Chapter 2
Facility Guidelines
Distribution Hardware
13
Distribution Hardware
This section describes wire selection and the types of raceways (electrical conduits) used in the distribution
system.
Wire Selection
Use copper conductors instead of aluminum, as aluminum’s coefficient of expansion differs significantly from
that of other metals used in power hardware. Because of this difference, aluminum conductors can cause
connector hardware to work loose, overheat, and fail.
Raceway Systems (electrical conduits)
Raceways (electrical conduits) form part of the protective ground path for personnel and equipment.
Raceways protect the wiring from accidental damage and also provide a heatsink for the wires.
Any of the following types may be used:
• Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) thin-wall tubing
• Rigid (metal) conduit
• Liquidtight with RFI strain relief (most commonly used with raised floors)
Building Distribution
All building feeders and branch circuitry should be in rigid metallic conduit with proper connectors (to
provide ground continuity) Conduit that is exposed and subject to damage should be constructed of rigid
galvanized steel.
Power Routing
Power drops and interface cables from the equipment are routed down from the power panel, through a
grommet protected opening (beneath the floor level), and under the floor panels.
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