowing goals and objectives:

(1) The performance-based approach is to allow the alternative means to be utilizedfor the elements of the information technology equipment, information technologyrooms, and information technology equipment areas as permitted in Chapters 6, 9and 11

(2) The risk analysis, design criteria, design brief, system performance, and testingcriteria are developed in accordance with this section.

(3) The fire protection system(s) disseminates information to the target audience inan accurate and timely manner.

(4) The design and performance criteria are specific to the nature and anticipatedrisks of each location.

(5) The fire protection system(s) is capable of withstanding various scenarios andsurvives even if some damage has already occurred.

(6) Message initiation can be effected by all responding entities responsible for thesafety and security of occupants.

5.3 Qualifications. The performance-based design and risk analysis shall beprepared by a certified or licensed design professional approved by the authorityhaving jurisdiction.

5.4 Independent Review. The authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted torequire an approved, independent third party to review the proposed design briefand provide an evaluation of the design to the authority having jurisdiction.

5.5 Final Determination. The authority having jurisdiction shall make the finaldetermination as to whether the performance objectives have been met.

5.6 Maintenance of Design Features. The design features required for theinformation technology equipment area to continue to meet the performance goalsand objectives of this standard shall be maintained for the life of the building.

5.7 Performance Criteria

5.7.1 General. All designs shall meet the goals and objectives specified in 5.2 andprovided that the performance criterion of 5.7.2 is met, and the design team concurswith the design, and the risk management considerations in 4.2.1..

5.7.2 Performance Criterion. The performance criterion shall include theprotection of information technology equipment and information technologyequipment areas from damage by fire or its associated effects, including smoke,corrosion, heat, and water.

5.7.4 Design Team. The design team shall be comprised of the designprofessional, the owner or owner’s representative, representatives of the authorityhaving jurisdiction, and representatives of the emergency response entities.

5.7.5 Design Brief. The design of the information technology equipment area shallinclude the preparation of a design brief that is prepared utilizing recognizedperformance-based design practices.

A.5.7.5. The Society of Fire Protection Engineers Guide to Performance-Based

National Fire Protection Association Report http://submittals.nfpa.org/TerraViewWeb/ContentFetcher?commentPara...

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Design is a recommended guide that should be used when developing your DesignBrief and performance-based design. The intent of the permitted deviation would bestated in the design brief or an informational annex of the design brief. Thedeviation can be permitted as long as the equivalent performance features aremaintained.

5.7.5.1 Any deviation from a prescriptive requirement shall be detailed in the designbrief.

5.7.5.2 Design specifications and briefs used in the performance-based designshall be clearly stated and shown to be realistic and sustainable.

5.7.5.3 Specific inspection, testing or maintenance requirements that are necessaryto maintain reliable performance of the fire safety features of the informationtechnology area shall be stated in the design brief.

Statement of Problem and Substantiation for Public Input

The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard.

Related Public Inputs for This Document

Related Input Relationship

Public Input No. 93-NFPA 75-2013 [Sections A.1.2, A.3.2.1]

Public Input No. 94-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 1.5]

Submitter Information Verification

Submitter Full Name: Thomas Wysocki

Organization: Guardian Services, Inc.

Affilliation: NFPA 75 Risk/Performance Task Group

Street Address:

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Zip:

Submittal Date: Thu Dec 19 14:03:53 EST 2013


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Public Input No. 94-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after 1.5 ]

1.6 Alternative Means Alternative means to address risk considerations required by Chapter 4, or to achieve or exceed the levelsof protection required by this standard, shall be permitted to be applied using a recognizedperformance-based approach that is approved by the authority having jurisdiction to be used for the specificfacility.










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Public Input No. 124-NFPA 75-2014 [ Section No. 1.6 ]

1.6 Special Note on Chapter 10.

Chapter 10 contains text extracted from NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code , Article 645. The text isidentified by a citation in brackets following the paragraph. Only editorial changes were made to make thetext consistent with this standard. Requests for interpretations or revisions of the extracted text will bereferred to Panel No. 12 of the National Electrical Code Committee.

Delete section 1.6


Amendments proposed for Chapter 10 will eliminate the need for section 1.6 if those amendments are accepted.


Submitter Full Name: Ralph Transue

Organization: The RJA Group, Inc.

Affilliation: Chair of the NFPA 75 technical committee

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Submittal Date: Wed Jan 01 08:48:30 EST 2014


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Public Input No. 5-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 2.3.1 ]

2.3.1 ASTM Publications.

ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2007 2013 .

ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C,1999 2012 .

ASTM E 814, Standard Method of Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops, 1997 2011a .

ASTM E 1537, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture, 2007 2013 .


standards date updates


Submitter Full Name: Marcelo Hirschler

Organization: GBH International

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Submittal Date: Tue May 21 10:53:03 EDT 2013


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3.3.1 Abandoned Cables.

Installed cables that are not terminated at equipment and not identified for future use with a tag.


This is a companion PI to a PI to remove the requirement to remove abandoned cables because the requirement is in the NEC.


Submitter Full Name: Stanley Kaufman

Organization: CableSafe, Inc./OFS

Affilliation: SPI

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Submittal Date: Tue Jun 25 23:53:07 EDT 2013


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3.3.2 Air Space.

The space below a raised floor or above a suspended ceiling used to circulate environmental air within theinformation technology equipment room/information technology equipment area.


This definition is not needed because in the few places the term is used the meaning is quite clear without a definition. Furthermore, the definition actually describes ceiling cavity plenums and raised floor plenums, terms that are defined in NFPA 90A.




Affilliation: SPI

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NOTE: This proposal appeared as Comment 75-8 (Log #9) which was held from the F11 ROC onProposal 75-9.

3.3.5 Communications Circuit.

The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph (except radio), outsidewiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the

customer’scustomer's communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, faxmachine, or answering machine. [ 70: 800.2]

Additional Proposed Changes

File Name Description Approved

75_PI_18-20_Held_Comment_75-8_Hirschler_.pdf Held Comment 75-8


If the definitions of “communications equipment” and “communications circuits” are needed they should be added into NFPA 75 and not referenced from the NEC. The appropriate definitions are added in this comment. In fact, the definitions of “communications equipment” and “communications circuit” have been added to NFPA 75 by proposals 75-11 and 75-15, and acceptance of proposal NFPA 75-9 as is would create a potential conflict. If this is to stay as a definition with all the references to the NEC then there need to be two references to the NEC, to read as follows: 3.3.x.3 Information Technology Equipment (ITE). Equipment and systems rated 600V or less, normally found in offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, which are used for creation, and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I of Article 100 of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and do not process communications circuits as defined in section 800.2 of NFPA 70 National Electrical Code. The proposed definition is not really an extract from the NEC since the definition has actually been changed when compared to the NEC one, which reads:Information Technology Equipment (ITE). Equipment and systems rated 600V or less, normally found in offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, which are used for creation, and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I of Article 100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in 800.2.




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Report on Comments – November 2011 NFPA 75_______________________________________________________________________________________________75-8 Log #9

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International

75-9Revise text to read as follows:

Equipment and systems rated 600V or less, normally found inoffices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, which are used forcreation, and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined inPart I of Article 100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in section 800.2 of NFPA 70

. [ :645.2]The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunications operations for the

transmission of audio, video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dc converters, inverters, and batteries) andtechnical support equipment (e.g., computers). [70:100]

The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services, telegraph(except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility to the customer’scommunications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone, fax machine, or answeringmachine. [70:800.2]

If the definitions of “communications equipment” and “communications circuits” are needed theyshould be added into NFPA 75 and not referenced from the NEC. The appropriate definitions are added in thiscomment. In fact, the definitions of “communications equipment” and “communications circuit” have been added toNFPA 75 by proposals 75-11 and 75-15, and acceptance of proposal NFPA 75-9 as is would create a potential conflict.If this is to stay as a definition with all the references to the NEC then there need to be two references to the NEC, to

read as follows:Equipment and systems rated 600V or less, normally found in

offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, which are used forcreation, and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined inPart I of Article 100 of NFPA 70 and do not process communications circuits as defined insection 800.2 of NFPA 70 .The proposed definition is not really an extract from the NEC since the definition has actually been changed when

compared to the NEC one, which reads:Equipment and systems rated 600V or less, normally found in offices or

other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinary locations, which are used for creation,and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I ofArticle 100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in 800.2.

This is new material. The committee does not have adequate time to review these newdefinitions.

Affirmative: 24 Negative: 13 Goonan, T., Petrou, G., Roux, H.

