Fire Req: Electrical Room w/ WH & Ref. Compressors?

[eyan50495]

Hi

We have a commercial space, Type VB, 1 story + basement, fully sprinklered building. We have an electrical room in the basement with rated walls, panic bar and sprinklers. The owner wants to put the water heaters and refrigeration compressors into this room as well.

We read that the water heaters could go in there (not best practice) but we will put them in a closet of their own. Would we be allowed to put a large refrigeration compressor in there? Trying to find the code about this in NEC or NFPA.

I'd imagine we could and we might put it in it's own room within that electrical room and possibly having to add a second means of egress.

 

[cda]

So what electrical is in the electrical room that is electrical?

Just circuit breaker panels??

Or transformers also??

If transformers, what size

 

[eyan50495]

So what electrical is in the electrical room that is electrical?

Just circuit breaker panels??

Or transformers also??

If transformers, what size

Hi, the main Transformer is located outside so the electrical room just has a meter, the main distro. panel, electrical panel and a step down transformer (45 kVA).

 

[cda]

Check nec


https://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/staying-high-and-dry

 

[my250r11]

May be okay if the working clearances are maintained.

 

[steveray]

Agree with 250...No prohibition, but details matter...Refrigeration may need 2 MOE if not already in place.

 

[Paul Sweet]

Refrigeration compressors should not be in the room unless they have outdoor condenser coils. I've seen refrigerator or freezer installers put their cooling units in the worst places.

 

[Builder Bob]

Check the IFC for refrigeration requirements and see if tit meets any of the exceptions of the IFC section 605 -

 

[ICE]

Heat buildup might be an issue.