I.Central Station Facility
Contents
a. Single Occupancy – One-hour fire resistant rating.
b. Multiple Occupancy – Station must have one-hour fire resistant rating floor to deck
a. One hour fire resistant roof.
b. Wind resistant to 100 mph or higher.
Floors are walked on by people and hold equipment down.
All emergency lights should be checked for operation monthly. Each emergency light test button should be pushed for at least one minute to properly excite the battery. A electronic log should be maintained for reference and review. Have at least one spare battery and bulb on hand for quick replacement in case there is failure when testing.
Research and purchase the best chairs you can find. Remember that the chairs in the operations room will get usage far beyond the standard office chair. Look for a warranty that covers ALL parts of the chair, not just the pnuematics. The warranty should cover 24 hour use, and extend for a reasonable service life. Be prepared to pay a premium for quality chairs, they will pay for themselves in the long run.
At least one clock with date-time stamp that includes the year.
Operators are able to switch automation to the backup system within 30 Seconds and allows 5 1/2 additional minutes for the backup system to boot up.
a. Three methods for emergency power
b. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
While there are numerous types of electrical generation, this entry will concentrate on ‘standby’ engine driven generators (or gen-sets). A ‘standby’ generator is one that is non-portable and permanently placed.
The generator must be capable of support the electrical loads needed to operator the central station in the event that utility power is rendered unusable. This could be due to complete power loss, brown outs, or utility power cycling on and off.
Keep in mind that supporting central station only loads is usually sufficient in the short term (1 to 4 hours), do consider supporting services such as bathroom lighting, break room (refrigeration, vending machines), timekeeping systems, and any other service needed to support the central station personnel in the event of a longer outage when the building in it’s entirety can’t be supported.
Gen-sets are typically fueled by Diesel fuel, Natural Gas (NG), or Liquid Propane (LP). Some generators can accept more than one fuel, such as NG and LP. Keep in mind that when your loads are size for a multi-fuel generator, that each fuel delivers a different amount of energy and you should work your calculations based upon the fuel delivering less energy.
Gen-set capacity for most central stations is typically measured in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW). Also important is the amount of amperage (A) the gen-set is capable of making. Your generator provider and/or electrician will help you size a generator that is appropriate to your load. Be sure to factor in anticipated growth.
Gen-sets are typically located outside in an enclosure and fenced in, on roof-tops, and sometimes in dedicated rooms or outbuildings. Gen-sets that use NG fuel are commonly found on roof-tops as they require no fuel storage as in most instances the NG is delivered by the local utility.
Getting generator power to the load is accomplished by the transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch will move the load from utility power to generator power and back again once utility power returns and stabilizes. The transfer generally does not take long, measured in seconds, but is not the rapid switching that is experienced with a UPS switching from utility to battery. Much equipment supported by generator will need provisions made to bridge the amount of time from the loss of power until the generator starts, stabilizes, and the transfer switch moves the load to the generator. This is often accomplished with a UPS.
The profile of utility power is comparatively ‘clean’ compared to power provided by generator. The generator, being the only source of power, must react to the addition and removal of loads placed on it. When a load comes online and creates a big draw, such as an HVAC unit, the generator must react to this and during this reaction, the power it outputs is affected. Momentary changes in the frequency, wattage, and amperage can occur. Lighting can dim, brighten, or rapidly fluctuate with no harm and little affect. This same power feed directly into electronic equipment can seriously affect it’s performance and in some instances damage it.
These negative effects, the ‘dirty’ power delivered by the generator, is typically dealt with by the same UPS systems used to support the equipment while the generator takes over for the lost utility power. Because power generation is more than just the generator, everything from the generator to the load must be considered as a system and designed appropriately.
There should be no short cutting, in any way, when it comes to maintaining your generators. The assumption is two generators are on site, required for proper redundancy, as listed in UL.
Generator checks should be scheduled weekly for proactive preventive maintenance. This is done by a reliable employee that you feel comfortable with. Weekly Cold check need to be done checking all vital signs including oil levels, antifreeze levels and fuel levels if applicable. Hoses and belts observed and checked for tightness and signs of wear. An over all inspection is necessary to see if there is any leaking, signs of unusual malfunction that just doesn’t look right. A visual of entire machine is very important.