MCCLUER, S.: The committee action should have been to accept in principle. We note that the comment applies toROP #75-8, not to #75-9 as shown on the report. The submitter's comment did not introduce new definitions, as the"communications equipment" definition had already been accepted in ROP # 75-11 and the "communications circuit"had already been accepted in ROP #75-15. Both properly reference the source of the definition as NFPA 70. Themodification to the definition for "information technology equipment" is editorial in nature; it deletes the improperly notedcitations to the NEC per the NEC style manual. Because the NEC definition cites two clauses within itself, the definitioncannot be used verbatim in NFPA 75. If the committee wishes to cite the source of the definition as coming from NEC,then it should follow the recommendation in submitter's substantiation, with the clarification that the definition appears inNEC 645.2.

1Printed on 6/19/2013



3.3.6 Communications Equipment.

The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunications operations for the transmission of audio,video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dc converters, inverters, and batteries) and technicalsupport equipment (e.g., computers). [ 70: 100]



75_PI_18-20_Held_Comment_75-8_Hirschler_.pdf Held Comment 75-8






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3.3.6 Communications Equipment.

The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunications operations for the transmission of audio,video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dc converters, inverters, and batteries) and technicalsupport equipment (e.g., computers), and conductors dedicated soley to the operation of the equipment .[70:100]


The definition of Communications Equipment has been revised in the 2014edition of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. The definition in NFPA 75 is an extract from NFPA 70 and therefore needs to be revised.




Affilliation: The Society of the Plastics Industry

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Submittal Date: Tue Oct 22 17:11:15 EDT 2013


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3.3.11 * Information Technology Equipment (ITE).

Equipment and systems rated 600 volts or less, normally found in offices or other business establishmentsand similar environments classified as ordinary locations, that are used for creation and manipulation ofdata, voice, video, and similar signals that are not communications equipment as defined in Part I of Article100 and do not process communications circuits as defined in 800.2 [of NFPA 70 , National ElectricalCode .] [ 70: 645.2]



75_PI_18_Held_Comment_75-8_Hirschler_.pdf Held Comment 75-8






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3 .3. x.3 Information Technology Equipment (ITE). Equipment and systems rated 600V or less,normally found in offices or other business establishments and similar environments classified as ordinarylocations, which are used for creation, and manipulation of data, voice, video and similar signals that arenot communications equipment and do not process communications circuits.

3.3.x Communications Equipment. The electronic equipment that performs the telecommunicationsoperations for the transmission of audio, video, and data, and includes power equipment (e.g., dcconverters, inverters, and batteries) and technical support equipment (e.g., computers). [70:100]

3.3.x Communications Circuit. The circuit that extends voice, audio, video, data, interactive services,telegraph (except radio), outside wiring for fire alarm and burglar alarm from the communications utility tothe customer’s communications equipment up to and including terminal equipment such as a telephone,fax machine, or answering machine. [70:800.2]

3.3. 14 Information Technology Equipment System.

Any electronic digital or analog computer, along with all peripheral, support, memory, programming, orother directly associated equipment, records, storage, and activities.



75_PI_11_Held_Comment_75-8_Hirschler_.pdf Held Comment 75-8






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Submittal Date: Thu May 23 12:56:57 EDT 2013


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3.3. 16 Noncombustible 12 Material .

3.3.12.1 Combustible (Material). A material that, in the form in which it is used and under theconditions anticipated, will not aid combustion or add appreciable heat to an ambient fire. Materials, whentested in accordance with ignite and burn; a material that does not meet the definition of noncombustibleor limited-combustible.

3.3.12.2* Limited-Combustible (Material). Refers to a building construction material not complyingwith the definition of noncombustible that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value notexceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141 kJ/kg), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method forPotential Heat of Building Materials, and includes either of the following: (1) materials having a structuralbase of noncombustible material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that has aflame spread index not greater than 50; (2) materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither aflame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, and of suchcomposition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would haveneither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion.

3.3.12.3 Noncombustible (Material). A material that, in the form in which it is used and under theconditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors, whensubjected to fire or heat. Materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136, Standard Test Method forBehavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, and conforming to the criteria contained inSection 8 of the referenced standard, are considered as noncombustible. 750 Degrees C, shall beconsidered noncombustible materials.

A.3.3.12.2 Limited-Combustible (Material). Materials subject to increase in combustibility or flamespread index beyond the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture, or otheratmospheric condition are considered combustible. (See NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for PotentialHeat of Building Materials, and NFPA 220, Standard on Types of Building Construction.)



75_PI_12_Held_Comment_75-10_Willard_.pdf Held Comment 75-10


Both 75-47 and 75-35 use the term “combustible” which is not currently listed in the Chapter 3 definitions. The proposed definitions are taken directly from NFPA 101.


Submitter Full Name: Randy Willard

Organization: National Reconnaissance Office

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________Randy Willard, National Reconnaissance Office

75-47Delete current Section 3.3.12 (definition of Noncombustible) in entirety and replace with:

A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will notaid combustion or add appreciable heat to an ambient fire. Materials, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 136,

at 750°C, and conforming to the criteriacontained in Section 8 of the referenced standard, are considered as noncombustible.

A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated,will ignite and burn; a material that does not meet the definition of noncombustible or limited-combustible.

Refers to a building construction material not complying with the definitionof noncombustible that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 3500 Btu/lb (8141kJ/kg), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, , andincludes either of the following: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing notexceeding a thickness of 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) that has a flame spread index not greater than 50; (2) materials, in the formand thickness used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressivecombustion, and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any planewould have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion.

A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditionsanticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors, when subjected to fire or heat.Materials that are reported as passing ASTM E 136,

, shall be considered noncombustible materials.Limited-Combustible (Material). Materials subject to increase in combustibility or flame spread index beyond

the limits herein established through the effects of age, moisture, or other atmospheric condition are consideredcombustible. (See NFPA 259, , and NFPA 220, Standardon Types of Building Construction.)

Both 75-47 and 75-35 use the term “combustible” which is not currently listed in the Chapter 3definitions. The proposed definitions are taken directly from NFPA 101.

Held as new material.

Affirmative: 253 Goonan, T., Petrou, G., Roux, H.



3.3.16 Noncombustible .

A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not aid combustionor add appreciable heat to an ambient fire. Materials, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 136,Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, and conforming to thecriteria contained in Section 8 of the referenced standard, are considered as noncombustible

material (see 6.1) .


This creates consistency with NFPA 101, NFPA 5000 and other NFPA documents and eliminates requirements from the definition. It is associated with the proposed new language in 6.1.







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3.3.17 Optical Fiber Cable.

A factory assembly or field assembly of one or more optical fibers, having an overall covering, thattransmits light for control, signaling, and communications . [70:770.2]


The definition of an optical fiber cable has been revised in the 2014 NEC.




Affilliation: SPI

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Submittal Date: Thu Jun 20 21:38:26 EDT 2013


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3.3.19* Raceway.

An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables , orbusbars, with additional functions as permitted in NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code .


A definition should not contain a requirement.




Affilliation: SPI

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Public Input No. 2-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after 3.4.5 ]

3.4.6* Ventilation Air Envelope. The volume of ventilation air confined by aisle containment or hot aircollars the purpose of which is to cool specific equipment.

A.3.4.6 The volume of confined cooling air flowing toward equipment intended to cool the equipment is thesupply ventilation air envelope. The volume of confined heated air flowing away from equipment havingbeen used to cool the equipment is the exhaust ventilation air envelope.


The proposed definition is a companion to a new section 8.2.6.




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Submittal Date: Wed Feb 06 10:44:03 EST 2013


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Public Input No. 96-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 4.1 ]

4.1

Fire Risk Analysis Factors. Fire protection programs for information technology equipment,information technology rooms, and information technology equipment areas shall be determinedbased on an evaluation of fire risks and hazards associated with the site and services provided, andthe business continuity planning and disaster restoration capabilities of the information technologyequipment service provider specific to the site.


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4.1.1

* Fire protection programs shall be established with consideration given to thefollowing factors:

(1) Exposure threat to facility occupants, the general public, emergency responders andexposed property from a fire occurring at, adjacent to, or within the information technologyareas

(2) The importance of the continuity of the data being stored or processed by theinformation technology equipment

(3) Methods and equipment employed, as part of a risk management or businesscontinuity strategy, that allow data to remain viable during and after an event or to bereplaced or restored

(4) The potential for a given protection strategy to result in a service or data disruption orinhibit the ability of the data provider to restore operation and access to the data in a timelymanner post-event

4.1.2 A fire risk analysis shall be permitted to be used to determine theconstruction, fire protection

and, fire detection and utility requirements for information technology equipment,information technology rooms, and information technology equipment areas wherespecifically permitted by Chapters

5 and 8 .6, 9 and 11 that are necessary to achieve the purpose of this standard stated in 1.2.

4.1.

2 3* The fire risk analysis conducted in 4.1.

12 shall be documented and acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction .

4.1.

