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ANSI/BICSI 002-2019

Data Center Design and


Implementation Best Practices

Committee Approval: January 21, 2019


ANSI Final Action: February 8, 2019
First Published: May 1, 2019

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BICSI International Standards

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Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ................................................................................................................................... xxvii

1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2.1 Users Within IT .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.2 Users Within Facilities Group .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2.3 Staff Outside IT and Facilities Groups ....................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Categories of Criteria..................................................................................................................................... 2

2 Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 2

3 Required Standards and Documents ............................................................................................ 3

4 Definitions, Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Units of Measurement .......................................... 7


4.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 25
4.3 Units of Measurement .................................................................................................................................. 27

5 Site Selection ................................................................................................................................. 29


5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 29
5.2 Site Evaluation .............................................................................................................................................. 29
5.2.1 General Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 29
5.2.2 General Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 29
5.2.3 Risk Assessment ....................................................................................................................................... 29
5.2.4 Cost Evaluation Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 30
5.2.5 Existing Facilities Requirements .............................................................................................................. 30
5.3 Natural Hazards ........................................................................................................................................... 31
5.3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 31
5.3.2 General Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 31
5.3.3 Seismic Activity ....................................................................................................................................... 31
5.3.4 Volcanic Activity ...................................................................................................................................... 31
5.3.5 Wildfire..................................................................................................................................................... 33
5.3.6 Flood Plains .............................................................................................................................................. 33
5.3.7 Wind ......................................................................................................................................................... 34
5.4 Natural Environment ................................................................................................................................... 34
5.4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 34
5.4.2 Ground Stability ....................................................................................................................................... 34
5.4.3 Lightning .................................................................................................................................................. 35
5.4.4 Groundwater ............................................................................................................................................. 36
5.4.5 Air Quality ................................................................................................................................................ 36
5.4.6 Noise ......................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.4.7 Other Topography and Natural Environment Recommendations ............................................................. 37
5.5 Man-Made Hazards ..................................................................................................................................... 37
5.5.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 37
5.5.2 Recommended Separation Distances ........................................................................................................ 37
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5.5.3 Other Recommendations .......................................................................................................................... 37

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5.6 Site Access and Location .............................................................................................................................. 39


5.6.1 Public Road Access Recommendations .................................................................................................... 39
5.6.2 Adjacent Property ..................................................................................................................................... 40
5.6.3 Proximity to Existing or Redundant Data Center...................................................................................... 40
5.6.4 Security and Emergency Services ............................................................................................................. 40
5.6.5 Proximity to Skilled Labor........................................................................................................................ 40
5.7 Utility Services .............................................................................................................................................. 41
5.7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 41
5.7.2 Power and Electrical Service .................................................................................................................... 41
5.7.3 Communications ....................................................................................................................................... 44
5.7.4 Water Service ............................................................................................................................................ 45
5.7.5 Sanitary Sewer .......................................................................................................................................... 47
5.7.6 Natural Gas and Other Fuels ..................................................................................................................... 47
5.8 Regulations (Local, Regional, Country) ..................................................................................................... 48
5.8.1 Air Quality Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 48
5.8.2 Noise Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 48
5.8.3 Towers and Tall Structures Requirements ................................................................................................ 48
5.8.4 Fuel Tanks Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 48
5.8.5 Generator Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 48
5.8.6 Site Access and Required Parking ............................................................................................................ 48
5.8.7 Setbacks and Sight Lines .......................................................................................................................... 48
5.8.8 Environmental Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 48

6 Space Planning ..............................................................................................................................49


6.1 Overall Facility Capacity ............................................................................................................................. 49
6.1.1 General ...................................................................................................................................................... 49
6.1.2 Module and Modular Design .................................................................................................................... 49
6.2 Power Systems .............................................................................................................................................. 50
6.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 50
6.2.2 Electric Utility Service Feeds ................................................................................................................... 56
6.2.3 Generator Power ....................................................................................................................................... 56
6.3 Cooling Capacity........................................................................................................................................... 57
6.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 57
6.3.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 58
6.3.3 Additional Information ............................................................................................................................. 59
6.4 Data Center Supporting Spaces................................................................................................................... 59
6.4.1 Adjacencies of Functional Spaces............................................................................................................. 59
6.4.2 Security ..................................................................................................................................................... 61
6.4.3 Telecommunications Entrance Room ....................................................................................................... 62
6.4.4 Command Center ...................................................................................................................................... 63
6.4.5 Helpdesk ................................................................................................................................................... 63
6.4.6 Print........................................................................................................................................................... 63
6.4.7 Loading Dock ........................................................................................................................................... 63
6.4.8 Storage ...................................................................................................................................................... 64
6.4.9 Engineering Offices .................................................................................................................................. 64
6.4.10 Administrative .......................................................................................................................................... 65
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6.4.11 Environmental Design .............................................................................................................................. 65


6.4.12 Waste/Recycle .......................................................................................................................................... 65
6.5 Placement of Equipment When Using Access Floors ................................................................................ 65
6.5.1 Cooling ..................................................................................................................................................... 65
6.5.2 Power Distribution .................................................................................................................................... 66
6.5.3 Fire Protection Systems ............................................................................................................................ 67

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6.6 Computer Room ........................................................................................................................................... 67


6.6.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 67
6.6.2 Telecommunications Spaces and Areas .................................................................................................... 68
6.6.3 Equipment Racks and Frames .................................................................................................................. 68
6.6.4 Computer Room Layout ........................................................................................................................... 71
6.6.5 Adjacencies and Other Space Considerations........................................................................................... 75
6.7 Design for Performance ............................................................................................................................... 77
6.7.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 77
6.7.2 Data Center Metrics .................................................................................................................................. 78
6.7.3 Scalability ................................................................................................................................................. 79
6.7.4 Instrumentation and Control ..................................................................................................................... 79
6.7.5 Data Center Energy Saving Design Opportunities ................................................................................... 80

7 Architectural .................................................................................................................................. 81
7.1 Facilities Planning ........................................................................................................................................ 81
7.1.1 General Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 81
7.1.2 Site Selection ............................................................................................................................................ 81
7.1.3 Data Center Location Relative to Ground Level ...................................................................................... 82
7.2 General Design Concepts ............................................................................................................................. 82
7.2.1 Levels of Reliability ................................................................................................................................. 82
7.2.2 Facility Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 82
7.2.3 Multiuser Versus Single User Groups ...................................................................................................... 83
7.2.4 Equipment Change Cycle ......................................................................................................................... 83
7.2.5 Occupied Versus Unoccupied Data Centers ............................................................................................. 83
7.2.6 Data Center Location Within Building ..................................................................................................... 83
7.2.7 Type of Building ....................................................................................................................................... 84
7.2.8 Multitenant Buildings ............................................................................................................................... 84
7.2.9 24/7 Operation of Data Center .................................................................................................................. 84
7.2.10 Temperature and Humidity Control.......................................................................................................... 84
7.2.11 Materials ................................................................................................................................................... 84
7.3 General Paths of Access ............................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.1 General Access ......................................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.2 Data Center Access ................................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.3 Equipment Access .................................................................................................................................... 85
7.3.4 Telecommunications Access Provider Entry into Computer Rooms ........................................................ 86
7.3.5 Vendor Access .......................................................................................................................................... 86
7.3.6 Support Equipment Service Access .......................................................................................................... 86
7.4 Planning Detail ............................................................................................................................................. 86
7.4.1 Entry ......................................................................................................................................................... 86
7.4.2 Command Center and Personnel Areas .................................................................................................... 86
7.4.3 Printer Room ............................................................................................................................................ 87
7.4.4 Media Storage Room ................................................................................................................................ 87
7.4.5 Restrooms and Break Rooms.................................................................................................................... 87
7.4.6 Computer Room ....................................................................................................................................... 87
7.4.7 Entrance Rooms ........................................................................................................................................ 87
7.4.8 Mechanical Equipment Space................................................................................................................... 88
7.4.9 Electrical Room and UPS Room .............................................................................................................. 88
7.4.10 Battery Room............................................................................................................................................ 88
7.4.11 Fire Suppression Room ............................................................................................................................ 89
7.4.12 Circulation ................................................................................................................................................ 89
7.4.13 Equipment Staging and Storage................................................................................................................ 89
7.4.14 Equipment Repair Room .......................................................................................................................... 89

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7.5 Construction Considerations ....................................................................................................................... 89


7.5.1 Structure Preparation ................................................................................................................................ 89
7.5.2 Floor Slab.................................................................................................................................................. 89
7.5.3 Computer Room Envelope Wall Construction ......................................................................................... 90
7.5.4 Nonrated Partitions ................................................................................................................................... 90
7.5.5 Vapor/Moisture Seal ................................................................................................................................. 90
7.5.6 Door and Glazed Openings ....................................................................................................................... 90
7.5.7 Fire-Rated Construction ............................................................................................................................ 91
7.5.8 Access Control Systems ............................................................................................................................ 91
7.5.9 Airborne Particles ..................................................................................................................................... 92
7.5.10 Access Flooring Systems .......................................................................................................................... 92
7.5.11 Ceilings ..................................................................................................................................................... 95
7.5.12 Equipment Bracing Systems ..................................................................................................................... 96
7.5.13 Computer Room Finishes ......................................................................................................................... 96
7.5.14 Roof Systems ............................................................................................................................................ 96

8 Structural ........................................................................................................................................97
8.1 Building Code Compliance and Coordination ........................................................................................... 97
8.1.1 Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 97
8.1.2 Additional Information ............................................................................................................................. 97
8.2 Impact of Site Location on Structural Loading ......................................................................................... 97
8.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 97
8.2.2 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................................... 97
8.3 Structural Concerns Specific to Data Center Design ................................................................................ 97
8.3.1 Floor Load ................................................................................................................................................ 97
8.3.2 Raised Access Floors ................................................................................................................................ 98
8.3.3 Mission Critical Equipment in Seismically Active Areas ......................................................................... 98
8.3.4 Wind ......................................................................................................................................................... 99
8.3.5 Earthquake ................................................................................................................................................ 99
8.3.6 Blast and Terrorist Attack ....................................................................................................................... 100
8.3.7 Ice Shard Impact ..................................................................................................................................... 100