Weekly Hot check follows that includes running the generator supplying full load. Check for proper “in limits” temperature, oil levels, and oil pressure. Each item is recorded and reviewed each week by a third party. A visual check over the entire machine gives you the chance to see something that does not appear right or abnormal. My reccomendation is a reliable employee do it every week. He or she will become familar with the machine and pick up unusual behavior or observations that just don’t look right.
Once generator has cooled, perform another cold check. This is very important. Any possible failure condition beginning with the hot check may not surface until the second cold check is performed.
Generators should run once a week “under load” for at least one hour. There can be no exception to this.
Maintenance contracts should be purchased to insure speedy service and professional, routine preventitve maintenance. The same mechanic, maintaining your machine is a good idea. He is more familar with the engine and better qualified to make judgement calls. I ask the mechanic often what he would do, regarding preventive maintenance, what he/she would do if it was their generator. You get some real good ideas. Two checks need to be performed annually (spring and fall). One just a general test/check with generator running under load. This reduced level quality of maintenance allows mechanical inspection and hot and cold checks performed from a more professional level. The second inspection should be a tune up, oil change, belts and hoses replacements or battery change where applicable. I would reccomend the radiator fluid be replaced when the water pump and block heater is replaced. I replace belts and hoses one year and replace the battery the second. In essence the hoses, belts and battery are replaced every other year. It is making changes well before the life expectancy of the item however, by far the highest point of failure within the machine. The pump and heater, if you have one should be changed every third year. Another battery, on a shelf, should be available with a battery charger connected to it. That battery moves into the rotation every other year too.
Make sure in your contract that the transfer switch is checked too. The contacts can fail and cause an unsuccessful transfer. The points on the contacts should be replaced every fifth year.
If you have a diesel/gasoline fueled generator have it capped off every six months. With weekly tests in does diminish the fuel supply. Have spare cans of fuel on hand and refilled when the machine is refueled.
Main bearings need to be checked for tolerance every five years. another point of failure that can really make things difficult for you.
LOad balance is essencial. In either single phase or three phase machines, no more than a 10% differnce should be between phases.
Any power failure where the generator runs more than six hours needs a service call. The generator running more than any usual time frame could bring out problems that go undetected and will fail untimely. It’s worth the investment.
Never have a generator run for more than eight hours without relieving the generator with the back up. know how to bring the primary off line to allow the secondary to take over. This allows you the chance to bring the primary off line checking all the vitals and insure if an extended failure you are not over extending the generator without checking it. Run the second for at least an hour so there is some rotation of supply. In any condition of extended running do a hot check hourly especially checking engine temperature and oil levels and pressures.
Have nothing within five feet of the generator and exaggerate the lighting around the unit. Chances of picking something up in visual observations are better.
All records shall be maintained for at least one year.
For some information about keeping business records and documents, please visit http://www.cpa.net/resources/retengde.pdf. Please also contact your accounting amd law firms, as these regulations may change and not be reflected in this link.
II. Central Station Design - Systems Hardware
Professional IT resources are mandatory for design and implementation of all systems today. The scope of comments in this section focus on key components unique to central stations. In the Section “Other Common Hardware & System Requirements”, mention is made of other hardware you will require that are common.
The discussion below is about “monitoring systems” hardware and the software vendor will provide detail specifications.
Your design issues should include consideration of the following:
a. Server Hardware
Applications should run on servers from any manufacturer. Common computer components may be increased to improve reliability and you should inquire of the hardware vendors. It is expected that most central stations will have two or more servers to support the applications and EACH of the servers will be designed for high reliability. The main points for consideration are: • CPU – multiple CPUs (dual or quad) are common in server configuration. • Server memory – Generally more memory makes the server perform better and you should consider the maximum supported by different licensing levels of the operating system. • Disk storage – Disk storage should include some RAID capability (between 0 and 10). • Operating system – Most of the mainstream providers use SQL databases. Most common are MySQL® and Microsoft SQL Server®.