3 *

The following factors shall be considered to determine the level of acceptable fire risk (see also Annex C) :

(1) Life safety aspects of the function (e.g., process controls, air traffic controls)

(2) Fire threat of the installation to occupants or exposed property

(3) Economic loss from loss of function or loss of records

(4) Economic loss from value of equipment

(5) Regulatory impact

(6) Reputation impact

(7) Redundant off-site processing systems

4 The fire risk analysis shall include an evaluation of the risk managementconsiderations as outlined in 4.2.






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Public Input No. 95-NFPA 75-2013 [Global Input]




Affilliation: NFPA75 Risk/Performance Task Group

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4.2 Risk Management Considerations4.2.1* The following elements shall be considered to determine the level of acceptable firerisk documented as part of the risk management analysis (see also Annex C):

(1) Life safety aspects of the function (e.g., process controls, air traffic controls)

(2) Fire threat of the installation to occupants or exposed property

(3) Continuity of service, operation and data access

(4) Size and value of the information technology areas

(5) Economic loss from loss of function or loss of records

(6) Economic loss from value of equipment

(7) Regulatory impact

(8) Reputation impact

(9) Construction and compartmentation of the information technology areas

(10) Fire protection and detection features provided for the information technology areas

(11) Response time to an alarm

(12) Local fire-fighting capabilities

(13) Redundant infrastructure, including off-site processing systems

(14) Life safety of occupants of information technology equipment areas and adjacentspaces, emergency responders, and general public

4.2.2 A fire protection program shall be developed in conjunction with the considerations in4.2 resulting in the use of one or more of the following strategies for area within theinformation technology equipment area:

(1) Performance-based approaches in accordance with Chapter 5

(2) Prescriptive-based approaches in accordance with Chapter 6, 9 and 11.

4.2.3* An approved performance-based approach, as permitted by 1.6, shall be permittedto be applied selectively to specifically identified areas, hazards or equipment or to specificfire protection requirements for an entire information technology equipment area. The firerisk analysis shall cover the entire complex/structure.





Public Input No. 96-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 4.1]







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5.1.2

The building construction requirements shall be permitted to be modified where a risk analysis as outlinedin Chapters 4 and 5 demonstrates that alternate building construction types may be used.










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Public Input No. 102-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after 5.1.3.5 ]

5.1.3.6 Under the following conditions the fire separation requirements of Section 5.1.3 are permitted to beevaluated as part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5:

1.The anticipated fire exposures are documented.

2.Alternate forms of fire separation are provided based on the anticipated fire exposures.






Public Input No. 101-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 5.1.1]





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5.2.1.1 A performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 shall be used to identifyapproved protective features.











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5.2.2 Information technology equipment areas shall not be located in building areas that aresubject to flooding or in areas of buildings that are designated in a flood plain.


There is no guidance regarding the location of information technology equipment areas in areas subject to flooding or in areas that may be located in flood plains.


Submitter Full Name: Doug Hohbein

Organization: Northcentral Fire Code Develop

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5.3.2.1 Under the condition that an alternate solution, such as containment with leakdetection, is provided, the drainage requirements in 5.3.2 shall be permitted to be evaluatedas part of the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.










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Additional options for materials used in aisle containment systems

Materials shall not be required to have a flame spread index or smoke development ra ng if they are automa cally

removed into a non‐combus ble storage container upon smoke detec on prior to opera on of the suppression

system.


Some aisle containment products, specifically those employed for cold-aisle containment employing retractable roofs, have the potential to be removed so that they do not impede suppression system operation. It would be an equivalent measure of fire protection to remove the roof fabric into a metal box (or other non-combustible construction) while allowing the obstructive sheet or fabric material which does not comply with 5.6.3. The addition of this section would allow aisle containment manufacturers more flexibility to meet 5.6.8.1 and 5.6.10.1 by trading the selection of more cost-effective materials for more complex removal techniques.


Submitter Full Name: Lee Kaiser

Organization: Orr Protection Systems, Inc.

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Submittal Date: Mon Dec 30 11:26:42 EST 2013


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5.6.3

Elements of aisle containment and hot air collars shall be constructed of materials that have a maximumflame spread index of 50 of 25 and a maximum smoke development of 450 of 50 in accordance with oneor more of the following:

(1) ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

(2) ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials


The installation of hot aisle/cold aisle barriers creates spaces that are very similar to room plenums. Section 4.3.11.4.5 of NFPA 90A has requirements for the materials used in the construction of air-handling unit room plenums.

4.3.11.4.5 Materials used in the construction of an air-handling unit room plenum shall be noncombustible or shall be limited combustible having a maximum smoke developed index of 50 and shall be suitable for continuous exposure to the temperature and humidity conditions of the environmental air in the plenum.

NFPA 90A defines Limited-Combustible:

3.3.21* Limited-Combustible (Material). Refers to a building construction material not complying with the definition of noncombustible material that, in the form in which it is used, has a potential heat value not exceeding 8141 kJ/kg (3500 Btu/lb), where tested in accordance with NFPA 259, Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials and that includes either of the following: (1) materials having a structural base of noncombustible material, with a surfacing not exceeding a thickness of 3.2mm(1⁄8 in.) that has a flame spread index not greater than 50; or (2) materials, in the form and thickness used, having neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion, and of such composition that surfaces that would be exposed by cutting through the material on any plane would have neither a flame spread index greater than 25 nor evidence of continued progressive combustion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

Considering the definition of limited-combustible material, the requirements for materials used in the construction of a room plenum are a maximum flame spread index of 25, a maximum smoke developed index of 50 and a maximum potential heat value of 8141 kJ/kg (3500 Btu/lb).

The PI recommends a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed index of 50 without a potential heat requirement in order to correlate with the NFPA 90A general rule for materials in plenums; see 4.3.11.2.6 and 4.3.11.5.5 in the Second Draft Report for NFPA 90A-2015.




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Submittal Date: Sat Dec 21 08:44:52 EST 2013


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6.1* Noncombustible materials.

6.1.1 A material that complies with any of the following shall be considered a noncombustible material:

(1)*A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn,support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat

(2) A material that is reported as passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in aVertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C

(3) A material that is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E 136 when tested inaccordance with the test method and procedure in ASTM E 2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior ofMaterials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 Degrees C

Also add:

A.6.1 The provisions of 6.1 do not require inherently noncombustible materials to be tested in order to beclassified as noncombustible materials.

A.6.1.1(1) Examples of such materials include steel, concrete, masonry, and glass.

Also add ASTM E136 (2012) and ASTM E2652 (2012) to section 2 on referenced ASTM standards.


This proposed change would replace the definition of noncombustible material (see associated public input) and do it in a way identical to what has been done in NFPA 101, NFPA 5000 and several other NFPA documents, for consistency and because NFPA definitions shall not contain requirements.




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6.1.2

Small work areas shall be permitted within the ITE room provided all the following conditions are met:

(1) Areas are not occupied on a full-time basis.

(2) Case furniture, including desks, is constructed of noncombustible material (e.g., metal). Theconstruction can include a high-pressure laminate veneer on the desktop.

(3) Space dividers and system furniture panels and chairs with upholstered assemblies exhibit amaximum rate of heat release not exceeding 80 kW and a maximum total heat release not exceeding25 MJ within the first 10 minutes of test when tested in accordance with one of the following:

(a) ASTM E 1537, Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture

(b) California Technical Bulletin 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use inPublic Occupancies

(4) Paper records, manuals, drawings, and all other combustible materials are stored in fully enclosednoncombustible cabinets or cases.

(5) The quantity of records, manuals, drawings, and all other combustible materials kept in the room arelimited to the absolute minimum required for essential and efficient operation.

(6) Trash receptacles, where provided, are an approved self-extinguishing type. shall be provided withtight-fitting or self-closing lids and they shall be constructed of materials that comply with one of thefollowing: (a) noncombustible materials or (b) materials that meet a peak heat release rate notexceeding 300 kW/m2 when tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50kW/m2 in the horizontal orientation.

Also, add ASTM E1354, Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materialsand products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter (2013) into section 2 on referenced ASTMstandards,


The requirement for trash receptacles to be self extinguishing is meaningless and unenforceable. The proposed language is similar to requirements for trash receptacles in other environments and codes.



Public Input No. 7-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 3.3.16]




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7.2.3 Acoustical Materials.

All sound-deadening material used inside information technology equipment shall be of such material, or soarranged, that it does not increase the potential of fire damage to the unit or the potential of fire propagationfrom the unit.

Add: 7.2.3.1 The design of the information technology equipment and/or the sound-deadening materialsinside the equipment shall include the capability to buffer or deaden acoustic noise created by fire alarms,pre-discharge alarms, discharge alarms and/or the discharge of a clean agent system which may adverselyaffect the performance of hard drives if not suitably enclosed.


There have been occurrences where hard drives have been damaged during the performance of fire detection alarms, pre-discharge alarms, discharge alarms and/or the discharge of fire extinguishing systems. By modifying the hard drive enclosures damage (to the hard drives) can be mitigated.


