Which power paths need to be visible?

Show the source-to-load path that the approved design defines, including transfer, bypass, alternate and maintenance arrangements. A line that appears connected is not enough if the interface or operating state is unclear.

Illustrative power path review
PathDrawing checkSource
UtilityIncoming source and boundaryApproved topology
GeneratorStart, transfer and source tagGenerator schedule
UPSNormal and bypass pathsUPS data and SLD
DistributionFeeder and panel tagsLoad schedule
LoadDownstream boundaryApproved one line

Sources: Telecommunications Industry Association: ANSI/TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers, Uptime Institute: Tier Standard: Topology

How should redundancy labels be handled?

Use the project definition for N, N plus 1, 2N or another topology. Do not infer how a system operates from a marketing label or from the number of lines on a drawing.

Sources: Uptime Institute: Tier Standard: Topology

What should the drawing review record?

Record the source revisions, open design questions, tag cross-check and reviewer status. The drawing is ready for engineering review when the supplied basis is represented without hidden assumptions.

Common questions

What else should the bid team know?

Does this service select the critical power topology?

No. The engineer or design team supplies the approved topology. Drafting makes the approved arrangement readable and traceable.

Can a drawing show a rating that is missing from the schedule?

No. Raise the missing or conflicting input as an open item rather than guessing the rating.

Who performs engineering sign-off?

The registered engineer responsible for the job performs engineering sign-off. The drafter checks the drawing against the supplied inputs.

Primary sources

  1. ANSI/TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data CentersTelecommunications Industry Association
  2. Tier Standard: TopologyUptime Institute
  3. NFPA 70, National Electrical CodeNational Fire Protection Association
  4. NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power SystemsNational Fire Protection Association