9 Electrical Systems .......................................................................................................................101


9.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................... 101
9.1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 101
9.1.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 101
9.1.3 Availability and Uptime .......................................................................................................................... 101
9.1.4 Redundancy ............................................................................................................................................ 102
9.1.5 Capacity Versus Utilization Efficiency ................................................................................................... 102
9.1.6 Electrical Class Ratings .......................................................................................................................... 104
9.2 Utility Service .............................................................................................................................................. 118
9.2.1 Utility Service Planning .......................................................................................................................... 118
9.2.2 Low-Voltage Utility Services ................................................................................................................. 119
9.2.3 Medium-Voltage and High-Voltage Utility Services.............................................................................. 120
9.2.4 Protective Relaying ................................................................................................................................. 120
9.3 Distribution ................................................................................................................................................. 120
9.3.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 120
9.3.2 UPS Rectifier or Motor Inputs ................................................................................................................ 121
9.3.3 Static Switch Bypass Inputs .................................................................................................................... 121
9.3.4 UPS System Bypass ................................................................................................................................ 121
9.3.5 Input Source Transfer ............................................................................................................................. 121
9.3.6 Generator Controls and Paralleling ......................................................................................................... 123
9.3.7 Unit Substations ...................................................................................................................................... 124
9.3.8 UPS Systems ........................................................................................................................................... 124
9.3.9 UPS Output Distribution ......................................................................................................................... 133

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9.3.10 Power Distribution Units (PDUs) ........................................................................................................... 134


9.3.11 Automatic Static Transfer Switches ....................................................................................................... 137
9.3.12 Power Strips............................................................................................................................................ 137
9.3.13 Direct Current (DC) Power Systems ...................................................................................................... 138
9.3.14 Busway Power Distribution .................................................................................................................... 141
9.3.15 Computer Room Equipment Power Distribution .................................................................................... 142
9.3.16 Emergency Power Off (EPO) Systems ................................................................................................... 153
9.3.17 Fault Current Protection and Fault Discrimination ................................................................................. 155
9.4 Mechanical Equipment Support ............................................................................................................... 155
9.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 155
9.4.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 157
9.4.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 157
9.5 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems ........................................................................................ 158
9.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 158
9.5.2 Sizing and Application ........................................................................................................................... 159
9.5.3 Technologies........................................................................................................................................... 161
9.5.4 Paralleling and Controls ......................................................................................................................... 163
9.5.5 Batteries and Stored Energy Systems ..................................................................................................... 164
9.6 Standby and Emergency Power Systems.................................................................................................. 170
9.6.1 Sizing and Application ........................................................................................................................... 170
9.6.2 Starting Systems ..................................................................................................................................... 172
9.6.3 Fuel Systems ........................................................................................................................................... 172
9.6.4 Fuel Tank and Piping .............................................................................................................................. 173
9.6.5 Exhaust Systems ..................................................................................................................................... 173

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9.6.6 Cooling Systems ..................................................................................................................................... 173
9.6.7 Mounting ................................................................................................................................................ 174
9.7 Automation and Control ............................................................................................................................ 174
9.7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 174
9.7.2 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................................. 174
9.7.3 Control .................................................................................................................................................... 175
9.7.4 System Integration .................................................................................................................................. 175
9.8 Lighting ....................................................................................................................................................... 175
9.8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 175
9.8.2 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 176
9.8.3 Computer Rooms .................................................................................................................................... 176
9.8.4 Support Areas ......................................................................................................................................... 177
9.9 Bonding, Grounding, Lightning Protection, and Surge Suppression .................................................... 177
9.9.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 177
9.9.2 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 182
9.9.3 Lightning Protection ............................................................................................................................... 183
9.9.4 Surge Suppression/Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) ............................................................................. 183
9.9.5 Telecommunications Surge Protection ................................................................................................... 185
9.9.6 Building Ground (Electrode) Ring ......................................................................................................... 186
9.9.7 Supplementary Bonding and Grounding ................................................................................................ 186
9.9.8 Information Technology Equipment Interconnections ........................................................................... 192
9.9.9 Power System Bonding and Grounding.................................................................................................. 195
9.10 Labeling and Signage ................................................................................................................................. 200
9.10.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 200
9.10.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 200
9.10.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 201
9.11 Testing and Quality Assurance ................................................................................................................. 202
9.11.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 202
9.11.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 202

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9.12 Ongoing Operations ................................................................................................................................... 202


9.12.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 202
9.13 Electrical Systems Matrix .......................................................................................................................... 202

10 Mechanical Systems ....................................................................................................................221


10.1 Codes, References and Terminology ......................................................................................................... 221
10.1.1 Code Compliance and Coordination ....................................................................................................... 221
10.1.2 References ............................................................................................................................................... 221
10.1.3 Terminology Differences Between Codes and Telecommunications Standards..................................... 221
10.2 Selection of Heat Rejection Systems.......................................................................................................... 222
10.2.1 Temperature and Humidity Requirements .............................................................................................. 222
10.2.2 Equipment Heat Release and Airflow Specifications ............................................................................. 222
10.2.3 Control of Airborne Contaminants (Gases and Particles) ....................................................................... 223
10.3 Heat Rejection and Computer Room Cooling Technologies................................................................... 224
10.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 224
10.3.2 Requirements for All Heat Rejection and Cooling Systems ................................................................... 224
10.3.3 Recommendations for All Heat Rejection and Cooling Systems ............................................................ 224
10.3.4 Fluid Based Heat Rejection and Cooling Systems .................................................................................. 224
10.3.5 Direct Expansion Cooling Systems......................................................................................................... 234
10.3.6 Air-Side Economizer Systems ................................................................................................................ 238
10.3.7 Dual Coil Cooling Solution .................................................................................................................... 241
10.4 Mechanical Class Ratings .......................................................................................................................... 241
10.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 241
10.4.2 Class F0 and F1 Description ................................................................................................................... 241
10.4.3 Class F2 Description ............................................................................................................................... 243
10.4.4 Class F3 Description ............................................................................................................................... 245
10.4.5 Class F4 Description ............................................................................................................................... 247
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10.4.6 Chiller Piping and Valve Redundancy .................................................................................................... 250


10.5 Air Flow Management................................................................................................................................ 252
10.5.1 General Considerations ........................................................................................................................... 252
10.5.2 Introduction to Air Flow Management ................................................................................................... 252
10.5.3 Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Concept................................................................................................................. 253
10.5.4 Access Floor Air Distribution ................................................................................................................. 254
10.5.5 Overhead Air Distribution ...................................................................................................................... 255
10.5.6 Row-Integrated Cooling.......................................................................................................................... 255
10.5.7 Equipment Layout................................................................................................................................... 256
10.5.8 Supply Air Layout .................................................................................................................................. 256
10.5.9 Return Air Layout ................................................................................................................................... 256
10.5.10 Cable Management ................................................................................................................................. 256
10.6 Ventilation (Outside Air) ........................................................................................................................... 256
10.6.1 Computer Rooms .................................................................................................................................... 257
10.6.2 Battery Rooms ........................................................................................................................................ 257
10.7 Other Design Considerations ..................................................................................................................... 258
10.7.1 Humidity Control .................................................................................................................................... 258
10.7.2 Maximum Altitude .................................................................................................................................. 258
10.7.3 Noise Levels ........................................................................................................................................... 258
10.7.4 Supplemental Cooling ............................................................................................................................. 258
10.8 Mechanical Equipment (Design and Operation) Recommendations ..................................................... 260
10.8.1 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 260
10.8.2 Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) and Computer Room Air Handling (CRAH) Units .......... 260
10.8.3 Chilled Water Systems ............................................................................................................................ 260
10.8.4 Chillers .................................................................................................................................................... 261
10.8.5 Cooling Towers....................................................................................................................................... 261
10.8.6 Adiabatic Cooling and Humidification ................................................................................................... 261

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10.8.7 Thermal Storage ..................................................................................................................................... 261


10.8.8 Piping and Pumps ................................................................................................................................... 262
10.8.9 Leak Detection........................................................................................................................................ 262
10.8.10 Water Supplies and Drainage ................................................................................................................. 262
10.8.11 Materials in Air Plenums ........................................................................................................................ 263

11 Fire Protection ............................................................................................................................. 265