Submitter Full Name: Daniel Hubert

Organization: Janus Fire Systems

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Submittal Date: Wed Nov 20 16:31:12 EST 2013


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Public Input No. 105-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 8.1.1.1 ]

8.1.1.1

Information

Information technology equipment rooms and information technology equipment areas located in anonsprinklered building shall be provided with

an automatic sprinkler system, a gaseous clean agent extinguishing system, or both (see Section 8.4 )

a fire suppression system.

8.1.1.2 The requirement of 8.1.1.1 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of the performance-basedrisk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 .










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Public Input No. 106-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after 8.1.1.2 ]

8.1.1.3 The requirement of 8.1.1.2 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of theperformance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.










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8.1.1.2 *

An automatic sprinkler system or a gaseous fire extinguishing system shall be provided for the protection ofthe area below a raised floor in an information technology equipment room or information technologyequipment area where one or more of the following exist:

There is a critical need to protect data in the process, reduce equipment damage, and facilitate return toservice.

The area below the raised floor contains combustible material.


The area under the raised floor of a data center presents a particularly difficult challenge to manual fire fighting. The space under a raised floor typically is connected to the working area of the data center by a number of floor tiles containing openings to permit the passage of air or to permit the passage of wires and cables from the under floor into equipment located on the raised floor. Thus smoke generated by combustion under the raised floor will quickly migrate into the entire connected above floor volume. Visibility will be reduced. Manually fighting a fire would generally require removal of one or more floor tiles to 1) find the fire 2) apply extinguishing agent. The combination of floor tiles removed and reduced visibility presents a serious hazard to emergency responders - making manual fire fighting unreasonably dangerous. Thus automatic fire suppression under the raised floor should be mandatory if there are combustibles present under the raised floor. The first provision, however, "There is a critical need to protect data in the process, reduce equipment damage, and facilitate return to service." should not be a criteria for requiring automatic suppression - since if no combustibles are present under the raised floor, a separate automatic suppression system for the space under the raised floor is not necessary.




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8.1.3

Sprinkler systems protecting information technology equipment areas shall be valved separately from othersprinkler systems. Valves shall be in an approved location that is exterior to the room, readily accessibleand labeled as to what they control.



75_PI_13_Held_Comment_75-26_Everitt_.pdf Held Comment 75-26


Electronic equipment is expensive and susceptible to water damage timely operation of the valve is important. Operating the valve should not expose personnel to smoke


Submitter Full Name: James Everitt

Organization: Western Regional Fire Code Development Committee

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_______________________________________________________________________________________________James Everitt, Western Regional Fire Code Development Committee

75-48Add text to read as follows:

Sprinkler systems protecting information technology equipment areas shall be valved separately from other sprinklersystems. Valves shall be in an approved location that is exterior to the room, readily accessible and labeled as to whatthey control.

Electronic equipment is expensive and susceptible to water damage timely operation of the valve isimportant. Operating the valve should not expose personnel to smoke

Valve location is new material and has not had time for public review.

Affirmative: 253 Goonan, T., Petrou, G., Roux, H.



8.1.4.1 The requirement of 8.1.4 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of theperformance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.










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8.1.4 *

Automated information storage system (AISS) units containing combustible media with an aggregate

storage capacity of more than 0.76 m 3 (27 ft 3 ) shall be protected within each unit by an automaticsprinkler system or a gaseous agent extinguishing system with extended discharge.


The existing requirement for suppression inside AISS units lacks a justifying loss history, particularly in the context of current, modern equipment. The configuration and design of AISS units and tape media has changed significantly over the years. Yet, this requirement has been in NFPA 75 since at least the 1992 edition with no substantive change. The March 2012 NFPA report "Computer Rooms and Other Electronic Equipment Areas" does not address AISS units in specific, but does reveal that overall the rate of fire incidence for "traditional computer rooms" is very low, too few for meaningful statistics. I have been unable to find any loss data relative to modern AISS equipment to suggest a risk that justifies a suppression requirement. Outside of NFPA 75, AISS-like equipment is exempted from sprinkler installation requirements by 2013 NFPA 13 section 8.1.1 (8).

The internal suppression requirement is also overly burdensome. In researching several AISS manufacturers, package suppression systems are not available as an option with the purchase of a unit, and so suppression must be procured, designed, and installed as a unique system for every AISS installation. However, the installation of a suppression system within an AISS poses equipment operations and warranty implications such that installation design must be coordinated with the AISS manufacturer. Common practice is for the organizations IT department to specify or purchase such units. The facilities organization, which is more familiar with procuring site-specific suppression systems, may not be involved or even be aware that AISS units are being procured. By crossing organizational lanes, the provision of suppression is often missed or ignored.


Submitter Full Name: RANDY WILLARD

Organization: [National Reconnaissance Office]

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Submittal Date: Thu Jan 02 12:17:21 EST 2014


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Public Input No. 109-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 8.2 [Excluding any Sub-Sections] ]

Automatic detection equipment shall be installed to provide early warning of fire. The equipment used shallbe a listed smoke detection–type system and shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Where a fire risk assessment is provided, the assessmentshall determine the type and location of listed smoke detectors.


The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard. The suggested addition to this paragraph requires that when a fire risk assessment is provided the type and configuration of the smoke detection system shall be evaluated in that assessment.




Public Input No. 95-NFPA 75-2013 [Global Input]





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Proposed New Section 8.2.6 & Annex for NFPA 75 Based on the 2013 Edition

8.2.6 Automatic Detection for HVAC Containment Installations

New Definition

3.4.6* Ventilation Air Envelope. The volume of ventilation air confined by aisle containment or hot aircollars the purpose of which is to cool specific equipment.

A.3.4.6 The volume of confined cooling air flowing toward equipment intended to cool the equipment is thesupply ventilation air envelope. The volume of confined heated air flowing away from equipment havingbeen used to cool the equipment is the exhaust ventilation air envelope.

New Requirements with New Annex Text Adjacent to the Each Requirement

8.2.6* Automatic Detection Equipment for Aisle Containment. Where aisle containment and hot aircollar systems are installed, the requirements of 8.2.6.1 through 8.2.6.5 shall apply to fulfill the applicabledetection requirements contained in a fire risk analysis in accordance with Chapters 1 and 4.

A.8.2.6 Fires that may harm IT equipment may originate in the building that houses the IT equipment area,in the IT equipment area, in equipment that supports the IT equipment such as HVAC and UPS systems, or(rarely) within the IT equipment.

In IT facilities that do not include HVAC containment, it has been common practice to design and install firedetection systems that are intended to provide adequate warning for both the IT equipment and the ITequipment area. Where high air changes in the IT equipment area are present to cool IT equipment, and acommon fire detection system is used to warn of fire for both the IT equipment and the IT equipment area, ithas been necessary to design and install the detection system for the high air changes present. Thistechnique relies upon dispersion of products of combustion into the volume of the IT equipment area whereit can be detected.

Where HVAC containment is installed to increase the effectiveness of equipment cooling, by channeling theventilation air, the practice of detecting products of combustion dispersed in the IT equipment area may notbe an effective method to detect small fires that may originate in the cooled equipment. Products ofcombustion in the exhaust ventilation air envelope that do not disperse into the IT equipment area cannotbe detected by detection equipment in the IT equipment area.

Therefore, to detect products of combustion that originate in IT equipment provided with HVACcontainment, the detection equipment must be located in the exhaust ventilation air envelopes.

Where fire detection equipment is installed to provide adequate detection of fires or overload in the ITequipment, detection systems installed to meet building code requirements or to provide adequate firedetection for the building or IT equipment area need not be designed to protect the IT equipment.

Where HVAC systems are dedicated to cooling IT equipment, those systems are associated with the ITequipment contents of the building. The dedicated HVAC systems would not be present if the IT equipmentwere not present. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the closely spaced detectors/ports (required forhigh air change) for the building or IT equipment area detection system (since the building or IT equipmentarea detection system need only be adequate for the building or IT equipment area without its contents)provided that the IT equipment (contents) is provided with an adequate detection system(s).

8.2.6.1 Automatic Detection Equipment for IT Equipment. The installation of automatic detectionequipment that is designed to provide adequate warning of a fire in the IT equipment shall be permitted.

8.2.6.1.1* The installation of automatic detection equipment within the ventilation air envelopes to providewarning of a fire within the IT equipment cooled by the ventilation air shall be permitted.

A.8.2.6.1.1 Products of combustion follow forced air streams early in the development of a fire, or overheatcondition, when the influence of mechanical systems is greater than the buoyant forces of the fire oroverheat condition. Detection system sensors or ports installed in the paths of cooling air exhaust from thecooled equipment can be expected to respond to a small fire in the equipment sooner than sensors or portslocated outside of the ventilation air envelope. To be effective, the detection equipment installed within theventilation air envelope should be suitable for the temperatures, air velocities and other conditions present. If suitable detection equipment cannot be installed within the exhaust ventilation air envelope, a fire in the


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cooled equipment should be expected to grow to a size at which its energy is sufficient to overcome themechanical forces of the HVAC containment system.

