The emergency power off (EPO) switch is a device that allows you to quickly shut off electrical equipment during an emergency. An EPO switch reduces the danger posed by electrical fires and flooding during fire sprinkler activation. Typically, data centers, manufacturing plants, water treatment plants, and other commercial location that house electrical equipment will all use EPO switches.
During an emergency, every second matters. EPO systems are not a trivial issue when it comes to limiting the damages caused by fire. Accordingly, having the right system can speed up shutdowns and maintenance routines. By the same token, decentralized and inefficient systems slow you down during an emergency. The reality is, many build EPO systems only to meet the minimum code requirements. Such installs are usually jury-rigged with relays and shunt-trip breakers, which offer no way to reliably monitor or maintain your system. Moreover, it is even more difficult to expand or modify these systems once they are already in place.
The fire alarm industry operates according to codes, mandating that systems adhere to specific designs in accordance with local authorities. These codes play a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of fire systems. As such, you can find many of the guiding principles behind EPO controls and shutdown systems in national code standards.
In the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, it is necessary to have an orderly shutdown to minimize personnel hazard and equipment damage in integrated electrical systems. Part of this shutdown process involves an emergency stop switch, which is a device that cuts off electric power independently of the regular operating controls. In section 685.1, the prerequisites of these integrated systems are the following:
The NFPA 75 permits the interconnection of separate IT equipment with listed cables and cable assemblies. It also requires the provision of a method to disconnect power to all electronic equipment in the IT equipment area or room, as well as a separate method to disconnect power to all dedicated HVAC systems and equipment. To understand whether or not your facility requires an EPO system, it is recommended to conduct a fire risk analysis to identify your primary fire risks. In certain facilities, such as data centers, it is highly recommended and sometimes necessary to have an emergency power shutdown system.
With the rise of cloud technology and providers, the number of data centers are expected to rise significantly. The International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that the amount of new data created globally will raise to 175 zettabytes by 2025. This is compared to the creation of approximately 59 zettabytes in 2020. UL Solutions also found that the average total cost of a data center downtime incident is nearly $700,000. The costs are worsened when shutdown events are not handled in an organized and systematic manner.
Data centers generate a massive amount of heat and have numerous fire hazards present. Hence, they are often subject to electrical fires, overheating, and other security concerns. With this, the need for effective emergency shutdown systems are increasing.
EPO systems are required if your data center has access flooring for HVAC or cabling. However, efficient handling of emergency situations can also save your company money in the long run. Tackling emergency shutdown in a centralized manner allows for faster shutdown and restart times, resulting in longer uptime for your data center. Moreover, EPO switches should follow best practices, which means having relevant signage and switch covers to prevent accidental activation of the system.
To avoid the complications of using a decentralized EPO system, use Fike’s Emergency Power Shutdown Management System (EPSMS). Fike’s EPSMS addresses these concerns by centralizing your controls, monitors, and circuits all in one place. Additionally, the EPSMS can coordinate your shutdowns, separating controls between HVAC and your other electrical devices. To add, in the event that the EPO system is used, the restart time is much shorter than decentralized EPO systems. This is especially impactful for facilities where downtime results in lost revenue.
The EPSMS features a NEMA 1 enclosure with a hinged door, black finish, with a flush or surface mount. Furthermore, The EPSMS also incorporates an EPO switch that is installed beneath a transparent, hinged cover, to mitigate the chances of accidental activation and the subsequent disruption of business operations. Such incidents have historically led to significant data center downtime, often because the button has been misinterpreted as a door release. Since Fike’s system offers a single point of control, it facilitates an orderly shutdown of many integrated systems simultaneously.
Models:
Feature List:
Emergency power controls are an extremely vital part of a complete fire safety system. The Fike EPSMS is designed to meet the best practices in EPO controls. To illustrate, it features a centralized control and monitoring panel that aligns with the code standards listed in the NFPA 70 and 75. Make sure you check on your local codes to know which of the NFPA’s standards have been adopted by your town’s legislating officials.
