Electricians: Power requirements for a server room

[bunker]

Wasn't sure where to post this so I threw it here.

My wife is the office manager of the local office of a company. They are moving to a brand new building (only part of one floor of it) and the electricians need to know how many amps to run to the server room. It's a pretty small room and right now they only have 2 servers, a file server and email server. Everything else is hosted in the main office in California.

She asked me because their IT guy is pretty incompetent and he's only a consultant, ie. not a full time employee. His response to her was they use about as much as 5 desktops which I know is horse crap because their email server is ancient. Unfortunately I don't have any of the specs on either server, but was hoping you guys could figure on the requirements for 4 average single processor servers.

Any help would be great!!

 

[DaTT]

for 4 avareage PC's......I don't see any need for extra power to be routed into the room. Wall outlets will do just fine in my opinion.

 

[bunker]

That's pretty much what I figured, just wanted to know if there was anything special I should know.

 

[DaTT]

surge protection and UPS......but thats a given for servers anyways.

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: DaTT
surge protection and UPS......but thats a given for servers anyways.

That's already covered...thanks.

 

[OverVolt]

I run all the rigs in sig in a 12x12 bedroom on 4outlets, albeit aluminum cheapo wiring too! I also have 3UPS'es since we have shady power (quick flickers). since i'm in the country! sort of.

 

[Vegito]

a fricken lot..

usually the apc 3000 rm are 15 - 30 amp circuit. they need the twist lock.. leave for expansion. my 15x15 room has 10 - 30 amp circuit for those apc batteries. Being that we were in ny blackout few weeks ago, this only last 1.5 hours.

since ur moving to a new place, do it right the first time.
Whats your existing UPS or if you have any. If you're gettig new ones, APC 1500 is the biggest you can fit in a standard wall outlet, the higher amp has different type plug.

If she can get new UPS, I say 1 APC 3000 for each 2 server, this will last about 1.25 hours depending on the wattage of the server. Each one require 1 circuit, for 4, get 2, plan for expansion, get 3 - 30AMP for 3 APC 3000s.

You probably need 4, use 1 for your router + firewall + network switch, maybe 1 more for the phone system
So thats 5 30amp circuit for UPS. Now you need regular wall outlet, say for non-ups stuff, general usage, each circuit has max amp of 1700. Thats for about 4 pc (350w) + 1 flat panel (100w)

So I would say total of 5 circuits for server and another 3-4 for general usage. You can tone it down.

 

[redbeard1]

At least four circuits, 20 amps, with isolated grounds. The 30 amp circuits are nice, but then you have to use 30 amp plugs, and the equipment they have now probably has normal plugs. Big ups's can also use/require 220 volts, so that may also be something to consider.

 

[bunker]

Originally posted by: forcesho
a fricken lot..

usually the apc 3000 rm are 15 - 30 amp circuit. they need the twist lock.. leave for expansion. my 15x15 room has 10 - 30 amp circuit for those apc batteries. Being that we were in ny blackout few weeks ago, this only last 1.5 hours.

since ur moving to a new place, do it right the first time.
Whats your existing UPS or if you have any. If you're gettig new ones, APC 1500 is the biggest you can fit in a standard wall outlet, the higher amp has different type plug.

If she can get new UPS, I say 1 APC 3000 for each 2 server, this will last about 1.25 hours depending on the wattage of the server. Each one require 1 circuit, for 4, get 2, plan for expansion, get 3 - 30AMP for 3 APC 3000s.

You probably need 4, use 1 for your router + firewall + network switch, maybe 1 more for the phone system
So thats 5 30amp circuit for UPS. Now you need regular wall outlet, say for non-ups stuff, general usage, each circuit has max amp of 1700. Thats for about 4 pc (350w) + 1 flat panel (100w)

So I would say total of 5 circuits for server and another 3-4 for general usage. You can tone it down.

I think that may be a bit overkill!!
The current servers are nothing more than glorified desktops with some basic APC units from OfficeMax! Thanks for taking the time to reply though.

I originally told her to have at least two 20 amp circuits for the machines and a 15 amp for general outlets. Maybe I'll suggest another 20 amp or two for future expansion. I really can't see their server needs being that great at this office.

 

[Vegito]

yeah its hard to tell.. i'm on the trading floor and just got a new office for december move.. 48 hour diesel generators for me

everyone has different requirement and up time.. good luck and make sure they ground things

 

[Mday]

mission critical, each server should get its own circuit. i agree with what redbeard said. however, i would add a 5th circuit in there for other things.

but 2 20 amps and a 15\general is fine. for now.