8.2.6.1.2 Where all IT equipment in an IT equipment area is provided with automatic detection equipmentpermitted in 8.2.6.1 or 8.2.6.1.1, the requirement of 8.2.6.2 shall apply to the entire IT equipment area.

8.2.6.1.3* Where only a portion of the IT equipment is provided with automatic detection equipmentpermitted in 8.2.6.1 or 8.2.6.1.1, the requirement of 8.2.6.2 shall be applied within each area separated byfire rated construction.

A.8.2.6.1.3 Section 5.1.3 requires the IT equipment area to be separated from other occupancies byfire-rated construction. Section 5.1.3.1 requires separation of occupancies within the IT equipment area. Inaddition, large IT equipment installations may be separated into more than one IT equipment area.

8.2.6.2* Automatic Detection Equipment for the IT Equipment Area and IT Equipment SupportSpaces. Where automatic detection equipment is installed to provide IT equipment fire detection inaccordance with 8.2.6.1 or 8.2.6.1.1, the installation of an automatic detection system that is designed toprovide adequate warning of a fire based on the building occupancy classification, 8.2.1 or 8.2.2 shall bepermitted without regard to the IT equipment contents and the HVAC containment systems dedicated to thedirect support of the IT equipment.

A.8.2.6.2 Where fire detection equipment is installed to detect fire in the IT equipment within an ITequipment area, and the design of the automatic detection equipment includes elements to address theeffects of the environment necessary to support equipment operations, such as high air movement, adetection system installed as required for the building or IT equipment area is not required to includeelements to protect the IT equipment in its environment. For instance, if an office building is constructedwith a fire detection system suitable for the office environment, it is adequate for the building. When ITequipment is added to the office building and a detection system(s) is added to the equipment area inaccordance with 8.2.6.1 or 8.2.6.1.1, the building detection system need not be changed, as permitted by8.2.6.2, except as may be necessary to comply with 8.2.6.3.

8.2.6.3* Automatic Detection Equipment for Exposure to IT Equipment. Where automatic detectionequipment is installed to fulfill the function described in 8.2.6.1 and 8.2.6.1.1 is not capable of providingadequate warning of fire exposure to the IT equipment from other nearby equipment or hazard condition,automatic detection equipment shall be installed to provide adequate warning of fire in the exposingequipment or hazard condition.

A.8.2.6.3 Examples of potentially exposing hazards may include large power equipment such as UPSsystems, rectifiers, engine generators, staging areas or storage spaces containing combustible material.

8.2.6.4 Combined System. The installation of a system that combines the warning functions of 8.2.6.1,8.2.6.2 and 8.2.6.3 in a single fire detection system shall be permitted.

8.2.6.5* Consolidated Alarms and Alerts. Where separate automatic detection equipment or systems areinstalled to perform the functions described in 8.2.6.1, 8.2.6.2 and 8.2.6.3, fire alarm, supervisory andtrouble signals shall be consolidated in a listed fire warning system to provide unified fire warninginformation to persons responsible for response to fire alarm, pre-alarm, supervisory and trouble signals.

A.8.2.6.5 Refer to NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, for definitions and functions of firealarm, supervisory and trouble signals. Some automatic detection systems are capable of providingpre-alarm signals that warn of a lower level of products of combustion than the level necessary to initiate analarm signal. If the listed system in which the signals are consolidate is capable of receiving pre-alarmsignals, those pre-alarm signals should be displayed in that system as well as alarm, supervisory andtrouble signals.


HVAC containment systems, installed to improve air cooling efficiency of information technology equipment, channel air thereby changing the air flow patterns on which automatic (fire/smoke) detection systems depend. Additional detail is provided in the proposed Annex material. These proposed new sections and annex material provide the basis on which to design and install automatic detection systems to achieve performance in the presence of HVAC containment systems.




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Submittal Date: Wed Feb 06 10:12:13 EST 2013


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8.3.4.1 The requirement of 8.3.4 shall be permitted to be evaluated as part of theperformance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.










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8.4.4.1 Manual actuation shall be permitted if deemed appropriate as part of theperformance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5.










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8.7.2 Where applicable performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5 shall beupdated to reflect changes identified in 8.7.1.










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10.1 General. All materials and products, including the materials of construction of the HVAC system, shallcomply with the requirements of NFPA 90A.


NFPA 90A is the standard that contains the most appropriate requirements for materials in HVAC systems and a general statement is the bets approach. NFPA 90A is already referenced in NFPA 75.




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Any HVAC system that serves other occupancies shall also be permitted to serve the informationtechnology equipment area.

<<ADD NEW ANNEX>>

A.10.1 A dedicated HVAC system is normally used in the IT equipment space to regulate the highercooling and ventilation requirements of the ITE equipment. However, that is not always feasible. Evenwhen there is a dedicated system, there might still be some building air in the room. For example, aireconomizers may be utilized for efficiency improvement. Section 10.1 is permitted to be evaluated as partof the performance-based risk analysis as outlined in Chapters 4 and 5


Annex material is proposed to clarify that ITE rooms are not always designed to prevent air exchanges with other occupancies or with exterior air. Determination of if-and-when louvers and dampers should be automatically operated should be made by a risk analysis.


Submitter Full Name: Stephen McCluer

Organization: APC by Schneider Electric

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10.1.3

All pipe and duct insulation and linings, including vapor barriers and coatings, shall have a flame spreadindex of 25 or less without evidence of continued progressive combustion and a smoke developed index nohigher than 50, in accordance with ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristicsof Building Materials; or ANSI/UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of BuildingMaterials.


All the fire protection considerations for duct insulation also apply to pipe insulation. It is irrelevant whether a duct or pipe is conveying air or chilled water; the insulation could spread fire.




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Submittal Date: Sat Dec 21 08:04:26 EST 2013


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10.3.1 *

All wiring Installation of all electrical wiring and all optical fiber cabling shall conform to NFPA 70 ,National Electrical Code .

A10.3.1* In order for the installation of electrical wiring and optical fiber cabling to conform to theNational Electrical Code, the applicable Articles in the Code need to be identified. The 2014 NEC has anew Article, Article 646, Modular Data Centers . Consequently, the first step in applying the NEC is toreview the definition of a Modular Data Center in 646.2 and determine whether data center is a modulardata center. If it is a modular data center, then the installation is required to conform to Article 646 and allother sections of the NEC that are referenced therein.

If the data center is not a modular data center, the next step is to determine if Article 645, InformationTechnology Equipment , is applicable. Since Article 645 covers information technology equipment in aninformation technology room, review the definitions of Information Technology Equipment and InformationTechnology Room in 645.2. If the installation comprises information technology equipment in aninformation technology room, Article 645 may be applicable to the installation.

Article 645 is a permissive Article. Section 645.4 states:

“This article shall be permitted to provide alternate wiring methods to the provisions of Chapter 3 andArticle 708 for power wiring, Parts I and III of Article 725 for signaling wiring, and Parts I and V of Article770 for optical fiber cabling where all of the following conditions are met:”

There are 6 conditions. See 645.4 to review the conditions.

If an installation does not meet the 6 conditions, then Article 645 is not permitted to be used and theprovisions of Chapter 3 must be followed for power wiring and the provisions of Articles 725 and 770 mustbe followed for data wiring and optical fiber cabling. Even if a data center meets the 6 conditions, it ispermissible to opt out of Article 645 and follow all the rules in Chapter 3 and Articles 725 and 770.

Regardless of whether Articles 645 is used, installations of power wiring must comply with Chapters 1, 2and 4 and installations of communications wiring must comply with Chapter 8, Communications .


The revised text clarifies that "wiring" includes optical fiber cables.

Deciding what parts of the NEC are applicable is not a simple task. Consequently a new Annex section, A10.3.1, is proposed to provide guidance to the applicability of the National Electrical Code to data centers.



Organization: CableSafe, Inc.

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10.3.2 *

Premise transformers Transformers installed in the information technology equipment area shall be of thedry type or the type filled with a noncombustible dielectric medium. Such transformers shall be installed inaccordance with the requirements of Article 450 of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.


Subsection 10.3 applies to “electrical service.” The term "premise transformer" is not defined, either in NFPA 75 or NFPA 70 (NEC). Transformers installed in the ITE "room" should be dry-type. Transformers installed in other parts of an information transformer “area” (a.k.a. “data center”) should be dry type, but transformers filled with a noncombustible dielectric medium would be permitted.




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10.3.5 *

Junction Feeder circuit junction boxes shall be approved, completely enclosed, fastened, accessible, andgrounded. No splices or connections shall be made in the underfloor area except within junction boxes orapproved-type receptacles and connectors.