11.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 265
11.2 Basic Design Elements................................................................................................................................ 265
11.3 General Requirements and Recommendations........................................................................................ 265
11.3.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 265
11.3.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 266
11.4 Walls, Floors, and Ceilings ........................................................................................................................ 266
11.4.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 266
11.5 Aisle Containment ...................................................................................................................................... 266
11.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 266
11.5.2 Aisle Containment Construction and Materials ...................................................................................... 267
11.5.3 Detection Systems in Contained Spaces ................................................................................................. 267
11.5.4 Suppression Systems in Contained Spaces ............................................................................................. 267
11.5.5 Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 268
11.6 Handheld Fire Extinguishers..................................................................................................................... 269
11.6.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 269
11.6.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 269
11.7 Fire Detection.............................................................................................................................................. 269
11.7.1 Area Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 269
11.7.2 Detector Technology .............................................................................................................................. 270
11.7.3 Early Warning Detection Systems .......................................................................................................... 271
11.8 Fire Suppression ......................................................................................................................................... 271
11.8.1 Water Sprinkler Systems ........................................................................................................................ 271
11.8.2 Gaseous Fire Suppression ....................................................................................................................... 273
11.8.3 Oxygen Depletion Systems..................................................................................................................... 274
11.9 Fire Alarm Systems .................................................................................................................................... 275
11.9.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 275
11.9.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 276
11.9.3 Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 276
11.10 Labeling and Signage ................................................................................................................................. 276
11.10.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 276
11.10.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 276
11.11 Testing and Quality Assurance ................................................................................................................. 276
11.11.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 276
11.11.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 276
11.12 Ongoing Operations ................................................................................................................................... 276
11.12.1 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 276
11.12.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 276
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12 Security ........................................................................................................................................277
12.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 277
12.2 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 278
12.3 Data Center Security Plan ......................................................................................................................... 279
12.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 279
12.3.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 279
12.3.3 Physical Security Plan............................................................................................................................. 280
12.3.4 IT/Cyber Security Plan ........................................................................................................................... 280
12.3.5 Disaster Recovery Plan ........................................................................................................................... 280
12.3.6 Emergency and Other Required Plans .................................................................................................... 280
12.4 Design and the Data Center Security Plan ............................................................................................... 281
12.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 281
12.4.2 General .................................................................................................................................................... 281
12.4.3 Access Control ........................................................................................................................................ 281
12.4.4 Signage and Display Policy and Procedures ........................................................................................... 282
12.4.5 Fire Prevention, Detection, and Suppression .......................................................................................... 282
12.4.6 Monitoring and Alarms Policy and Procedures ...................................................................................... 282
12.4.7 Material Control and Loss Prevention .................................................................................................... 283
12.4.8 Surveillance Policy and Procedure ......................................................................................................... 283
12.5 Building Site Considerations ..................................................................................................................... 283
12.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 283
12.5.2 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 283
12.5.3 Lighting................................................................................................................................................... 284
12.5.4 Perimeter Fencing and Barriers............................................................................................................... 284
12.5.5 Automotive Threats and Concerns .......................................................................................................... 285
12.5.6 Threat History ......................................................................................................................................... 286
12.5.7 Natural Threats and Concerns ................................................................................................................. 286
12.5.8 Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives................................................................ 286
12.5.9 Medical Disasters and Epidemics ........................................................................................................... 287
12.5.10 Crime Prevention Through Environment Design.................................................................................... 287
12.6 Data Center Elements ................................................................................................................................ 288
12.6.1 Barriers ................................................................................................................................................... 288
12.6.2 Lighting................................................................................................................................................... 297
12.6.3 Access Control ........................................................................................................................................ 298
12.6.4 Alarms..................................................................................................................................................... 306
12.6.5 Surveillance ............................................................................................................................................ 307
12.6.6 Time Synchronization ............................................................................................................................. 309
12.7 Building Shell .............................................................................................................................................. 310
12.7.1 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 310
12.7.2 Doorways and Windows ......................................................................................................................... 311
12.7.3 Signage and Displays .............................................................................................................................. 311
12.7.4 Construction ............................................................................................................................................ 311
12.7.5 Elevators ................................................................................................................................................. 311
12.7.6 Emergency Exits ..................................................................................................................................... 312
12.7.7 Utilities ................................................................................................................................................... 312
12.7.8 Hazardous Material Storage .................................................................................................................... 312
12.8 Computer Room and Critical Facility Areas Special Considerations .................................................... 312
12.8.1 General .................................................................................................................................................... 312
12.8.2 Construction ............................................................................................................................................ 313
12.8.3 Eavesdropping ........................................................................................................................................ 313
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12.8.4 Media ...................................................................................................................................................... 313


12.8.5 Fire Prevention ........................................................................................................................................ 313
12.8.6 Dust ......................................................................................................................................................... 313

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12.9 Disaster Recovery Plan .............................................................................................................................. 314


12.9.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 314
12.9.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 314
12.9.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 314
12.9.4 Security Plan and Disaster Recovery ...................................................................................................... 316

13 Facility, Ancillary and IP-enabled Systems .............................................................................. 317


13.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 317
13.2 General Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 317
13.2.1 Spaces ..................................................................................................................................................... 317
13.2.2 Cabling and Cabling Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 317
13.2.3 Enclosures............................................................................................................................................... 317
13.3 General Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 317
13.4 Data Center Infrastructure Management ................................................................................................ 317
13.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 317
13.4.2 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 318
13.5 Facility Systems .......................................................................................................................................... 319
13.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 319
13.5.2 General Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 319
13.5.3 Building Automation and Management Systems ................................................................................... 319
13.5.4 Lighting .................................................................................................................................................. 321
13.6 Electronic Safety and Security Systems.................................................................................................... 321
13.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 321
13.6.2 Cabling Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 321
13.7 Wireless Systems ........................................................................................................................................ 321

14 Telecommunications Cabling, Infrastructure, Pathways and Spaces ................................... 323


14.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 323
14.2 Telecommunications Cabling Infrastructure Classes ............................................................................. 323
14.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 323
14.2.2 Class C0 and C1 Telecommunications Infrastructure............................................................................. 324
14.2.3 Class C2 Telecommunications Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 324
14.2.4 Class C3 Telecommunications Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 327
14.2.5 Class C4 Telecommunications Infrastructure ......................................................................................... 329
14.3 Cabling Topology ....................................................................................................................................... 331
14.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 331
14.3.2 Horizontal Cabling Topology ................................................................................................................. 331
14.3.3 Backbone Cabling Topology .................................................................................................................. 331
14.3.4 Accommodation of Non-Star Configurations ......................................................................................... 331
14.3.5 Redundant Cabling Topologies .............................................................................................................. 331
14.3.6 Low Latency Topology .......................................................................................................................... 333
14.4 Data Center Spaces for Telecommunications .......................................................................................... 333
14.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 333
14.4.2 Design and Structural Requirements ...................................................................................................... 334
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14.4.3 Entrance Rooms ...................................................................................................................................... 334


14.4.4 Main Distribution Area (MDA) .............................................................................................................. 335
14.4.5 Intermediate Distribution Area (IDA) .................................................................................................... 336
14.4.6 Horizontal Distribution Area (HDA) ...................................................................................................... 336
14.4.7 Zone Distribution Area (ZDA) ............................................................................................................... 336
14.4.8 Equipment Distribution Area (EDA) ...................................................................................................... 336
14.5 Outside Plant Cabling Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 337
14.5.1 Underground Service Pathways .............................................................................................................. 337
14.5.2 Aerial Service Pathways ......................................................................................................................... 337

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14.6 Access Providers ......................................................................................................................................... 338


14.6.1 Access Provider Coordination ................................................................................................................ 338
14.6.2 Redundancy ............................................................................................................................................ 339
14.6.3 Access Provider Demarcation ................................................................................................................. 339
14.7 Telecommunications Cabling Pathways ................................................................................................... 343
14.7.1 General .................................................................................................................................................... 343
14.7.2 Security ................................................................................................................................................... 344
14.7.3 Separation of Power and Telecommunications Cabling ......................................................................... 344
14.7.4 Cable Tray Support Systems ................................................................................................................... 345
14.8 Backbone Cabling ....................................................................................................................................... 347
14.8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 347
14.8.2 General Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 347
14.8.3 General Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 347
14.8.4 Cabling Types ......................................................................................................................................... 347
14.8.5 Redundant Backbone Cabling ................................................................................................................. 348
14.8.6 Backbone Cabling Length Limitations ................................................................................................... 348
14.8.7 Centralized Optical Fiber Cabling .......................................................................................................... 349
14.9 Horizontal Cabling ..................................................................................................................................... 350
14.9.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 350
14.9.2 Zone Outlets, Consolidation Points, and Local Distribution Points ........................................................ 350
14.9.3 Redundant Horizontal Cabling................................................................................................................ 351
14.9.4 Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling .............................................................................................................. 351
14.9.5 Optical Fiber Cabling .............................................................................................................................. 351
14.9.6 Horizontal Cabling Length Limitations .................................................................................................. 354
14.9.7 Shared Sheath Guidelines ....................................................................................................................... 354
14.10 Cabling Installation .................................................................................................................................... 355
14.10.1 General Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 355
14.10.2 Cable Management ................................................................................................................................. 355
14.10.3 Bend Radius and Pulling Tension Guidelines ......................................................................................... 357
14.10.4 Abandoned Cable .................................................................................................................................... 358
14.10.5 Cleaning of Optical Fiber Connectors .................................................................................................... 358
14.11 Field Testing Data Center Telecommunications Cabling ....................................................................... 361
14.11.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 361
14.11.2 Installation Conformance ........................................................................................................................ 362
14.11.3 100-ohm Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling Field Testing ......................................................................... 362
14.11.4 Optical Fiber Cabling Field Testing........................................................................................................ 365
14.12 Telecommunications and Computer Cabinets and Racks ...................................................................... 370
14.12.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 370
14.12.2 Requirements and Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 370
14.12.3 Cabinet and Rack Configurations ........................................................................................................... 371
14.12.4 Cabinet Airflow and Cabling Capacity ................................................................................................... 373
14.12.5 Cabinet and Rack Installations ................................................................................................................ 379
14.12.6 Thermal Management in Cabinets .......................................................................................................... 384
14.13 Telecommunications Cabling, Pathways, and Spaces Administration .................................................. 386
14.13.1 General .................................................................................................................................................... 386
14.13.2 Identification Conventions for Data Center Components ....................................................................... 387
14.13.3 Records ................................................................................................................................................... 389
14.13.4 Automated Infrastructure Management .................................................................................................. 390

15 Information Technology ..............................................................................................................393


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15.1 Network Infrastructure Reliability ........................................................................................................... 393


15.1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................. 393
15.1.2 Network Infrastructure Availability Classes ........................................................................................... 393

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15.2 Computer Room Layout ............................................................................................................................ 399