b. System load
Hardware and software performance will vary based on the load placed on the system. The key issue is to define both normal and peak load requirements. Variables you should identify include: • Operators on peak shift or time window • Peak number of signals (messages) received per minute • Number of internal users accessing data at the same time • Number of simultaneous external users (customers)
c. Redundancy
In addition to hardware redundancy most software vendors offer the capability to transfer the software between independent hardware platforms. The capability to create a complete transfer is measured in seconds and includes all requirements to continue operations. The transfer elements are (a) server start up; (b) software startup; (c) database synchronization & re-sync; (d) receiver transfer, (e) operator transfer. All normal operating capabilities need to be addressed. The range of features include: • Receiver interface – Generally, applications to connect to receivers have isolation elements and some vendors provide for automatic switching when hardware/software interfaces fail. • Server redundancy – Most alarm companies have at least two servers running the vendor applications. The software may allow for the application to be live on each server. Bi-directional redundancy may allow users to be “live” on more than one database server and creates an added benefit is “load-splitting” to improve performance. • Database – At a minimum, you will have a standby copy of the software running on a second server. Each vendor should define if they synchronize data in real time or how the systems can be re-synchronized. This is important because alarm data is continually received and “gaps” of information are not acceptable. • Operators – Operator transfer between systems should be explained by the vendor.
d. Redundant sites
It is considered “best practice” to have the availability of a second site service center. Modern communications technology enables the delivery of data from a “hosted service” location to an operating site. Second site options are often housed at a vendor’s facility. Alternatively, large companies build a second location or operate in two or more locations simultaneously.
e. Desktops
Allowing for larger work areas is important since operators may be expected to have access to multiple applications. Desktops should be configured with dual screens. Different software vendors may be optimized for certain resolutions, formats, and sizes.
The term computer room has been replaced with the concept of a data center. In the central station business, there remains a UL certification requirement for the physical hardware location WITHIN the confines of the central station. The requirements in UL827 and UL1981 should be reviewed. In the opinion of many experts, UL regulations will be modified by 2010 to allow the use of corporate data centers – external to the central station.
For many, the result of UL requirements are that you will need to build a data center within the central station. Modern design is important to proper functioning of the equipment and it is preferred to construct a separate room with secure access. Please see related sections on power, air-conditioning, etc. Some design elements are:
-All equipment should be rack mounted. -All communications equipment should be located in the data center including switches and routers. -Servers for email, SMS, radios, etc. should be in the data center. -Phone switch and related equipment should be located in the data center. -All receivers should be in the data center. -No printers should be in the data center. -All wiring should be done to support high speed communications. -External bandwidth connectivity should be designed to support volume. Video bandwidth alone can easily grow to 100mbps. -All phone lines should be brought in on a consolidated service such as SIP, PRI or T1 and terminate in the data center. -Temperature, humidity should be monitored in each rack enclosure. -Fire suppression technology must be considered separate from other facility issues. -Data backup procedures need to be automated.
It is important to design the facility with adequate space. Each new receiver, access control or video product you introduce in the central station will require space in the data center. Generally, I recommend you consider growth for 5 years in the physical structure and related wiring. The above points are a small extract of design issues you should review with your IT department or outside consultants. Please consult web sites from equipment providers such as http://www.siemon.com/ for network wiring best practices.
There are two primary concerns in display selection:
Information Displays – Most central stations create supplemental views for “summary” purposes. In general, most central station and phone system software applications include information summaries for users that can be accessed from the desktop. Some purposes for overhead displays include: • Display of phone activity • Summary of alarm queue data including response times • Summary of shift activity • Summary of operator activity (a self-policing approach often denigrated by operators) • Graphical displays of extracted data (updated daily or weekly) – often constructed using Excel or PowerPoint. • Human Resource Bulletin Board • Weather Channel • Local News • A constructed website built on custom development with RSS feeds
Once you have decided on the scope of the display, you can select locations/sizes and, then, features including: • TV input source (i.e. cable TV) • Multiple displays quadrants • Computer connectivity (required) • High resolution (needed to support software capabilities) • Network connectivity • Internet access
Desktop Displays – The scope of services from central stations is constantly growing. The need for multiple displays is important. The selection of desktop computers should support no less than 2 displays and preferably 3 or more.
The “geography” of available display space determines operator performance capabilities…and there is no such thing as too much geography. All applications today will run with multiple windows or multiple sessions greatly enhancing the need for displays. Further, central stations wishing to utilize “down time” should have one display dedicated to alarm processing while supplemental displays are used for other tasks. Video demands compound the display problem.
Generally, it is preferred to operate with a single computer, keyboard, mouse and multiple displays.
Sometimes, a product you wish to deploy may require a computer to serve multiple functions as a “server” and “user.” This situation should be avoided if possible. If necessary, such a supplemental system should be isolated from the general purpose desktop design.
Your selection of size, screen orientation and resolution should be made after consultation with your video and software vendors. Internet users have seen the evolution of displays move to a wide screen preference. Today, all displays should be 22″ or more.
