To address the ever-increasing power requirements, data center design engineers are turning to medium voltage (MV) power distribution. The traditional approach of using multiple, large conductors to distribute low voltage power throughout the facility has evolved into using medium voltage distribution throughout large data centers. While this new method allows for stepping down to low voltage close to the load, improper installation and testing procedures can lead to immediate or premature failures. Most electrical contractors do not have extensive experience installing MV equipment, and are often unaware of MV-related “gotchas” that do not exist at lower voltages. Inexperience with MV best practices from a testing standpoint and failure to follow manufacturer installation instructions are common causes of electrical events and unplanned outages.
Brandon Sedgwick, PE (bio)
President
Hood Patterson & Dewar