15.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 399
15.2.2 Equipment Configuration for Efficiency ................................................................................................ 399
15.2.3 Connectivity Panel Distribution ............................................................................................................. 399
15.2.4 Switch Placement ................................................................................................................................... 401
15.2.5 Material Storage ..................................................................................................................................... 403
15.3 Operations Center ...................................................................................................................................... 404
15.3.1 Monitoring of Building Systems ............................................................................................................ 404
15.3.2 Location .................................................................................................................................................. 404
15.3.3 Channel and Console Cabling ................................................................................................................ 404
15.3.4 KVM Switches ....................................................................................................................................... 406
15.4 Communications for Network Personnel ................................................................................................. 406
15.4.1 Wired/Wireless/Hands-Free Voice Communications ............................................................................. 406
15.4.2 Wireless Network for Portable Maintenance Equipment ....................................................................... 408
15.4.3 Zone Paging ............................................................................................................................................ 408
15.5 Network Security for Facility and IT Networks ...................................................................................... 408
15.5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 408
15.5.2 Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 409
15.5.3 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 410
15.6 Disaster Recovery ....................................................................................................................................... 410
15.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 410
15.6.2 Onsite Data Center Redundancy ............................................................................................................. 410
15.6.3 Offsite Data Storage ............................................................................................................................... 410
15.6.4 Colocation Facility ................................................................................................................................. 411
15.6.5 Mirroring and Latency ............................................................................................................................ 411
15.6.6 Data Center System Failures .................................................................................................................. 412

16 Commissioning ........................................................................................................................... 413


16.1 General ........................................................................................................................................................ 413
16.1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 413
16.2 Terminology ................................................................................................................................................ 413
16.3 Types of Commissioning ............................................................................................................................ 415
16.3.1 New Building.......................................................................................................................................... 415
16.3.2 Existing Building .................................................................................................................................... 415
16.4 Personnel and Responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 416
16.4.1 Project Owner ......................................................................................................................................... 416
16.4.2 Design Team (DT) .................................................................................................................................. 416
16.4.3 Commissioning Agent ............................................................................................................................ 416
16.4.4 Contractor and Subcontractor ................................................................................................................. 418
16.4.5 Operation and Maintenance Staff (O&M) .............................................................................................. 418
16.5 Phases of the Commissioning Process....................................................................................................... 418
16.5.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 418
16.5.2 Program Phase ........................................................................................................................................ 419
16.5.3 Design Phase .......................................................................................................................................... 420
16.5.4 Construction & Acceptance Phase .......................................................................................................... 421
16.5.5 Occupancy and Operations Phase ........................................................................................................... 422
16.6 Commissioning Documents ....................................................................................................................... 423
16.6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 423
16.6.2 Owner Project Requirements (OPRs) ..................................................................................................... 425
16.6.3 Feasibility Commissioning Study ........................................................................................................... 426
16.6.4 Project Schedule ..................................................................................................................................... 426
16.6.5 Commissioning Plan ............................................................................................................................... 426
16.6.6 Incident Registration Log........................................................................................................................ 427
16.6.7 Basis of Design (BoD) ............................................................................................................................ 427

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16.6.8 Comments on Design Reviews................................................................................................................ 427


16.6.9 Construction Specifications for Commissioning ..................................................................................... 428
16.6.10 Building Operations Manual (BOM) ....................................................................................................... 428
16.6.11 Guidelines for O&M Training According to Specifications ................................................................... 428
16.6.12 List of Test Equipment and Functional Checklist ................................................................................... 428
16.6.13 Compliance Technical Data Sheets (Submittals) .................................................................................... 428
16.6.14 O&M Manual Operation and Maintenance of Systems ........................................................................... 429
16.6.15 List of Equipment ................................................................................................................................... 429
16.6.16 Coordination of Systems Building Plans ................................................................................................. 429
16.6.17 Test Procedures ....................................................................................................................................... 429
16.6.18 Agendas and Minutes of Commissioning Meetings ................................................................................ 430
16.6.19 Training Plan ........................................................................................................................................... 430
16.6.20 Maintenance Plan .................................................................................................................................... 430
16.6.21 Seasonal Testing Procedures................................................................................................................... 430
16.6.22 Commissioning Process Report............................................................................................................... 430
16.6.23 Continuous Commissioning Plan ........................................................................................................... 431
16.7 Testing ......................................................................................................................................................... 431
16.7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 431
16.7.2 Functional Testing Components ............................................................................................................. 431
16.7.3 Functional Testing Procedures ................................................................................................................ 431
16.7.4 Testing Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 431
16.7.5 System Testing ........................................................................................................................................ 432
16.7.6 Acceptance Testing ................................................................................................................................. 432
16.7.7 Electrical System Testing Example ........................................................................................................ 433
16.8 System Training for Client Staff ............................................................................................................... 433
16.8.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................. 433

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16.8.2 Training Schedules ................................................................................................................................. 434
16.8.3 Position or Task Training........................................................................................................................ 434

17 Data Center Maintenance ............................................................................................................437


17.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 437
17.2 Maintenance Plans ...................................................................................................................................... 437
17.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 437
17.2.2 Maintenance Philosophies ...................................................................................................................... 437
17.2.3 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 438
17.2.4 Additional Information ........................................................................................................................... 439
17.3 System Maintenance ................................................................................................................................... 439
17.3.1 General Requirements and Recommendations ....................................................................................... 439
17.3.2 Electrical Systems Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 439
17.3.3 HVAC and Mechanical Systems Maintenance ....................................................................................... 440
17.3.4 Telecommunication Cabling and Infrastructure Maintenance ................................................................ 441
17.3.5 IT Equipment and Systems Maintenance ................................................................................................ 441
17.3.6 Data Center and Building System Maintenance ..................................................................................... 442
17.4 Maintenance Recordkeeping ..................................................................................................................... 442
17.4.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 442
17.5 Service Contracts ........................................................................................................................................ 443
17.5.1 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................... 443
17.5.2 Example ESS Service Contract Provisions ............................................................................................. 443

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Appendix A Design Process (Informative)..................................................................................... 445


A.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 445
A.2 Project Delivery Methods .......................................................................................................................... 447
A.3 Facility Design Phases ................................................................................................................................ 448
A.4 Technology Design Phases ......................................................................................................................... 450
A.5 Commissioning ........................................................................................................................................... 451
A.6 Data Center Documentation ...................................................................................................................... 451
A.7 Existing Facility Assessments .................................................................................................................... 452

Appendix B Reliability and Availability (Informative) ................................................................... 453


B.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 453
B.2 Creating Mission-Critical Data Centers Overview ................................................................................. 454
B.3 Risk Analysis ............................................................................................................................................... 455
B.4 Availability .................................................................................................................................................. 455
B.5 Determining the Data Center Availability Class ..................................................................................... 456
B.6 Data Center Availability Classes ............................................................................................................... 459
B.7 Availability Class Sub Groups .................................................................................................................. 462
B.8 Reliability Aspects of Availability Planning ............................................................................................. 463
B.9 Other Factors .............................................................................................................................................. 464

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B.10 Other Reliability Alternatives ................................................................................................................... 465
B.11 Reliability Planning Worksheet ................................................................................................................ 465

Appendix C Alignment of Data Center Services Reliability with Application and


System Architecture (Informative)............................................................................. 469
C.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 469
C.2 Application Reliability ............................................................................................................................... 469
C.3 Data Processing and Storage Systems Reliability .................................................................................... 473

Appendix D Data Center Services Outsourcing Models (Informative)........................................ 477


D.1 Data Center Services Outsourcing Models .............................................................................................. 477
D.2 Data Center Services Outsourcing Model Comparison .......................................................................... 477
D.3 Public Cloud Services ................................................................................................................................. 478
D.4 Outsourcing Model Decision Tree ............................................................................................................ 479

Appendix E Multi-Data Center Architecture (Informative) ........................................................... 481


E.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 481
E.2 High Availability In-House Multi-Data Center Architecture Example ................................................. 482
E.3 Private Cloud Multi-Data Center Architecture Examples ..................................................................... 483

Appendix F Examples of Testing Documentation (Informative) ................................................. 485


F.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 485
F.2 Example of PDU Testing ............................................................................................................................ 485
F.3 Example of UPS and Diesel Generator Testing ....................................................................................... 489

Appendix G Design for Energy Efficiency (Informative) .............................................................. 503


G.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 503
G.2 Design for Efficiency .................................................................................................................................. 504
G.3 Efficiency Content of BICSI 002-2019 ...................................................................................................... 505

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Appendix H Colocation Technical Planning (Informative) ............................................................507


H.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 507
H.2 Administrative ............................................................................................................................................ 507
H.3 Floor Plan .................................................................................................................................................... 507
H.4 Ceiling Height ............................................................................................................................................. 507
H.5 Movement of Equipment ............................................................................................................................ 508
H.6 Floor Loading.............................................................................................................................................. 508
H.7 Cabinets ....................................................................................................................................................... 508
H.8 Meet-Me Rooms (MMRs) / Point-of-Presence Rooms (POPs) ............................................................... 509
H.9 Cabling to MMR/POP Rooms ................................................................................................................... 509
H.10 Cabling within Cage/Suite ......................................................................................................................... 510
H.11 Power ........................................................................................................................................................... 510
H.12 Physical Security ......................................................................................................................................... 510
H.13 Storage and Staging .................................................................................................................................... 511
H.14 Loading Dock .............................................................................................................................................. 511
H.15 Work Rules and Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 511

Appendix I Related Documents (Informative) ...............................................................................513