The intent of 10.3.5 is to address hard-wired connections in feeder circuits (such as the input to floor-standing PDU), not plug-in connections in branch circuits from the output of a PDU. Such devices under a floor are unfastened.




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10.3.7

All electrical wiring and optical fiber cabling in the air space above a suspended ceiling shall conform to therequirements for installation in a ceiling cavity plenum in NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation ofAir-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and the requirements for installation in "other spaces used forenvironmental air" in NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, when that air space is used for the movement ofair.


The revised text will help the user navigate the requirements for plenum wiring in two standards that use different terminology to describe the same space.




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10.3.7

All electrical wiring and optical fiber cabling in the air space above a suspended ceiling cavity plenum shallconform to NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and NFPA70, National Electrical Code, when that air space is used for the movement of air.


The air space above a suspended ceiling is not always under the jurisdiction of NFPA 90A. This PI modifies 10.3.7 to use the preferred term, which is “plenum”

The key words are “when that air space is used for the movement of air.”

NEC Article 100 defines a “Plenum” as “A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system.”




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10.3.8

Signal wiring and cabling, including optical fiber cables, listed for general-purpose and riser use shall bepermitted in an air space below a raised floor.


It is not necessary to repeat requirements from the National Electrical Code when conformance to the NEC is already required. This section also conflicts with section 645.10(B)(5) of the 2011 NEC and section 10.4.6.4.2 of this standard.




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10.3.8

Signal wiring and cabling, including optical fiber cables, listed for general-purpose and riser use shall bepermitted in an air space below a raised - floor plenum space and shall be of the types listed in Article 645of NFPA 70 .


This PI modifies the language to use the preferred terminology, which is “plenum.” This PI also cross-references to NEC Article 645 which, although not a required article, lists the cable types that are permitted under raised floors in Table 645.5.




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10.4.3 * Abandoned Cables.

The accessible portion of abandoned cables shall be removed unless contained in a raceway.


Thhe requirement to remove abandoned cables is in the NEC and does not need to be repeated in this standard.




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10.4.5 Installed Circuits and Cables Identified for Future Use.

10.4.5.1

Circuits and cables shall be permitted to be installed in information technology equipment areas andidentified for future use if they comply with 10.4.5.2 and 10.4.5.3 .

10.4.5.2

The circuits and cables shall be marked with a tag of sufficient durability to withstand the environmentinvolved.

10.4.5.3

The tags shall have the following information:

(1) Date identified for future use

(2) Date of intended use

(3) Information relating to the intended future use


These requirements are in the NEC and do not need to be repeated in this standard.




Affilliation: SPI

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*A.10.4.6.1 Due to the criticality of ITE to operations and life safety, a sequential shutdown maybe appropriate. The strategic importance placed on information technology equipment andinformation technology areas by the user is vitally tied to uninterrupted operation of the system.Consequently, the partial or total loss of this equipment could cause an entire operation of vitalnature to be temporarily or permanently paralyzed. A risk assessment would factor in thecriticality of the operation, including life safety, as well as the presence of

an approved procedure to identify shutdown procedures under identified condition

trained and qualified personnel who can perform sequential shutdown or meet emergencyresponders and advise them of disconnecting methods

smoke-sensing fire detection systems installed in the information technology equipmentroom

fire suppression system suitable for the application installed in the information technologyequipment room

power and signal cabling installed in accordance with Article 645 of NFPA 70


New annex material is provided to emphasize the need for risk assessment and to identify considerations that should be made in a risk assessment. This performance-based PI relies on NEC Article 645 for installation requirements because that is the only place in NEC where disconnecting means for ITE is required, despite the fact that Article 645 is not mandatory. A companion public input #85-NFPA 75-2013 identifies the need for a risk assessment.




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10.4.6.1 * An approved means shall be provided

to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in the

that, in the event of a fire, disconnects electrical energy from the affected area or zones within theinformation technology equipment room

or in designated zones within the room

in a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment described in Chapter 4, andinstalled in accordance with NFPA 70 .










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10.4.6.1

An approved means shall be provided to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in the informationtechnology equipment room or in designated zones within the room or in designated zones within the room that, in the event of a fire, shall disconnect electrical energy from the affected area or zones within theinformation technology equipment room in a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the riskassessment described in Chapter 4, and installed in accordance with NFPA 70 Article 645 .


The existing language is modified so that the unplanned shutdown of electronic equipment (e.g., servers, storage devices, etc.) will be based upon the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment permitted in Chapter 4. . A separate PI proposes new annex material to emphasize the need for risk assessment and to identify considerations that should be made in a risk assessment.




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10.4.6.2

There

* An approved means shall be

a similar approved means

provided to disconnect

the

power to

all dedicated HVAC systems serving the room or designated zones

the critical equipment HVAC in a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the riskassessment described in Chapter 4 .


The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard. This PI modifies the text of 10.4.6.2 to make the manner of disconnecting HVAC dependent upon the results of a risk assessment in Chapter 4. A new Annex is created aid in the risk assessment and to explain the basis for when automatic shutdown is or is not appropriate.




Public Input No. 113-NFPA 75-2013 [Section No. 10.4.6.1]





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10.4.6.2

ThereAn approved means shall be

a similar approved meansprovided to disconnect

thepower to

all dedicated HVAC systems serving the room or designated zones.the critical equipment HVAC in a manner appropriate to the degree of risk identified by the riskassessment described in Chapter 4

<<NEW ANNEX>>

*A.10.4.6.2 Cooling of information technology equipment is critical to its operation. Today’s IT serversrun applications that are critical to business continuity and frequently have life safety implications.Unplanned shutdown of the IT equipment can cause loss of control over life support systems, emergencyresponse systems, security systems and loss of essential data in process. Therefore, it may beundesirable – or even dangerous – to automatically shut down equipment that is not directly involved in afire.

Modern server racks contain multiple processing units which can create a large amount of heat. Storagetechnology can handle many terabytes of data. If air conditioning equipment used to cool the ITE is shutdown, temperatures can increase by as much as 40 degrees in a matter of minutes, potentially causingmore damage than the heat of a small electronic fire. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain cooling air flowfor as long as possible.

Thermal sensing devices are built in to individual servers to immediately depower overheating componentsin an attempt to prevent permanent damage to entire server systems. If a single server or single serverrack is shut down by thermal protective devices, other servers would generally remain available to maintainfunctionality. But if the room or area environmental cooling air suddenly would cease due to initiation of afire detector under a raised floor, all equipment in the area could shut down on thermal overload. Thiswould cause the uncontrolled loss of all functions provided by the IT equipment, thereby resulting inpotentially serious consequences.

Fire suppression systems used in IT facilities are often designed to detect and extinguish fire in its incipientstage while cooling air flow through the facility is maintained and servers remain running. If depowering ofequipment is required as part of the fire protection, such depowering is generally done in a planned,programmed sequence to minimize loss of data. When an IT facility is providing support or control relatedto life safety or security, the depowering sequence typically includes provision to transfer support or controlfunctions to a backup IT facility.

Determination of when it is safe to shut off ventilation to the IT equipment is part of the planned depoweringsequence. In IT facilities protected by automatic gaseous extinguishing systems, the activation of morethan one detector is usually required to confirm existence of fire and thereby release the fire extinguishinggas. Air flow is taken into account in locating smoke detectors.

Cessation of normal air flow upon activation of a single smoke detector can delay the activation ofadditional smoke detectors in the IT facility and thereby delay release of automatic gaseous extinguishingagent in facilities equipped with such systems.

The subject of airflow and its effect on fire detection in IT facilities and telecommunications facilities is thesubject of ongoing research. Recent research indicates that, for the type of fire typical in IT facilities,extinguishment may actually be aided by continuous flow of air through the fire zone. The airflow helpsmaintain air pressure, cool the fire zone and, because of the typically smoldering nature of these fires intheir early stages, can reduce the amount of heat available to be carried by conduction to nearby materials.

Upon detection of smoke or fire anywhere within the IT facility, personnel will be alerted to the danger bythe fire alarm system. Personnel are given the opportunity for appropriate evacuation or response to thealarm, contingent upon their prior training and qualifications.

.

.



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This PI modifies the text of 10.4.6.2 to make the manner of disconnecting HVAC dependent upon the results of a risk assessment in Chapter 4. A new Annex is created aid in the risk assessment and to explain the basis for when automatic shutdown is or is not appropriate.




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10.4.6.3

Activation of an HVAC disconnecting means shall , where required, shall cause all required fire/smokedampers to close and shall be based on the risk assessment described in Chapters 4 and 5 and therequirements of 10 .4.6.2.










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10.4.6.4

Disconnecting

* Disconnecting means shall be implemented by one of the methods listed in

10.4.6.4.1 through 10.4.6.4.2 .

