Seismic Certified ASCO Power Switching and Controls Withstand Higher
Ground Acceleration Levels And Raises the Bar for Critical Operating Power Systems
Florham Park, N.J. January 25, 2012 — Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR) and a global leader in maximizing availability, capacity and efficiency of critical infrastructure, announced that ASCO Power Transfer Switches meet the new IBC 2012 standard ground acceleration requirement of 2.50.
The new IBC 2012 states that business-critical equipment, such as on-site power systems that power life safety and critical branches, needs to withstand higher ground acceleration levels1 (2.50) than those included in the previous edition. International Building Code 2009 required that seismic certified equipment withstand 2.46 ground acceleration.
International Building Code editions since 2000 (IBC 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012) require that critical mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment operate after a simulated seismic event. To receive seismic certification under IBC regulations, equipment must undergo tests on a shake table that simulates seismic shifts and higher ground acceleration levels. This regulation change is especially important in active seismic areas, such as the New Madrid Fault zone in the Midwest and the San Andreas Fault zone in California.
This is an important factor for facilities located in these very active seismic areas and other seismic regions. Seismic certified equipment, especially transfer switches that fall under National Electric Code (NEC) Article 708, Critical Operating Power Systems (COPS), need to adhere to the new IBC regulations.
ASCO power switching and controls equipment scheduled for installation in these seismic zones had been previously certified on a tri-axial seismic simulator that punished the equipment with thousands of pounds of force. These shake table tests exceed the newly implemented 2.50 ground acceleration requirement. For example, low and medium voltage ASCO Power Control Systems (PCS) operate even during a simulated seismic event, even though IBC codes do not require such operation. For facilities designated COPS by Article 708, such as hospitals, the ability of transfer mechanisms to function during a seismic event could be literally life saving.
Also, the equipment was fully cabled throughout testing on the shake table . A cable attached to the ASCO Power Control System’s top supplied it with rated ampacity, which raised the PCS’s center of gravity and added weight. Testing with fully rated cables proved the cables did not loosen from their lugs—an important factor when considering seismic certified equipment and especially for switchgear responsible for Critical Operating Power Systems.
When qualifying on a shake table , testing must adhere strictly to AC156 criteria for non-structural systems and components. Equipment that has qualified via the Telcordia GR 63 standard may need to be de-rated.
An engineering analysis is another way to predict how equipment and components will operate during and after a seismic event. However, this method does not certify equipment for zones with seismic activity. Without proper seismic certification by the IBC, buildings risk getting red tagged during an inspection, which may delay issuance of a building certificate of occupancy.
If equipment is not properly certified and does not comply with code standards, an inspector has a legal right to withdraw the certificate of occupancy, even though the building may be occupied. The insurance company could declare the building uninsurable, so risk and liability lie not only with consulting engineers, but building owners, contractors, project engineers and critical equipment manufacturers. If the equipment fails to operate after a seismic event, especially in COPS designated facilities, it could result in physical damage and perhaps loss of life. Insurance claims could be, and have been, denied.
For more information on seismic certified power switching and controls technology, call (800) 800 ASCO (2726), email www.EmersonNetworkPower.com/ASCO and www.Ascoapu.com for more information. To view ASCO equipment undergoing shake table testing, please visit www.AscoUniversity.com/seismic.html .
About Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), delivers software, hardware and services that maximize availability, capacity and efficiency for data centers, healthcare and industrial facilities. A trusted industry leader in smart infrastructure technologies, Emerson Network Power provides innovative data center infrastructure management solutions that bridge the gap between IT and facility management and deliver efficiency and uncompromised availability regardless of capacity demands. Our solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network Power service technicians. Learn more about Emerson Network Power products and services at www.EmersonNetworkPower.com.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and consumer markets through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and tools and storage businesses. Sales in fiscal 2011 were $24.2 billion. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.
1. The U.S. Geological Survey assigns ground acceleration levels.
Bhavesh Patel
973-966-2746
Bhavesh.Patel@emerson.com
Jim Huckfeldt
609-426-0877
jhuckfeldt@first-team-usa.com