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INDEX OF FIGURES

Section 5 Site Selection


Figure 5-1 Example of a Global Seismic Hazard Map .....................................................................................31
Figure 5-2 Example of a Global Volcano Hazard Map ....................................................................................32
Figure 5-3 Example of a Volcano Hazard Map ................................................................................................32
Figure 5-4 Example of a Global Flooding Hazard Chart ..................................................................................33
Figure 5-5 Example of a Global Tornado Risk Area Map ................................................................................34
Figure 5-6 Example of a Lightning Flash Data Map ........................................................................................35
Figure 5-7 Example of a Ground Permeability Chart .......................................................................................36
Figure 5-8 Example of Radial and Flight Path Zones for an Airport ................................................................39
Figure 5-9 AC Electricity Distribution from Generation Stations to Data Centers...........................................41

Section 6 Space Planning


Figure 6-1 Example Module Size Decision Tree ..............................................................................................51
Figure 6-2 Space Adjacencies of a Traditional Data Center .............................................................................60
Figure 6-3 Space Adjacencies of Modular or Containerized Data Centers.......................................................61
Figure 6-4 Examples of an OCP Open Rack (Top View & Oblique) ...............................................................70
Figure 6-5 Example of Aisle Width with Different Cabinet Sizes....................................................................73

Section 9 Electrical Systems


Figure 9-1 Class F0 Electrical Concept Diagram (Configuration Without Backup/Alternate Power) ...........105
Figure 9-2 Class F1 Electrical Concept Diagram ...........................................................................................106
Figure 9-3 Class F2 Concept Diagram............................................................................................................107
Figure 9-4 Class F3 Single Utility Source with Two Utility Inputs ................................................................109
Figure 9-5 Class F3 Single Utility Source with Single Utility Input ..............................................................110
Figure 9-6 Class F3 Electrical Topology (xN Or Distributed Redundant) .....................................................111
Figure 9-7 Class F4 Electrical Topology (System-Plus-System) ....................................................................113
Figure 9-8 Class F4 Electrical Topology (xN Or Distributed Redundant) .....................................................114
Figure 9-9 Class F3 Single Utility Source with Two Utility Inputs “Catcher” System ..................................116
Figure 9-10 Class F4 2(N+1) Electrical Topology with Dual Utility Inputs ....................................................117
Figure 9-11 Example ATS Sizes.......................................................................................................................122
Figure 9-12 Single-Module UPS with Internal Static Bypass and Maintenance Bypass from the
Same Source ..................................................................................................................................125
Figure 9-13 Single-Module UPS with Inputs to Rectifier, Static Bypass, and Maintenance Bypass from
the Same Source ............................................................................................................................126
Figure 9-14 Multiple-Module UPS with Inputs to Rectifier and Maintenance Bypass from Same Source –
Centralized Static Bypass ..............................................................................................................127
Figure 9-15 Multiple-Module UPS with Inputs to Rectifier and Maintenance Bypass from Same Source –
Paralleled Installation ....................................................................................................................128
Figure 9-16 Single-Module UPS Bypass – Alternate Bypass Source - Input to Rectifier from Primary
Source; Inputs to Static Bypass and Maintenance Bypass from a Second Source ........................129
Figure 9-17 Multiple-Module UPS Bypass – Alternate Bypass Sources - Inputs to Rectifiers from Primary
Source; Inputs to Static Bypass and Maintenance Bypass from a Second Source ........................129
Figure 9-18 Single-Module UPS Bypass – Multiple Bypass Sources - Inputs to Rectifier and Static
Bypass from Primary Source and Input to Maintenance Bypass from a Second Source ..............130

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Figure 9-19 Multiple-Module UPS Bypass – Multiple Bypass Sources - Inputs to Rectifiers and Static
Bypass from Primary Source, and Input to Maintenance Bypass from a Second Source............. 131
Figure 9-20 Topology Inside an UPS Unit ....................................................................................................... 131
Figure 9-21 An Example of an Approach to UPS Output Switchboard Load Management ............................ 135
Figure 9-22 PDU Configuration: Single-Corded and Poly-Corded Devices.................................................... 136
Figure 9-23 Example of a Power Strip for Mounting in ITE Cabinets ............................................................ 137
Figure 9-24 Automatic Static Transfer Switches ............................................................................................. 138
Figure 9-25 System Capacities at Various Stages of the Electrical Distribution System ................................. 145
Figure 9-26 Class F0 and F1 Circuit Mapping ................................................................................................. 146
Figure 9-27 Class F2 Circuit Mapping ............................................................................................................. 147
Figure 9-28 Class F3 Circuit Mapping (Manual Operations)........................................................................... 149
Figure 9-29 Class F3 Circuit Mapping (Automated Operations) ..................................................................... 150
Figure 9-30 Class F4 Circuit Mapping ............................................................................................................. 151
Figure 9-31 Class F3 50 to 600 VDC Circuit Mapping ..................................................................................... 152
Figure 9-32 Class F4 50 to 600 VDC Circuit Mapping ..................................................................................... 152
Figure 9-33 Example Organization of an EPO System .................................................................................... 154
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Figure 9-34 Sample Power Circuits for a Class F3 Mechanical System .......................................................... 156
Figure 9-35 Sample Power Circuits for a Class F4 Mechanical System .......................................................... 156
Figure 9-36 Example Critical Facility Bonding and Grounding Diagram for Class F2 and Lower ................. 179
Figure 9-37 Example of Critical Facility Bonding and Grounding Diagram for Class F3 ............................... 180
Figure 9-38 Example Class F4 Bonding and Grounding Diagram (Two MGB and Two Entrance
Facilities) ...................................................................................................................................... 181
Figure 9-39 Typical Data Center Grounding Schema (shown with raised floor) ............................................. 187
Figure 9-40 Typical Configuration of Flat Strip-Type SBG Within a Mesh-BN ............................................. 189
Figure 9-41 Adjacent Rolls Of Flat-Strip-Type SBG Being Exothermically-Welded Together ...................... 189
Figure 9-42 Data Center Grounding Infrastructure (Room Level) Example ................................................... 190
Figure 9-43 Example of Equipment Rack Bonding to a Mesh-BN .................................................................. 191
Figure 9-44 Examples of Inappropriate Equipment Rack Bonding to a Mesh-BN .......................................... 192
Figure 9-45 Examples of a Rack Bonding Conductor and Rack Grounding Busbar Mounting....................... 193
Figure 9-46 Example of Bonding of Cabinet Side Panel and Door ................................................................. 194
Figure 9-47 Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Infrastructure ...................................................... 196
Figure 9-48 Similarity of Recommended Grounding for AC and DC Power Systems and Load Equipment .. 197
Figure 9-49 DC Power System Showing a Single-Point Grounded Return ..................................................... 198
Figure 9-50 Information Technology Equipment Showing Grounding of DC Power Input (Return Is
Insulated) ...................................................................................................................................... 198
Figure 9-51 Common Bonding Network ......................................................................................................... 199
Figure 9-52 Isolated (Insulated) Bonding Network.......................................................................................... 199
Figure 9-53 Sample Equipment Nameplate ..................................................................................................... 201
Figure 9-54 Example Arc Flash Warning Label (United States) ..................................................................... 201

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Section 10 Mechanical Systems


Figure 10-1 Chiller with Evaporative Condenser Heat Rejection System ........................................................225
Figure 10-2 Air-Cooled Condenser Heat Rejection System .............................................................................226
Figure 10-3 Air-Cooled Chiller Heat Rejection System ...................................................................................227
Figure 10-4 Evaporative Condenser Heat Rejection System ............................................................................228
Figure 10-5 Natural Water Heat Rejection System...........................................................................................229
Figure 10-6 Computer Room Air Handler Cooling System .............................................................................230
Figure 10-7 Close Coupled Cooling System.....................................................................................................231
Figure 10-8 Liquid Cooling ITE Cooling System.............................................................................................232
Figure 10-9 Row Integrated Cooling Systems ..................................................................................................233
Figure 10-10 Direct Expansion Computer Room Air Handler Cooling System .................................................235
Figure 10-11 Direct Expansion Integrated Cooling System ...............................................................................236
Figure 10-12 Direct Expansion Closed Cabinet Cooling System .......................................................................237
Figure 10-13 Direct Air-Side Economizer ..........................................................................................................239
Figure 10-14 Indirect Air-Side Economizer .......................................................................................................240
Figure 10-15 Class F0 and F1 Chiller System Example .....................................................................................242
Figure 10-16 Class F0 and F1 Direct Expansion System Example ....................................................................243
Figure 10-17 Class F2 Chiller System Example .................................................................................................244
Figure 10-18 Class F2 Direct Expansion System Example ................................................................................245
Figure 10-19 Class F3 Chiller System Example .................................................................................................246
Figure 10-20 Class F3 Direct Expansion System Example ................................................................................247
Figure 10-21 Class F4 Chiller System Example .................................................................................................248
Figure 10-22 Class F4 Direct Expansion System Example ................................................................................249
Figure 10-23 Valve Configuration Example for Pumps in Class F4 System (Shown in Figure 10-21) .............249
Figure 10-24 Class F3 Piping and Valve Redundancy Example ........................................................................250

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Figure 10-25 Class F4 Piping and Valve Redundancy Example ........................................................................251

Section 11 Fire Protection


Figure 11-1 Variations of Air Flow in a Data Center with Aisle Containment ................................................268
Figure 11-2 Basic Fire Alarm System...............................................................................................................275

Section 12 Security
Figure 12-1 Security Measures .........................................................................................................................277
Figure 12-2 Security Layers..............................................................................................................................278
Figure 12-3 Levels of Access Control ..............................................................................................................298
Figure 12-4 Example of an Access Control System Topology .........................................................................303

Section 13 Facility, Ancillary and IP-enabled Systems


Figure 13-1 Example DCIM Architecture ........................................................................................................318

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Section 14 Telecommunications Cabling, Infrastructure, Pathways and Spaces