1. Keyboard
2. Mouse There is one caveat – no battery powered devices. The cost to maintain wireless devices is excessive in a 24 hour operating environment.
Software application vendors will determine the hardware and generally include the following components:
(a) Servers – The primary control of the software applications you will run generally reside on servers. Manufacturers will dictate the requirements. Servers are generally defined by the CPU and memory requirements.
(b) Database – In addition to the server, software vendors will designate a database (and other licensed application requirements). Most central station software today will use either MySQL or Microsoft SQL Server.
(c) Data storage – Most often the storage component is purchase separately as an independent network component called a SAN.
(d) Other – Backup equipment/tools, business applications, and communications will need to be considered in the data center design.
1. Firewalls/security
2. Performance monitoring
3. Routers & switches
4. Communications gateways:
5. Backup system 6. Web – external & internal
III. Systems – Software
To begin an analysis of central station systems, you need to understand and document your business requirements.
Full service alarm companies – operating a central station must consider how they expect alarm data and activity to interact with other parts of the business. Generally, service delivery and guard response need information from alarm processing. A second dimension is connection to business applications for billing, contract management, sales, installation, and customer relationship management. Data often originates in the business applications. You need to consider quantity and criticality of data originating in one system and required in another system to determine if integration of the systems is necessary.
Wholesale monitoring companies – provide monitoring services to alarm installing companies. Integration requirements are not a key concern in wholesale. A special requirement for dealer billing needs to be considered. In addition, wholesale companies should make data available via a browser application to dealers and end-users.
Proprietary central stations – Large corporations, many banks, and governmental entities monitor internal to their business units. There are many additional requirements to consider particularly related to personnel data that needs to be integrated from Human Resource systems.
CSAA members who operate central stations adhere to UL standards for central stations.
UL1981 is a software standard and all vendors who are members of CSAA offer a product certified under the standard including:
((( Secure Global Solutions Hank Goldberg 949-502-5841 Direct 800-903-7068 hank.goldberg@secglobe.net
GE Security Ralph Ronquillo 949-737-7800 ralph.ronquillo@ge.com
BOLD Jerry Winslow 800-255-2653 jerry@boldgroup.com
Micro-Key Wayne Torrens 800-451-0040 wtorrens@microkey.com
IBS Tim McKenney 972-518-2250 tsm@bsoft-us.com
Dice Corporation Michael Simpson 989-891-2800 mikes@dicecorp.com
Size variable – Generally, size of the business is measured by number of active alarm connections. Residential monitoring is much simpler than commercial. Data change, open/close, and signal traffic often increase operator requirements per commercial customer by a factor of 5X to 10X.
In retail and wholesale central stations, “size” is measured by two common variables – (1) number of accounts (with an estimate of 20% commercial) and (2) operators on duty at one time in dispatch. Further, the value a company receives from sophisticated solutions increases quickly when the frequency of the task increases. The guide below presents the central station system requirements you might expect to see.
• Less than 10,000 accounts; 2-4 operators in dispatch; 5-10 operators external –> Low Complexity • Between 10,000 – 50,000 accounts; 3-6 operators in dispatch; 10-30 operators external –> Medium Complexity • Between 50,000 – 100,000 accounts; 5-10 operators in dispatch; 30-75 operators external –> High Complexity • Over 100,000 accounts; More than 10 operators in dispatch; 100+ operators external –> Custom Complexity
Software features that are basic processes will vary in the implementation by vendor and consider as follows:
Signal reception – Compile a list of receiver models and software versions used. Receivers are made by many manufacturers and have variations in the output provided to central station monitoring system. Common output definitions are compatible with most systems. If you have an old receiver, you need to be confirm it will work with a software application.
Non alarm data reception – In addition to traditional alarm receivers, there are many additional forms of data that may come to a central station. Video, two-way voice, GPS, and access control are common. Every form of data received should be considered for integration into the central station monitoring system. Computer telephony Integration– Central stations receive and make phone calls all day and automation of the task is very beneficial. A rule of thumb is 2 calls per month per connection. A central station of 10,000 connections will make 20,000 monthly phone calls. Automation is highly dependent on the phone system used. The components of telephony integration are:
1. Autodial – making a call using data in the database.
2. Two-way voice – Alarms received may also allow for voice communications over the same connection to the premise and should be discussed with the vendors if in use.