10.4.6.4.1 Remote Disconnect Controls.

10.4.6.4.1.1

Remote disconnect controls shall be located at approved locations readily accessible in case of fire toauthorized personnel and emergency responders.

10.4.6.4.1.2

The remote disconnect controls for the control of electronic equipment power and HVAC systems shall begrouped and identified.

10.4.6.4.1.3

A single means to control both shall be permitted.

10.4.6.4.1.4

Where multiple zones are created, each zone shall have an approved means to confine fire or products ofcombustion to within the zone.

10.4.6.4.1.5

Additional means to prevent unintentional operation of remote disconnect controls shall be permitted.

10.4.6.4.2 Alternative Disconnecting Means.

Remote disconnecting controls shall not be required when all the following criteria are met:

An approved procedure has been established and maintained for removing power and air movement withinthe room or zone.

Qualified personnel are continuously available to meet emergency responders and to advise them ofdisconnecting methods.

A smoke-sensing fire detection system in accordance with Chapter 8 .

An approved fire protection system in accordance with Chapter 8 .

Cables installed under a raised floor, other than branch circuit wiring and power cords installed incompliance with NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code , Sections 645.5(D)(2) or (3), or are in compliance withNFPA 70 Sections 300.22(C), 725.154(A), and 770.113(C), and Table 770.154(A); Section 800.113(C) andTable 800.154(A); or Section 820.113(C) and Table 820.154(A).

NFPA 70 Article 645 as determined by the risk assessment described in Chapter 4 and 5.


This PI is performance based. It says a disconnecting means is required, but the prescriptive method of installation is left up to NEC 645.10 New Annex material is proposed for 10.4.6.4. It explains the purpose of the disconnecting means and provides examples of criteria for consideration in a risk assessment prior to the design and implementation of a disconnecting means, per Chapter 4 of this document. The input represents the work of the Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard and the Task Group of NFPA 75 on Utilities.







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Public Input No. 89-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 10.4.6.4.1 ]

10.4.6.4.1 Remote Disconnect Controls.

10.4.6.4.1.1

Remote disconnect controls shall be located at approved locations readily accessible in case of fire toauthorized personnel and emergency responders.

10.4.6.4.1.2

The remote disconnect controls for the control of electronic equipment power and HVAC systems shall begrouped and identified.

10.4.6.4.1.3

A single means to control both shall be permitted.

10.4.6.4.1.4

Where multiple zones are created, each zone shall have an approved means to confine fire or products ofcombustion to within the zone.

10.4.6.4.1.5

Additional means to prevent unintentional operation of remote disconnect controls shall be permitted.


This PI deletes the prescriptive requirements that duplicate what is in the NEC. An associated proposal on 10.4.6.4 refers the reader to NFPA 70 section 645.10 and requires a risk assessment per Chapter 4.




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Public Input No. 90-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. 10.4.6.4.2 ]

10.4.6.4.2 Alternative Disconnecting Means.

Remote disconnecting controls shall not be required when all the following criteria are met:

(1) An approved procedure has been established and maintained for removing power and air movementwithin the room or zone.

(2) Qualified personnel are continuously available to meet emergency responders and to advise them ofdisconnecting methods.

(3) A smoke-sensing fire detection system in accordance with Chapter 8 .

(4) An approved fire protection system in accordance with Chapter 8 .

(5) Cables installed under a raised floor, other than branch circuit wiring and power cords installed incompliance with NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code , Sections 645.5(D)(2) or (3), or are incompliance with NFPA 70 Sections 300.22(C), 725.154(A), and 770.113(C), and Table 770.154(A);Section 800.113(C) and Table 800.154(A); or Section 820.113(C) and Table 820.154(A).


This PI deletes the prescriptive requirements that duplicate what is in the NEC. An associated proposal on 10.4.6.4 refers the reader to NFPA 70 section 645.10 and requires a risk assessment per Chapter 4.




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10.4.6.5 *

Installations qualifying under the provisions of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 685, shall bepermitted.

<<ADD NEW ANNEX>>

* A.10.4.6.5 NEC Article 685 is for “integrated electrical systems.” It could include information technologyequipment that is integrated into the controls of complex industrial processes. Locating overcurrentdevices and their associated disconnection means so that they are not readily accessible to unqualifiedpersonnel is one of the preventative measures used to help maintain continuity of operation and to preventinjury to personnel, severe equipment damage, or catastrophic failure.


This PI proposes a new annex. It explains what Article 685 is about and why it would sometimes include information technology equipment. It addresses the need for disconnecting means to be inaccessible to unqualified personnel.




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10.4.8 * Grounding.

All exposed non–current-carrying metal parts of an information technology system shall be bonded to theequipment grounding conductor in accordance with Article 250 [of NFPA 70 , National Electrical Code ], orshall be double insulated. Power systems derived within listed information technology equipment thatsupply information technology systems through receptacles or cable assemblies supplied as part of thisequipment shall not be considered separately derived for the purpose of applying 250.30 [of NFPA 70 ].Where signal reference structures are installed, they shall be bonded to the equipment grounding conductorprovided for the information technology equipment. [ 70: 645.15]

System grounding and equipment grounding and bonding of information technology equipment shall be inaccordance with NFPA 70 Article 645 and other sections referenced therein.


This PI proposes to delete the prescriptive requirements that duplicate what is already in NEC Article 645.15. We note that the existing text does not include changes that have been made in NEC-2014, which includes a new section 645.14 for system grounding. This proposal directs the reader to NEC Art. 645.




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There shall be a management-approved written, dated, and annually tested emergency fireplan emergency plan in accordance with NFPA 1600 .


These facilities should have emergency plans and they should be correlated with NFPA 1600.


Submitter Full Name: Doug Hohbein

Organization: Northcentral Fire Code Develop

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Public Input No. 93-NFPA 75-2013 [ Sections A.1.2, A.3.2.1 ]

Sections A.1.2, A.3.2.1

A.1.2

This standard does not cover installation of

“The prescriptive requirements of this standard are intended to provide fire protection for traditionalinformation technology equipment and facilities, such as an information technology equipment

areas that can be made without special construction or protection. It can, however, be used as amanagement guide for the installation of electrically powered mechanical information technologyequipment, small tabletop or desk-type units, and information technology equipment.

The strategic importance placed on information technology equipment and areas by the user is vitally tiedto uninterrupted operation of the system. Consequently, by the partial or entire loss of this equipment, anentire operation of vital nature could be temporarily paralyzed.

Not to be overlooked are the one-of-a-kind information technology systems. These are the custom-mademodels that are designed to perform specific tasks. Replacement units for this type of equipment are notavailable, and the probability of the existence of duplicate facilities, which could be used to perform vitaloperations in the event that the one-of-a-kind systems are partially or totally impaired by a fire, is remote.

room and a record storage area serving a single enterprise, as have been commonly configured from the1960s to the early 2000s. More recently configured information technology facilities may be very different insize, equipment density, equipment cooling arrangements, physical separations, the number of usersserved by a single facility and other characteristics. The fire risk analysis required by Chapter 4 is intendedto reveal any causes that justify modification of the prescriptive requirements of this standard for a specificfacility. Alternative means to provide fire protection may be developed for a specific facility as permitted by1.6.”

.

A.3.2.1 Approved.

The National Fire Protection Association does not approve, inspect, or certify any installations, procedures,equipment, or materials; nor does it approve or evaluate testing laboratories. In determining theacceptability of installations, procedures, equipment, or materials, the authority having jurisdiction may baseacceptance on compliance with NFPA or other appropriate standards. In the absence of such standards,said authority may require evidence of proper installation, procedure, or use. The authority havingjurisdiction may also refer to the listings or labeling practices of an organization that is concerned withproduct evaluations and is thus in a position to determine compliance with appropriate standards for thecurrent production of listed items.







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75 of 84 2/11/2014 8:40 AM

Public Input No. 99-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after A.4.1.3 ]

A.4.2.3 EXTENT OF FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT

An fire risk assessment should not be selec ve to just a par cular area, hazard or equipment without considering theimpact on the en re complex/structure.


Makes it clear that when a fire risk assessment is used to support performance based design alternatives where such are permitted by the standard, the fire risk assessment must cover the entire facility examining the effect of any performance based design alternative on all areas. The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard.



Public Input No. 98-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after 4.1.3]





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Public Input No. 97-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. A.4.1.3 ]

A.4.1.3

The protection for information technology equipment and information technology equipment areas shouldbe specific to the nature and anticipated fire risks of each facility. The risk analysis should consider the riskand hazards associated with the site and services provided for a given fire safety problem. Additionalconsiderations can include the following:

(1) Availability of alternative information technology equipment or information technology equipmentrooms

(2) Permitted downtime of information technology equipment

(3) Presence of additional fire protection and detection equipment proximate to information technologyequipment room

(4) Survivability of the information technology equipment and information technology equipment roomenvironment

(5) Number and training of emergency response personnel

(6) Building construction

It is not the intent of the risk analysis to permit any deviation from an existing installation requirement.