Figure 14-1 Class C0 and C1 Concept Diagram .............................................................................................. 325
Figure 14-2 Class C2 Concept Diagram .......................................................................................................... 326
Figure 14-3 Class C3 Concept Diagram .......................................................................................................... 328
Figure 14-4 Class C4 Concept Diagram .......................................................................................................... 330
Figure 14-5 Data Center Cabling Topology Example ...................................................................................... 332
Figure 14-6 Example of a Fabric Architecture with Redundancy .................................................................... 333
Figure 14-7 Cross-Connection Circuits to IDC Connecting Hardware Cabled to Modular Jacks in the
T568A 8-Pin Sequence ................................................................................................................. 340
Figure 14-8 Cross-Connection Circuits to IDC Connecting Hardware Cabled to Modular Jacks in the
T568B 8-Pin Sequence ................................................................................................................. 340
Figure 14-9 Centralized Optical Fiber Cabling Example ................................................................................. 349
Figure 14-10 Permanent Link Example ............................................................................................................. 363
Figure 14-11 Channel Model Example .............................................................................................................. 363
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Figure 14-12 Blanking Panels Installed in Empty RUs...................................................................................... 373


Figure 14-13 Cabinet Aperture Opening ............................................................................................................ 374
Figure 14-14 Illustration of Components for Cable Capacity Formulae ............................................................ 376
Figure 14-15 Cabinets Are Identified and Labeled ............................................................................................ 379
Figure 14-16 Example of Labeled Termination Ports and Equipment Cords .................................................... 381
Figure 14-17 Effect Of Internal Hot Air Recirculation ...................................................................................... 382
Figure 14-18 How Reducing Internal Hot Air Recirculation Reduces Input Air Temperature.......................... 382
Figure 14-19 Gasket Seals Off Access Floor Tile Cutout In Vertical Cable Manager....................................... 382
Figure 14-20 Brush Grommet Seals Access Floor Tile Cutout .......................................................................... 382
Figure 14-21 Illustration of Securing Cabinets and Racks on an Access Floor to a Concrete Slab Using
Threaded Rod and Steel Channel ................................................................................................. 384
Figure 14-22 Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Cabinet Layout ........................................................................................... 385
Figure 14-23 Room Grid Coordinate System Example ..................................................................................... 387
Figure 14-24 Automated Infrastructure Management Interconnection Configuration Example ........................ 391
Figure 14-25 Automated Infrastructure Management Cross-Connection Configuration Example .................... 391

Section 15 Information Technology


Figure 15-1 Class N0 and N1 Network Infrastructure ..................................................................................... 394
Figure 15-2 Class N2 Network Infrastructure .................................................................................................. 395
Figure 15-3 Class N3 Network Infrastructure .................................................................................................. 397
Figure 15-4 Class N4 Network Infrastructure .................................................................................................. 398
Figure 15-5 Simple Connection Topology ....................................................................................................... 400
Figure 15-6 Sample Zone Distribution Topology ............................................................................................ 400
Figure 15-7 Sample Redundant Topology ....................................................................................................... 401
Figure 15-8 Centralized Switch Schematic ...................................................................................................... 402
Figure 15-9 End-of-Row Switch Schematic .................................................................................................... 402
Figure 15-10 Top-of-Rack Switch Schematic .................................................................................................... 403
Figure 15-11 No Radio Zone Around Suppression Tank Room ........................................................................ 407
Figure 15-12 Example of Facility & IT Network Topology .............................................................................. 409

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Section 16 Commissioning
Figure 16-1 General Commissioning Phases Flow Chart .................................................................................419
Figure 16-2 Pre-Design Commissioning Phase Flow Chart .............................................................................420
Figure 16-3 Design Commissioning Phase Flow Chart ....................................................................................421
Figure 16-4 Construction Commissioning Phase Flow Chart ...........................................................................422
Figure 16-5 Occupancy and Operations Commissioning Phase Flow Chart .....................................................423

Appendix A Design Process (Informative)


Figure A-1 Traditional A/E Design Process ....................................................................................................445
Figure A-2 Data Center A/E Design Process ...................................................................................................446

Appendix B Reliability and Availability (Informative)


Figure B-1 Planning Process for a Mission-Critical Facility ...........................................................................454
Figure B-2 Relationship of Factors in Data Center Services Availability Class .............................................457
Figure B-3 Sample Reliability Calculation......................................................................................................463
Figure B-4 Continuous Improvement Cycle....................................................................................................464

Appendix C Alignment of Data Center Services Reliability with Application and System
Architecture (Informative)
Figure C-1 Class A0 and A1 Application Architecture ...................................................................................470
Figure C-2 Class A2 Application Architecture................................................................................................471
Figure C-3 Class A3 and A4 Application Architecture ...................................................................................472
Figure C-4 Class S0 and S1 Systems Architecture ..........................................................................................474
Figure C-5 Class S2 Systems Architecture ......................................................................................................474
Figure C-6 Class S3 Systems Architecture ......................................................................................................475
Figure C-7 Class S4 Systems Architecture ......................................................................................................476

Appendix D Data Center Services Outsourcing Models (Informative)


Figure D-1 Outsourcing Model Matrix ............................................................................................................478
Figure D-2 Outsourcing Decision Tree............................................................................................................480

Appendix E Multi-Data Center Architecture (Informative)


Figure E-1 Reliability Framework Across All Service Layers ........................................................................481
Figure E-2 Multi-Data Center Class 3 Example ..............................................................................................482
Figure E-3 Multi-Data Center Class 3 Example With Three Class 2 Facilities ..............................................483
Figure E-4 Multi-Data Center Class 4 Example with Four Class 2 Facilities .................................................484

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Appendix G Design for Energy Efficiency (Informative)
Figure G-1 Example of Data Center Electricity Utilization.............................................................................503

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INDEX OF TABLES

Section 5 Site Selection


Table 5-1 Recommended Distances from Man-Made Elements .....................................................................38
Table 5-2 Utility Reliability Examples ............................................................................................................43
Table 5-3 Recommended On-Site Supply of Services for Data Center Facility Classes .................................46

Section 6 Space Planning


Table 6-1 Example of a Module Size Design Checklist ..................................................................................52
Table 6-2 Liquid and Air-Cooled System Options and Primary Design Parameters.......................................58
Table 6-3 Data Center Energy Saving Opportunities ......................................................................................80

Section 7 Architectural
Table 7-1 Minimum Fire Rating of Spaces .....................................................................................................91
Table 7-2 Computer Room Access Floor Performance Specifications ...........................................................93
Table 7-3 Suspended Ceiling Infrastructure Mounting Recommendations .....................................................95

Section 9 Electrical Systems


Table 9-1 Design Efficiency Ratios ...............................................................................................................103
Table 9-2 Class F0 Electrical System Overview ...........................................................................................105
Table 9-3 Class F1 Electrical System Overview ...........................................................................................106
Table 9-4 Class F2 Electrical System Overview ...........................................................................................107
Table 9-5 Class F3 Electrical System Overview ...........................................................................................108
Table 9-6 Class F4 Electrical System Overview ...........................................................................................112
Table 9-7 Low-Voltage Distribution Voltages in Some Major Data Center Locations.................................119
Table 9-8 Static Bypass Switch Input, By Availability Class .......................................................................132
Table 9-9 Summary of UPS Output Switchboard Counts for Classes ...........................................................133
Table 9-10 Transformer Wirings and Output Voltages Commonly Used in Data Centers .............................136
Table 9-11 Multipliers for Electrical Distribution System Components .........................................................144
Table 9-12 Types and Applications of Li-ion Batteries...................................................................................168
Table 9-13 Battery Standards Cross-Reference Table (IEEE Standard Number) ...........................................169

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Table 9-14 Class Requirements for Temperature Sensors ...............................................................................174
Table 9-15 SPD Locations as per Class ...........................................................................................................184
Table 9-16 Grounding and Bonding Connection Schedule .............................................................................190
Table 9-17 Electrical Systems Availability Classes ........................................................................................203

Section 10 Mechanical Systems


Table 10-1 Section 10 Text References ...........................................................................................................221
Table 10-2 Class F0 and F1 Mechanical System Overview ............................................................................241
Table 10-3 Class F2 Mechanical System Overview ........................................................................................243
Table 10-4 Class F3 Mechanical System Overview ........................................................................................245
Table 10-5 Class F4 Mechanical System Overview ........................................................................................247

Section 11 Fire Protection


Table 11-1 Recommended Detection Systems for Data Center Spaces ..........................................................269
Table 11-2 Recommended Sprinkler Systems for Data Center Spaces ...........................................................272

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Section 12 Security
Table 12-1 Minimum Lighting Levels ............................................................................................................ 284
Table 12-2 Thickness of Concrete Wall for Projectile Protection .................................................................. 289
Table 12-3 Vehicle Barrier Comparison ......................................................................................................... 290
Table 12-4 Speed Of Concrete Wall Penetration ............................................................................................ 291
Table 12-5 Time to Penetrate Industrial Pedestrian Doors ............................................................................. 292
Table 12-6 Time to Penetrate Windows ......................................................................................................... 293