3. Automatic call delivery – Inbound voice calls often include phone number of the calling party (caller ID). This information can be used by automation vendors for matching inbound voice calls to an alarm and automate delivery to an operator.
Email, SMS messaging, and video delivery – Every year more of the outbound communications from central stations include text or video delivery. You must consider how messages are going to be delivered and the volume of such activity. Discussions with vendors should include specific scenarios to assure the vendor application meets requirements.
Secondary systems – In addition to the primary requirements common to most every central station, there are many other functions that should be considered for integration into the central station software:
• Voice recorders are used in all central stations and provide tools to allow calls and alarm signals to be correlated. Quick operator access to a recorded phone call allows timely playback to third parties.
• Automated attendants may be integrated with central station software. Inbound calls can go to a service for frequent tasks such as placing systems on or off test. Outbound calls can be used for message delivery.
• Web applications are becoming more important to companies and consideration should be given to what data needs to be exposed to different external user groups. Often data reports provided by email may be an adequate alternative to web access.
All software systems from leading vendors provide the ability to enter accounts, zones and contacts. As applications get more advanced there is greater reliance on master tables to allow a single entry that may be reused in many accounts. In addition to master tables advanced features you may wish to consider include:
1. Autodial – software/hardware interacts between the database and an outbound phone line. 2. Dispatch rules – can minimize the handling needed by the operator and assure a dispatch procedure is followed. Software vendors vary substantially in methods used to create global rules and enforce their use. 3. Common contacts – A method should be provided to allow one contact entry to be used for multiple accounts. 4. Zone rules – should allow for common master definitions to be applied to groups of accounts. 5. Reporting/data output – Creating special reports and outputs to Excel® are useful tools. 6. User Interface – Look at how dispatch works for a dispatcher. Data access should support shortcuts and should be quick.
Central stations software is provided by many industry specific vendors. The use of unique applications is required for connectivity to receivers and many alarm dispatch rules. It would be inappropriate to try to tailor other applications to the requirements of the central station.
Vendor selection should include “general” criteria as follows: 1. Vendor Operation – Years in business, experience with similar operations, types of customers serviced 2. References – Contact CSAA or local alarm associations to find other central stations. Inquire about the applications used. 3. Scope – if you have done the analysis above, you can inquire about specific tools you may think necessary.
Alarm dispatch applications in the industry are very mature. It is likely that most of the common features you need will be provided by all vendors.
There are a wide range of system capabilities beyond basic services. Ask perspective vendors to explain the ideal customer they service. Find a vendor that has other customers like you and it is likely that they will continue to develop new features in line with your needs.
IV. Communications
IV. Communications
Phone Line running into the building must be underground or in conduit.
If the exposed lines are outside the building, they must be 18 feet high above the ground if they are within 150 of the building. The lines must be in conduit as they descend down the pole or side of the building.
Cellular telephone or an equivalent means of voice communication.
V. Security of Site
V. Security of Site
The type of door strike used will depend on the door materials and construction. In most cases, an electric strike installed in the door jamb will suffice. There will be instances where a magnetic lock will have to be installed. Be aware of fire and local codes pertaining to door locking hardware. You will need to provide a form of free egress independent of the access control system.
As I (James G. Carey) have done some reaserch into the industry approved CCTV standards where it applies to Central Station Monitoring facilities. I have come to the realization that no industry approved standards exist. So therefore, I submit the following as suggestions from someone who is employed by one of the industries leading CCTV manufacturers. The below are mearly suggestions as I believe every CS should utilize the benefits of a properly installed CCTV system, and the areas I feel they can provide true value added benefits are the following.
Safety: As all UL CS are required to have measures in place to guard against outside interferience to the valued information contained within the CS. I feel it is important to intrgrate a functional CCTV system that captures and records all perimeter activity. Thus allowing for the appropiate responce should an individual or group of individuals breach the CS building with the intention of illegally accessing the vital information stored inside. Further more I also suggest the same CCTV capture and recording equiptment be inside the CS. Not nessicarrily inside the actual CS but the initial greeting areas within the CS office, so as to provide access to valuable information the authoraties and owner can access should a hostage situation arise. In the event the CS is breached. Additionally, I also reccomend the CCTV system be capable of remote viewing, so as to provide up to the minute information.
