Electrical Rooms: Design Best Practices

Electrical rooms are the operational heart of any infrastructure that relies on electrical systems. These facilities house critical equipment such as switchgear, transformers, distribution systems and controls, so proper design is essential to ensure the safety, operational efficiency and reliability of electrical systems. However, ignoring regulations, failing to anticipate risks or making design errors can lead to serious problems such as outages, accidents and costly damage.

In this note, we will explore the relevant regulations, potential risks, best design practices, key aspects and most common mistakes in the design of electrical rooms, offering a comprehensive guide for successful projects.

Key Regulations for the Design of Electrical Rooms

Compliance with local and international regulations ensures the safety, functionality and sustainability of electrical rooms. Among the most relevant are:

1. International Regulations

• IEC 60364: Provides general requirements for the installation and design of electrical systems, including electrical rooms.

• NFPA 70 (NEC): U.S. National Electrical Code, which regulates safe electrical installations, from wiring to work spaces.

• IEEE 1584: Guide for Arc Flash Incident Energy Calculations and Hazard Analysis.

• IEC 61439: Specification for low-voltage switchgear assemblies.

2. Local Regulations (Chile)

• NCh Elec 4/2003: Regulates electrical safety in low voltage installations.

• SEC (Superintendency of Electricity and Fuels) regulations: Specific guidelines for the design and operation of electrical installations.

These regulations establish the minimum requirements for space, ventilation, fire safety and panel design, ensuring an adequate environment for equipment and people.

Potential Hazards in Electrical Rooms

The risks associated with poor electrical room design can compromise both safety and operation. Common risks include:

1. Arc Flash Hazard:

   • Generated by short circuit faults or faulty connections, it can cause serious injuries and equipment damage.

2. Overloads and Equipment Failures:

   • Improper design can lead to overheating or failure of electrical systems.

3. Fires:

   • Heat build-up and improper handling of cables or connections can cause fires in the enclosure.

4. Accidents due to inadequate access:

   • A poorly planned layout can make access to equipment difficult, increasing the risk of accidents during maintenance.

5. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Issues:

   • Interference between equipment can cause failures in sensitive devices.

   
   

Best Practices for Electrical Room Design

A well-executed design ensures the functionality, safety, and efficiency of the electrical room. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Proper Sizing

• Ensure sufficient space to accommodate current and future equipment, considering operation and maintenance requirements.

• Provide clear access to all equipment, with corridors that comply with minimum width regulations (1 metre or more according to IEC 60364).

  
  

2. Ventilation and Temperature Control

• Incorporate ventilation or air conditioning systems that keep the equipment within its operating temperature range.

• Install temperature sensors to monitor critical conditions.

3. Cable Management

• Use organized trays or ducts to avoid clutter and make maintenance easier.

• Label cables to quickly identify connections.

4. Protection against electric arcs

• Include panels with internal fault protection and quick disconnect devices.

• Perform arc flash analysis to identify incident energy levels and define safe zones.

5. Fire Protection

• Equip the room with smoke detectors and fire extinguishing systems, preferably with non-conductive agents such as CO₂ or FM-200.

• Use fire-resistant materials on walls, ceilings and doors.

6. Physical and Access Security

• Restrict access to unauthorized personnel using locks, electronic cards or access codes.

• Include clear warning signage and safety rules.

7. Compliance with Grounding Regulations

• Design an effective grounding system to ensure safety and prevent leakage currents.

• Comply with regulations such as IEC 60364 to protect both equipment and people.

Key Aspects in the Design of Electrical Rooms

1. Strategic Location:

   • Locate the room in areas with limited access and away from water sources or high traffic areas.

2. Operational Redundancy:

   • Design systems with redundancy in power supplies and critical equipment to ensure operational continuity.

3. Integration with SCADA Systems:

   • Incorporate real-time monitoring systems to monitor equipment status and respond quickly to failures.

4. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):

   • Protect sensitive equipment from interference by shielding and using appropriate filters.

5. Flexibility for Future Expansions:

   • Design with possible upgrades or expansions in mind, reducing costs and time on future projects.

   
   

Common Mistakes in Electrical Room Design

Poor design can seriously compromise system safety and performance. Some of the most common errors include:

1. Insufficient Space:

   • Lack of room for maneuvers or future expansions.

2. Ventilation Deficiencies:

   • Lack of adequate air conditioning systems, which causes equipment to overheat.

3. Messy Cable Management:

   • Unlabeled or haphazardly arranged cables make maintenance difficult and increase the risk of short circuits.

4. Inadequate Fire Protection:

   • Failure to include detection and extinguishing systems can lead to serious consequences in the event of incidents.

5. Insecure Access:

   • Lack of access controls and adequate signage, exposing unauthorized personnel to unnecessary risks.

6. Incompatibility with Regulations:

   • Ignoring applicable regulations can result in penalties, operational failures and dangers to personnel.

   
   

Conclusion

Electrical room design requires a comprehensive approach that combines regulations, best practices, and risk forecasting to ensure operational safety and efficiency. Proper design not only protects critical equipment, but also improves operational reliability and reduces long-term costs.

At Acciomate Engineering & Projects , we have the experience and knowledge to design safe and efficient electrical rooms, adapted to the specific needs of each client.