NFPA 551, Guide for the Evalua on of Fire Risk Assessments can be used as a reference guide for conduc ng and

evalua ng fire risk assessments.


Provides a reference to a guide for risk assessments. This input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard.








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Public Input No. 122-NFPA 75-2013 [ New Section after A.10.3 ]

TITLE OF NEW CONTENT

Type your content here ...

A10.3.1 In order for the installation of electrical wiring and optical fiber cabling to conform to the NationalElectrical Code, the applicable Articles in the Code need to be identified. The 2014 NEC has a new Article,Article 646, Modular Data Centers. Consequently, the first step in applying the NEC is to review thedefinition of a Modular Data Center in 646.2 and determine whether data center is a modular data center. Ifit is a modular data center, then the installation is required to conform to Article 646 and all other sections ofthe NEC that are referenced therein.

If the data center is not a modular data center, the next step is to determine if Article 645, InformationTechnology Equipment, is applicable. Since Article 645 covers information technology equipment in aninformation technology room, review the definitions of Information Technology Equipment and InformationTechnology Room in 645.2. If the installation comprises information technology equipment in an informationtechnology room, Article 645 may be applicable to the installation.

Article 645 is a permissive Article. Section 645.4 states:

“This article shall be permitted to provide alternate wiring methods to the provisions of Chapter 3 and Article708 for power wiring, Parts I and III of Article 725 for signaling wiring, and Parts I and V of Article 770 foroptical fiber cabling where all of the following conditions are met:”

There are 6 conditions. See 645.4 to review the conditions.

If an installation does not meet the 6 conditions, then Article 645 is not permitted to be used and theprovisions of Chapter 3 must be followed for power wiring and the provisions of Articles 725 and 770 mustbe followed for data wiring and optical fiber cabling. Even if a data center meets the 6 conditions, it ispermissible to opt out of Article 645 and follow all the rules in Chapter 3 and Articles 725 and 770.

Regardless of whether Articles 645 is used, installations of power wiring must comply with Chapters 1, 2and 4 and installations of communications wiring must comply with Chapter 8, Communications.


Deciding what parts of the NEC are applicable is not a simple task. Consequently a new Annex section, A10.3.1, is proposed to provide guidance to the applicability of the National Electrical Code to data centers.




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A.10.4.6.1 Due to the criticality of ITE to operations and life safety, a sequentialshutdown may be appropriate. The strategic importance placed on informationtechnology equipment and information technology areas by the user is vitally tiedto uninterrupted operation of the system. Consequently, the partial or total loss ofthis equipment could cause an entire operation of vital nature to be temporarily orpermanently paralyzed. A risk assessment would factor in the criticality of theoperation, including life safety, as well as the presence of

(1) an approved procedure to identify shutdown procedures under identifiedcondition

(2) trained and qualified personnel who can perform sequential shutdown or meet emergencyresponders and advise them of disconnecting methods

(3) smoke-sensing fire detection systems installed in the information technology equipment room

(4) fire suppression system suitable for the application installed in the informationtechnology equipment room

(5) power and signal cabling installed in accordance with Article 645 of NFPA 70


The existing language is modified so that the unplanned shutdown of electronic equipment (e.g., servers, storage devices, etc.) will be based upon the degree of risk identified by the risk assessment permitted in Chapter 4. New annex material is provided to emphasize the need for risk assessment and to identify considerations that should be made in a risk assessment. This performance-based PI relies on NEC Article 645 for installation requirements. The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard.









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A.10.4.6.2 Cooling of ITE is critical to its operation.Today’s IT servers runapplications that are critical to business continuity and frequently have life safetyimplications. Unplanned shutdown of the IT equipment can cause loss of controlover life support systems, emergency response systems, security systems and lossof essential data in process.Therefore, it may be undesirable – or even dangerous –to automatically shut down equipment that is not directly involved in a fire.

Modern server racks contain multiple processing units which can create a largeamount of heat. If air conditioning equipment used to cool the servers is shut down,temperatures can increase by as much as 40 degrees in a matter of minutes,potentially causing more damage than the heat of a small electronic fire. Therefore,it is desirable to maintain cooling air flow for as long as possible.

Thermal sensing devices are built in to individual servers to immediately depoweroverheating components in an attempt to prevent permanent damage to entireserver. If a single server or single server rack is shut down by thermal protectivedevices, other servers would generally remain available to maintain functionality.But if the room or area environmental cooling air suddenly would cease due toinitiation of a fire detector under a raised floor, all equipment in the area could shutdown on thermal overload. This would cause the uncontrolled loss of all functionprovided by the IT equipment resulting in potentially serious consequences.

Fire suppression systems used in IT facilities are often designed to detect andextinguish fire in its incipient stage while cooling air flow through the facility ismaintained and servers remain running. If depowering of equipment is required aspart of the fire protection, such depowering is generally done in a planned,programmed sequence to minimize loss of data. When an IT facility is providingsupport or control related to life safety or security, the depowering sequencetypically includes provision to transfer support or control functions to a backup ITfacility.

Determination of when it is safe to shut off ventilation to the IT equipment is part ofthe planned depowering sequence.In IT facilities protected by automatic gaseousextinguishing systems, the activation of more than one detector is usually requiredto confirm existence of fire and thereby release the fire extinguishing gas. Air flowis taken into account in locating smoke detectors.

Cessation of normal air flow upon activation of a single smoke detector can delaythe activation of additional smoke detectors in the IT facility and thereby delayrelease of automatic gaseous extinguishing agent in facilities equipped with suchsystems.

The subject of airflow and its effect on fire detection in IT facilities andtelecommunications facilities is the subject of ongoing research.Recent researchindicates that, for the type of fire typical in IT facilities, extinguishment may actuallybe aided by continuous flow of air through the fire zone. The airflow helps cool thefire zone and, because of the typically smoldering nature of these fires in their earlystages, can reduce the amount of heat available to be carried by conduction tonearby materials.

Upon detection of smoke or fire anywhere within the IT facility, personnel will bealerted to the danger by the fire alarm system.Personnel are given the opportunityfor appropriate evacuation or response to the alarm, contingent upon their priortraining and qualifications.


Provides explanatory material for revised 10.4.6.2 to aid in fire risk assessment. The input represents the work of a Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes


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in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard.









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*A.10.4.6.4 Disconnecting means The purpose of a disconnecting means is toremove electrical energy from the source of a fire so that emergency responders donot have to fight an electrical fire. The objective of a well-designed disconnectingmeans (commonly referred to as “emergency power off” or “EPO”) is to maximizethe safety of personnel and to minimize the impact on the operation of theinformation technology equipment (ITE).

A poorly designed, poorly installed , or poorly maintained disconnecting means canbecome a single point of failure that can have severe negative impact on theoperation of information technology equipment and, by extension, life safety that isdependent upon the proper and continued operation of the IT equipment.

A good design can allow the creation of “zones.”A zone can include everythingneeded to prevent the spread of a fire, including detection, suppression, and powerdisconnection.Zones minimize impact on the safety of personnel in the informationtechnology equipment area and on the number of IT devices affected.

The decision on the manner of disconnecting means is based on the riskassessment described in Chapter 4.The assessment will include, but is not limitedto considerations such as:

(1) What is the criticality of the operation?

(2) What would be the consequences of unplanned shut-down?On life safety?Onmission performance?

(3) Can operations be transferred elsewhere in a timely manner?

(4) Is there an approved procedure for removing power and air within a room orzone?

(5) Are qualified personnel available at all hours who can manually andsafelydisconnect the effected equipment?

(6) Are personnel available who are trained and certified as first responders?

(7) Is fire suppression in place that can localize the impact on equipment that is notinvolved in the fire?

(8) Are smoke-sensing detectors already in place within the room or zone (perrequirements of 8.2) , and what is their sensitivity and reliability?

(9) What is the possibility of accidental operation of the disconnecting means?

(10) Does the complexity of the system increase or decrease the probability of afalse alarm shutdown?


New Annex material is proposed for 10.4.6.4. It explains the purpose of the disconnecting means and provides examples of criteria for consideration in a risk assessment prior to the design and implementation of a disconnecting means, per Chapter 4 of this document. The input represents the work of the Task Group of the NFPA 75 technical committee charged with updating the standard to account for recent changes in the operation of data centers by permitting performance based designs for specific provisions of the standard and the Task Group of NFPA 75 on Utilities.







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Public Input No. 116-NFPA 75-2013 [New Section after A.10.4.3]






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Public Input No. 6-NFPA 75-2013 [ Section No. E.1.2.1 ]

E.1.2.1 ASTM Publications.

ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P. O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.

ASTM E 84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2007 2013 .


date update




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Technical Committee on Electronic Computer Systems (ELT …...ELT-AAA Wayne J. Aho Principal...

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