Intelligent CIO APAC Issue 09 | Page 77

t cht lk case scenario , the joint can heat up to the burning point and potentially cause a fire in the data center .

t cht lk case scenario , the joint can heat up to the burning point and potentially cause a fire in the data center .

Bolted joints must frequently be checked via thermal imaging and re-torqued in order to maintain busway joint integrity . This adds to maintenance troubles and costs , especially in large data centers where thousands of bolted joints must be continuously serviced .
You should also avoid male and female joint couplings , which are easy to install incorrectly . The two busway sections must be perfectly aligned with each other and a misaligned coupling can result in a poor electrical connection between sections .
Plug-in units
The plug-in units ( a . k . a . tap boxes ) distribute the branch circuit power load from the busways to the servers , racks or other equipment . Plug-in units can be easily added or removed to the busway units as needed .
Safety of plug-in units is a primary concern , especially for facility engineers who often need to install tap boxes on live busways . At the most basic level , every plugin unit from any vendor will have a grounding tab or device , which automatically grounds the unit prior to the electrical connection of the conductors into the busbars .
However , you should look for a busway solution with additional safety features :
First , the design of the busway itself contributes to safety where plug-in units are concerned . An asymmetrical U-shaped busbar design makes it impossible to install a plug-in unit incorrectly . This in turn makes it impossible to cross live phases or ground paths when installing the plug-in unit into a live busway .
You should look for a busway solution where the plugin units come with optional safety accessories . These might include :
• ‘ Floor operable ’ electrical connections – You can insert a plug-in unit into a live busway , step back to a safe distance and use a hook stick to turn the unit , which connects the paddle to the busbar and makes the electrical connection .
• Breaker interlocks – A metal locking piece that prevents the unit from being installed or uninstalled while the breakers are on and the unit is under load .
• Finger shrouds – A plastic ‘ shroud ’ cover that prevents the breaker switches on the unit from being turned off by accidental contact , i . e . during maintenance work on nearby server cabinets .
• IR Windows – Infra-Red windows that allow for scanning of the plug-in unit ’ s internal power connections without performing hazardous work around live conductors .
Power monitoring
Today , many data center owners do power monitoring at the PDU and rack PDU level . But this is not enough . For a more complete package of data , and to ensure the reliability and safety of your entire power distribution system , you should look for a busway solution that allows you to do critical power monitoring at various points along your busway runs .
A power monitoring system should have the ability to send out pre-set alarms in the event of a failure or emergency . For example , if a busway end feed rises to within 10 degrees of an unsafe temperature ( i . e . ~ 85 ° C ), the power monitoring system should have the ability to send an automatic email alert , or to provide that data to your BMS or DCIM , to warn you that a cable installation is potentially overheating and may cause a fire .
The monitoring system should also offer breakerposition sensing , which allows you to monitor whether plug-in units are operating correctly . Again , the system should allow you to pre-set alarms , so if , for example , a plug-in unit suddenly shuts off , you will receive an automatic email alert , indicating that a server rack may have overheated and triggered the breaker .
Conclusion
For data center owners , CSEs and others who are seeking power delivery solutions , the ultimate goal in selecting a busway system should be peace of mind . You want the certainty and confidence that your power distribution system will always be able to deliver the power you need to your servers , racks or equipment .
A reliable busway system is not just a power solution . It provides a competitive advantage , allowing your data center or other facility to stay operational . This ensures that your company will always be productive and able to deliver products or services to your customers .
At the same time , it is essential to select a busway system that will guarantee the safety of your workers , with the flexibility to adapt to the layout and changing power needs of your facility . If you evaluate the elements of a busway system based on these three qualities – reliability , flexibility and safety – and look for an experienced and highly-qualified provider who can also be a reliable business partner , you ’ ll be able to choose a busway solution that will effectively serve your power distribution needs over the long run . p
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