Recording: Although, the actual recording storage may be a task,I suggest the following. Given the current economic conditions as well as the constant technology advancements to our industry, low cost access to larger hard drive capable storage devices has become very reasonable priced, and can provide an economically way to allow for longer CCTV information storage capabilities locally. I would suggest a weeks worth of activity storage would be sufficiant to accomodate reasonable CS needs.
Dial In Capability: I belive this is an essential part of any CCTV system as it will provide the CS owner and manager to interrigate the CS activity from remote locations as well as serve as an excellent tool for providing current information should a break-in situation occur. The value I feel is immeasurable. Additionally, it can also provide the capability for the CS owner or manager to monitor multiple locations.
Lock Boxes: Regardless of how friendly the CS team is within the business. I feel lock boxes are a neccesity to all locally stored DVR’s. It provides security from an intruder potentially defeating the system as well as serves as a detterient to CS employees surfing the internet as most are pc based units, thus compromising the device with the threat of software virases.
Indication in the Operating room when the generator is running.
Test under load for 30 minutes weekly
Must have a door closure Locking means to control access Manual Identification system for entry Intercom Locked at all times
VI. Construction and Professional Services
The most important thing I can stress is to have one you can trust and is fair. He needs to be reliable and one that you use exclusively. Having one person you can trust and knows you business, from an electrical perspective, is worth its weight in gold.
Your Electrician can be used for so many things. Both for new work and proactive type work. These are some of the things you can ask your Electrician to do:
Load balance you electrical panels. It is imperative, both from a single phase and three phase perspective, that your loads are maintained and balanced with in 10%. This includes all house electrical panels, generator panels and UPS panels. There are floating loads your electrician should know about. Certain devices need to be “on” so accurate readings can be calculated in the assessment. The intermittent loads I am referring to include air conditioning, space heaters and equipment not running all of the time.
Each circuit on every circuit breaker panel should be evaluated to make sure there are no circuit overloaded or outside tolerance of over load. You should be no more than 80% of the rating on the circuit breaker. There are little numbers on most circuit breakers. The number is the number of amps the circuit can handle before it trips. its rating is another way to put it.
All circuit breaker panels must be marked accurately and specifically. More information is much better than less. Not only each panel but each circuit breaker. The legend should be clear, precise and accurate.
Each receptacle must be marked to its associated panel and circuit location. Critical outlets, for UPS service as an example, should have a brightly colored plate with specific identification – panel and circuit number. There should be no misunderstanding as to the role each receptacle plays. Receptacles marked clearly and special plates should be the critical outlets. These are served by UPS units directly.Non critical loads – generator only, should have its special identification as well. No heaters or other non essential devices should be plugged in to critical receptacles ever.
Generators, UPS units, phone switches should have good lighting and part of the generator power. Some believe air conditioning should not or can’t be part of the generator power supply. AC has to be maintained at all times, as does heating.
Other things your electrician can assess is out side lighting. This should be exaggerated and bright as a foot ball field. There is so much to lose if critical areas are not lighted properly. Anywhere an employee can go at night that could potentially become a situation should be indentified. Ask your night people, they know.
Simulate power failures to check critical loads and transfer times and behavior. Once a year I have my electrician pull the main power to see how everything works in a controlled environment. Have a spare main breaker that he will trip, in case it doesn’t reset. Those breakers never trip and need to be exercised as well.
Have all circuit panels serviced once a year. Breakers should be checked for tolerance and mechanical function. They get old and worn. Breakers tend to heat up as failure begins. Feeling the temperature of breakers is an early warning sign of failure to come. Those breakers should be replaced. Terminal screws are tightened, signs of corrosion are found. Wire connections get lose from vibration. Keep the terminal screws, lugs etc tight. It makes a big difference. Have one spare circuit breaker available of each size per panel. That is important.
Keep all areas completely clear of anything that can distract from immediate attention to the area. Your electrician will have a better understanding of what “clear” means. He can determine places that need attention you would not have thought of. Panel areas should be well lit and emergency flashlights available for quick use.
Please insure that critical hardware and software are on independent circuits. Many times critical equipment is shared and compromises critical run time. Electrical heaters are an enemy to you and you may not even know it. Where there are electrical heaters, supply a separate circuit. They draw a significant amount of electricity and can upset more than you know. Have your electrician inspect every device plugged into every outlet. He will tell you what a potential danger is or not. You have to know what every outlet does at a glance.
VII. Emergency Plans
VIII. Budgeting Considerations
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IX. Nationally-Recognized Third Party (NRTLS) Laboratories Requirements
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