Section 14 Telecommunications Cabling, Infrastructure, Pathways and Spaces


Table 14-1 Class C0 and C1 Overview........................................................................................................... 324
Table 14-2 Class C2 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 324
Table 14-3 Class C3 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 327
Table 14-4 Class C4 Overview ....................................................................................................................... 329
Table 14-5 Maximum Cable Stacking Height in Cabling Pathways............................................................... 343
Table 14-6 Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling Channel Performance................................................................. 352
Table 14-7 Optical Fiber Cable Performance By Type .................................................................................. 352
Table 14-8 Balanced Twisted-Pair Cable Bend Radius and Pulling Tension ................................................. 357
Table 14-9 Optical Fiber Cable Bend Radius and Pulling Tension ................................................................ 358
Table 14-10 Balanced Twisted-Pair Field Testing............................................................................................ 364
Table 14-11 Reference Jumper Repeatability Allowance ................................................................................. 367
Table 14-12 Common IEEE Applications Using Multimode Optical Fiber Cabling........................................ 368
Table 14-13 Common IEEE Applications Using Singlemode Optical Fiber Cabling ...................................... 368
Table 14-14 Common Fibre Channel Applications Using Optical Fiber Cabling ............................................ 369
Table 14-15 Alternative Rack Specifications ................................................................................................... 370
Table 14-16 Example of Cabinet Depth Guidelines ......................................................................................... 373
Table 14-17 Available Space for Calculating Cabinet Vertical Cable Capacity............................................... 380

Section 15 Information Technology


Table 15-1 Tactics for Class N0 and N1 ......................................................................................................... 394
Table 15-2 Tactics for Class N2 ..................................................................................................................... 395
Table 15-3 Tactics for Class N3 ..................................................................................................................... 396
Table 15-4 Tactics for Class N4 ..................................................................................................................... 396
Table 16-1 Commissioning Documentation Matrix ....................................................................................... 424

Appendix B Reliability and Availability (Informative)


Table B-1 Identifying Operational Requirements: Time Available for Planned Maintenance Shutdown..... 457
Table B-2 Identifying Operational Availability Rating: Maximum Annual Downtime (Availability %) ..... 458
Table B-3 Classifying the Impact of Downtime on the Mission ................................................................... 459
Table B-4 Determining Data Center Services Availability Class .................................................................. 459
Table B-5 Tactics for Class 0 ........................................................................................................................ 460
Table B-6 Tactics for Class 1 ........................................................................................................................ 460
Table B-7 Tactics for Class 2 ........................................................................................................................ 461
Table B-8 Tactics for Class 3 ........................................................................................................................ 461
Table B-9 Tactics for Class 4 ........................................................................................................................ 462
Table B-10 Relationship Between Availability Percentage and Allowable Downtime................................... 464

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Appendix C Alignment of Data Center Services Reliability with Application and System
Architecture (Informative)
Table C-1 Tactics for Class A0 and A1 .........................................................................................................470
Table C-2 Tactics for Class A2 ......................................................................................................................471
Table C-3 Tactics for Class A3 and A4 .........................................................................................................472
Table C-4 Tactics for Class S0 and S1 ...........................................................................................................473
Table C-5 Tactics for Class S2 .......................................................................................................................474
Table C-6 Tactics for Class S3 .......................................................................................................................475
Table C-7 Tactics for Class S4 .......................................................................................................................476

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PREFACE

Revision History

June 18, 2010 First publication of this standard, titled BICSI 002-2010, Data Center Design and
Implementation Best Practices

March 15, 2011 Revision of BICSI 002-2010 published as ANSI/BICSI 002-2011, Data Center Design and
Implementation Best Practices

Major revisions include:


• Addition of Section 9, Electrical
• Addition of Section 14, Telecommunications

Minor revisions include: definitions, updating of graphics for printing and readability, other editorial corrections

December 9, 2014 Revision of ANSI/BICSI 002-2011 published as ANSI/BICSI 002-2014, Data Center Design
and Implementation Best Practices

Major revisions include:


• Revision of Class F0 – F4 electrical infrastructure, including the removal of the requirement for a second
power utility connection in Section 9, Electrical.
• Revised telecommunications Availability Classes C3 and C4 concerning the redundancy of main and
horizontal distributors in Section 14, Telecommunications.
• Added, expanded and revised Availability Class structure to mechanical, telecommunications and network
infrastructure (see Sections 9, 14, and 15 respectively).
• Addition of Appendix C, Alignment of Data Center Services Reliability with Application and System
Architecture.
• Addition and revision of content for modular and containerized data centers in Section 6, Space Planning and
Section 9, Electrical.
• Introduced content on DCIM and renamed Section 13 to Data Center Management and Building Systems.
• Expanded content regarding DC power and safety in Section 9, Electrical.
• Addition of hot and cold aisle containment in Section 6, Space Planning and Section 11, Fire Protection.
• Added and expanded content regarding designing for energy efficiency in multiple sections and added
Appendix G, Design for Energy Efficiency.
• Addition of Appendix D, Data Center Services Outsourcing Models.
• Addition of Appendix E, Multi-Data Center Architecture.
• Updated cabinet door air flow and cable capacity calculations in Section 14, Telecommunications.
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Minor revisions include:


• Moved former Section 5, Space Planning to directly after former Section 6, Site Planning.
• Restructuring of Section 5, Site Planning, Section 14, Telecommunications, and Section 16, Commissioning.
• Expansion of content to reflect both new and international design practices.
• Revisions to Appendix B, Reliability and Availability, to accommodate extension of availability classes.
• Update Section 8, Structural, to align with revisions to the IBC and related standards.

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• Updated Section 10, Mechanical, to reflect expanded ASHRAE guidelines for temperature and humidity.
• Updated Section 11, Fire Protection section to reflect changes in NFPA 75 and NFPA 76.
• Updated Section 14, Telecommunications, to reflect updates to ISO, TIA, and CENELEC data center cabling
standards including cable types (removed OM1 and OM2, recommend OM4, added Category 8) and addition
of intermediate distributor.
• Revised content regarding zinc whiskers and moved to Section 7, Architectural.
• Added content on testing equipment, system testing, acceptance testing, equipment operations and
maintenance manuals, and system training to Section 16, Commissioning.
• Revised and moved system availability information to Appendix B, Reliability and Availability. (content
formerly in Section 17, Maintenance).
• Added new content on maintenance plans and service contracts in Section 17, Maintenance.
• General content relocation and editorial corrections to improve readability and reduce ambiguity.

May 1, 2019 Revision of ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 published as ANSI/BICSI 002-2019, Data Center Design
and Implementation Best Practices

Notable content relocation to BICSI 009-2019 includes:


• Operational security topics from Section 12, Security
• Operational maintenance topics from Section 17, Data Center Maintenance

Major revisions include:


• Revision and addition of content for, and related to, equipment cabinets and racks, including open racks and
Open Compute Project® infrastructure within multiple sections
• Revision of computer room requirements and recommendations in Section 6, Space Planning
• Expansion of electrical busway content in multiple sections
• General restructure, including an update and expansion to heat rejection and cooling system technologies in
Section 10, Mechanical Systems
• Restructure of Section 12, Security
• Title change of Section 13 to Facility, Ancillary and IP-enabled Systems, with addition of applicable content
• Revision and expansion of Section 16, Commissioning
• Addition of Appendix H, Colocation Technical Planning

Minor revisions include:


• Additions or revisions to airports volcanoes, and microgrids in Section 5, Site Selection
• Revision of access control and video surveillance systems within multiple sections

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• Expansion of equipment access and pathway (e.g., ramps) requirements and recommendations within Section
6, Space Planning and Section 7, Architectural
• Update to access floors requirements for seismically active areas in Section 8, Structural
• Addition of lithium ion (Li-ion) batter information within multiple sections
• Alignment of telecommunications bonding and grounding terminology to international usage in Section 9,
Electrical Systems
• Revision of equipment cabinet and rack bonding in Section 9, Electrical Systems
• Addition of oxygen deletion systems and fire alarm systems and an update to gaseous fire suppression systems
in Section 11, Fire Protection
• Addition of time synchronization in Section 12, Security
• Expansion of content related to entrance facilities, entrance rooms, and meet-me rooms in multiple sections
• Addition of ICT infrastructure requirements for supporting and non-computer room systems
• Revision to permissible backbone and horizontal cabling media and addition of optical fiber connector
cleaning in Section 14, Telecommunications Cabling, Infrastructure, Pathways and Spaces

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• Expansion of network topologies and fabrics in Section 15, Information Technology


• Addition of maintenance plan philosophies in Section 17, Data Center Maintenance
• Addition of existing facility assessments to Appendix A, Design Process
• General content relocation and editorial corrections to improve readability and reduce ambiguity

Document Format (Usability Features)

This standard has the following usability features as aids to the user:
• Additions and changes, other than those for editorial purposes, are indicated with a vertical rule within the left
page margin.
• Deletion of one or more paragraphs is indicated with a bullet (•) between the content that remains

NOTE: The relocation of content within or between sections (e.g., Section 10, Mechanical Systems, Section 12,
Security) related to structure, readability, or content alignment is not indicated.

Translation Notice

This standard may have one or more translations available as a reference for the convenience of its readers. As that act
of translation may contain inconsistencies with the original text, if differences between the translation and the published
English version exist, the English text shall be used as the official and authoritative version.

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1 Introduction

1.1 General
This standard is written with the expectation that the reader is familiar with the different facets of the design process
(See Appendix A). The reader should understand from which role and point of view he or she intends to use this
document (e.g., information technology, facilities, other corporate internal or external to the owner). Refer to Sections
1.2.1 – 1.2.3 below.
1.2 Purpose
This standard provides a reference of common terminology and design practice. It is not intended to be used by architects
and engineers as their sole reference or as a step-by-step design guide, but may be used by such persons to determine
design requirements in conjunction with the data center owner, occupant, or consultant.
This standard is intended primarily for:
• Data center owners and operators
• Telecommunications and information technology (IT) consultants and project managers
• Telecommunications and IT technology installers
Additionally, individuals in the following groups are also served by this standard.
1.2.1 Users Within IT
1.2.1.1 IT and Telecommunications Designers
IT and telecommunications designers and consultants may use BICSI 002 in conjunction with the appropriate local
telecommunications infrastructure standard (e.g., ANSI/TIA-942-B, AS/NZS 2834-1995 Computer Accommodation,
CENELEC EN 50173 Series, ISO/IEC 24764) to design the telecommunications pathways, spaces, and cabling system
for the data center. The telecommunications designer/consultant should work with the data center architects and
engineers to develop the IT and telecommunications equipment floor plan using guidelines specified in this standard.
1.2.1.2 IT and Telecommunications Management
IT and telecommunications management may use BICSI 002 as an aid in defining initial data center design requirements
based on required levels of security, reliability, and availability. IT and telecommunications should work with
information protection management, the business continuity group, and end user departments to determine the required
levels of security, reliability, and availability.
1.2.1.3 IT Operations Management
Working with facilities groups, IT operations managers may use BICSI 002 to guide the requirements they specify to
outsource suppliers who provide computing services and server room IT operations.
1.2.1.4 Information Security
Information security personnel may use BICSI 002 as a guide in defining and implementing information protection and
security and assisting in the development of standard policies and operating procedures.
1.2.2 Users Within Facilities Group
1.2.2.1 Technical Representatives Within Facilities Group Capital Projects
Facilities group technical representatives may use BICSI 002 as a guide during the project planning phase as they
estimate costs, prepare preliminary design and construction schedules, and prepare requests for professional services
(RFPS) for the design and construction of new or renovated IT facilities. Thus, after the method of project delivery is
determined, BICSI 002 becomes a referenced document in the RFPS that the facilities group prepares and issues to
architecture and engineering (A/E) and design-build (D/B) firms. These companies, in turn, bid on the design and
construction of the IT facilities.
1.2.2.2 Facilities Management Representatives Within Facilities Group
Facilities operations and management may use BICSI 002 as a guide in planning the operation and maintenance of
corporate IT facilities so that these facilities maintain defined levels of reliability and availability. For example, BICSI
002 provides guidance in defining training needs and maintenance schedules of critical equipment for operations and
maintenance personnel.

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1.2.3 Staff Outside IT and Facilities Groups


1.2.3.1 Physical Security Management
Security staff responsible for physical security management may use BICSI 002 as a guide in determining physical
security and fire protection system requirements for IT facilities.
1.2.3.2 External Resources
1.2.3.2.1 Telecommunications Consulting Firms
BICSI 002 is useful to telecommunications consulting firms or design/build installation firms by providing guidance in
the design and construction of IT facilities for the corporation.
1.2.3.2.2 A/E and Construction Firms
BICSI 002 is useful to A/E and construction firms to guide them in the process of design and construction of IT facilities.
It provides a reference of common terminology and reliability topologies. It is not intended to be used by A/E and
construction firms as their sole reference, and it is not meant to provide a step-by-step design guide for the A/E or D/B
firms; however, it may be used by such persons to guide design requirements in conjunction with the data center owner,
occupant, or consultant.
1.3 Categories of Criteria
Two categories of criteria are specified — mandatory and advisory:
• Mandatory criteria generally apply to protection, performance, administration and compatibility; they specify
the absolute minimum acceptable requirements.
• Advisory or desirable criteria are presented when their attainment will enhance the general performance of the
data center infrastructure in all its contemplated applications.
Mandatory requirements are designated by the word shall; advisory recommendations are designated by the words
should, may, or desirable, which are used interchangeably in this standard. Where possible, requirements and
recommendations were separated to aid in clarity.
Notes, cautions and warnings found in the text, tables, or figures are used for emphasis or for offering informative
suggestions.

2 Scope
This standard provides best practices and implementation methods that complement TIA, CENELEC, ISO/IEC and
other published data center standards and documents. It is primarily a design standard, with installation requirements
and guidelines related to implementing a design. The standard includes other installation requirements and guidelines
for data centers where appropriate.

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3 Required Standards and Documents


The following standards and documents contain provisions that constitute requirements listed within this standard.
Unless otherwise indicated, all standards and documents listed are the latest published version prior to the initial
publication of this standard. Parties to agreement based on this standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of
applying a more recent version as applicable.
Where equivalent local codes and standards exist, requirements from these local specifications shall apply. Where
reference is made to a requirement that exceeds minimum code requirements, the specification requirement shall take
precedence over any apparent conflict with applicable codes.

Alliance for Telecommunication Industry Solutions (ATIS)


• ATIS 0600336, Engineering Requirements for a Universal Telecommunications Framework

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)


• ASCE/SEI 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)


• ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
• Best Practices for Datacom Facility Energy Efficiency
• Datacom Equipment Power Trends and Cooling Applications
• Design Considerations for Datacom Equipment Centers
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• Particulate and Gaseous Contamination in Datacom Environments


• Structural and Vibration Guidelines for Datacom Equipment Centers
• Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments

ASTM International
• ASTM E84, Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

BICSI
• ANSI/BICSI 005, Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design and Implementation Best Practices
• ANSI/BICSI 006, Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Design and Implementation Best Practices
• ANSI/BICSI 007, Information Communication Technology Design and Implementation Practices for
Intelligent Buildings and Premises
• ANSI/BICSI 008, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Systems Design and Implementation Best Practices

Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)


• EIA/ECA-310-E, Cabinets, Racks, Panels, and Associated Equipment

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)


• CENELEC EN 50173-1, Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 1: General requirements
• CENELEC EN 50173-5, Information technology – Generic cabling systems – Part 5: Data centres
• CENELEC EN 50174-2, Information technology – Cabling installation – Installation planning and practices
inside buildings

European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)


• ETSI EN 300-019, Equipment Engineering (EE); Environmental conditions and environmental tests for
telecommunications equipment

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International Code Council (ICC)


• International Building Code (IBC)
• International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)


• IEEE 142 (The IEEE Green Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Grounding of Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems
• IEEE 450, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented Lead-Acid
Batteries for Stationary Application

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• IEEE 484, IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Vented Lead-Acid Batteries
for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1100 (The IEEE Emerald Book), IEEE Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Electronic
Equipment
• IEEE 1106, IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation, Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Vented
Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1115, IEEE Recommended Practice for Sizing Nickel-Cadmium Batteries for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1184, IEEE Guide for Batteries for Uninterruptible Power Supply Systems
• IEEE 1187, IEEE Recommend Practice for Installation Design and Installation of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid
Batteries for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1188, IEEE Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated
Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1189, IEEE Guide for the Selection of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Batteries for Stationary
Applications
• IEEE 1491, IEEE Guide for Selection and Use of Battery Monitoring Equipment in Stationary Applications
• IEEE 1578, IEEE Recommended Practice for Stationary Battery Electrolyte Spill Containment and
Management

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)


• IEC 61280-4-1, Fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures - Part 4-1: Installed cable plant -
Multimode attenuation measurement
• IEC 61280-4-2, Fibre optic communication subsystem basic test procedures - Part 4-2: Fibre optic cable plant
- Single-mode fibre optic cable plant attenuation
• IEC 61300-3-35, Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components - Basic test and measurement
procedures - Part 3-35: Examinations and measurements - Fibre optic connector endface visual and automated
inspection
• IEC 61935-1, Specification for the testing of balanced and coaxial information technology cabling - Part 1:
Installed balanced cabling as specified in ISO/IEC 11801 and related standards
• IEC 62305-3, Protection against lightning - Part 3: Physical damage to structures and life hazard

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)


• ISO 7240, Fire detection and alarm systems
• ISO/IEC 11801-1, Generic cabling for customer premises – Part 1: General requirements
• ISO/IEC 11801-5, Generic cabling for customer premises – Part 1: Data centres
• ISO/IEC 11801-6, Generic cabling for customer premises – Part 6: Distributed building services
• ISO 14520, Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems – Physical properties and system design
• ISO/IEC 14763-2, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer premises cabling –
Part 2: Planning and installation
• ISO/IEC 14763-3, Information technology – Implementation and operation of customer premises cabling –
Part 3: Testing of optical fibre cabling

List continues on the next page

4
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Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices

• ISO/IEC 18598, Information technology – Automated infrastructure management (AIM) systems –


Requirements, data exchange and applications
• ISO/IEC 24764, Information technology – Generic cabling systems for data centres
• ISO/IEC 30129, Information Technology – Telecommunications bonding networks for buildings and other
structures

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)


• ANSI/NECA/BICSI 607, Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding Planning and Installation Methods for
Commercial Buildings

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)


• NFPA 12, Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems
• NFPA 12A, Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
• NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
• NFPA 20, Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
• NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®)
• NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
• NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 75, Standard for the Protection of Information Technology Equipment
• NFPA 76, Recommended Practice for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities
• NFPA 1600, Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management Business Continuity Programs
• NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
• NFPA Fire Protection Handbook

Telcordia
• Telcordia GR-63-CORE, NEBS Requirements: Physical Protection
• Telcordia GR-139, Generic Requirements for Central Office Coaxial Cable
• Telcordia GR-3028-CORE, Thermal Management in Telecommunications Central Offices

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)


• ANSI/TIA-568.0-D, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises
• ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components Standard
• ANSI/TIA-568.3-D, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard
• ANSI/TIA-569-D, Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• ANSI/TIA-606-C, Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• ANSI/TIA-607-C, Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding (Earthing) for Customer Premises
• ANSI/TIA-862-B, Structured Cabling Infrastructure Standard for Intelligent Building Systems
• ANSI/TIA-942-B, Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers
• ANSI/TIA-1152-A, Requirements for Field Test Instruments and Measurements for Balanced Twisted-Pair
Cabling
• TIA TSB-155-A, Guidelines for the Assessment and Mitigation of Installed Category 6 Cabling to Support
10GBASE-T
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Underwriters Laboratories (UL)


• ANSI/UL 497, Standard for Safety Protectors for Paired-Conductor Communications Circuits
• UL 723, Standard for Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• UL 1449, Surge Protective Devices
• UL 60950-1, Information Technology Equipment - Safety - Part 1: General Requirements

5
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