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Energy & Telecom 17 min read

Energy & Telecom Infrastructure Guide

Comprehensive assessment methodology for electrical distribution, telecommunications, data infrastructure, and emergency power systems in commercial facilities.

Energy & Telecom Overview

Electrical and telecommunications infrastructure are the nervous system of modern facilities. Aging systems, inadequate capacity, and poor documentation create operational risks and limit business flexibility. Assessment identifies vulnerabilities and modernization opportunities.

Electrical Systems

25-40 yrs

typical equipment lifespan

Arc Flash

#1 Risk

electrical safety hazard

Connectivity

Critical

for business operations

Electrical Distribution

Service Entrance

25-40 years

Components: Main switchgear, Utility transformers, Metering, Main disconnects

Common Issues:
Capacity limitationsAging equipmentCode complianceCorrosion
Inspection:

Annual thermographic scan, 5-year detailed assessment

Distribution Panels

25-40 years

Components: Panelboards, Breakers, Bus bars, Feeders

Common Issues:
OverloadingLoose connectionsObsolete partsArc flash hazards
Inspection:

Annual visual, thermographic every 1-3 years

Transformers

20-40 years

Components: Dry-type, Oil-filled, K-rated, Buck-boost

Common Issues:
Insulation degradationOverheatingOil leaksNoise/vibration
Inspection:

Thermographic annually, oil testing (if applicable)

Wiring & Raceways

30-50 years

Components: Conductors, Conduit, Cable trays, Junction boxes

Common Issues:
Insulation degradationOvercrowdingPhysical damageCode violations
Inspection:

Visual inspection of accessible areas

Grounding & Bonding

Indefinite with maintenance

Components: Ground rods, Bonding conductors, Equipment grounds

Common Issues:
CorrosionBroken bondsInadequate capacityCode non-compliance
Inspection:

Resistance testing every 3-5 years

Telecommunications

Voice Systems

Types: VoIP, Traditional PBX, Hybrid systems, Cloud-hosted

Issues:

End-of-life equipmentVendor supportCapacityIntegration needs

Trends:

Migration to unified communications and cloud services

Building Entry

Types: Copper demarc, Fiber entry, Wireless backhaul, Satellite

Issues:

RedundancyCapacityProvider diversityPhysical security

Trends:

Fiber-first approach with wireless backup

Backbone Cabling

Types: Fiber (single/multi-mode), Copper (Cat6A+), Hybrid

Issues:

Bandwidth limitationsCable conditionDocumentationFuture capacity

Trends:

OM4/OM5 fiber and Cat6A minimum for new installations

Wireless Infrastructure

Types: Wi-Fi 6/6E, DAS (Distributed Antenna), Small cells, 5G

Issues:

Coverage gapsCapacitySecurityInterference

Trends:

Wi-Fi 6E deployment, in-building cellular solutions

Data Infrastructure

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

Central point for building backbone connections

Space adequacyPower availabilityCoolingPhysical securityCable management

Capacity Planning: Plan for 25-50% spare capacity

Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDF)

Floor-level telecom distribution

Location adequacyPower/coolingHorizontal reachExpansion capability

Capacity Planning: Maximum 295ft horizontal cable run

Horizontal Cabling

Outlet-to-IDF connectivity

Cable categoryTesting recordsLabelingSpare capacity

Capacity Planning: Cat6A minimum for new; 25% spare drops

Server/Data Rooms

IT equipment housing

Power densityCooling capacityUPS/generatorFire suppressionPhysical security

Capacity Planning: Plan for 150-300 W/SF depending on density

Emergency Power

Generators

25-30 years with proper maintenance

Types: Diesel, Natural gas, Bi-fuel, Propane

Testing: Monthly no-load, annual load bank test

Fuel storageStarting batteriesTransfer switchesLoad calculation

UPS Systems

UPS: 10-15 years; Batteries: 3-7 years

Types: Double conversion, Line interactive, Standby, Rotary

Testing: Quarterly battery checks, annual capacity test

Runtime requirementsBattery conditionBypass operationLoad balance

Automatic Transfer Switches

25-30 years

Types: Open transition, Closed transition, Soft load

Testing: Monthly exercising with generator

Transfer timeMaintenance bypassExerciser function

Solar & Renewables Assessment

AspectAssessment Requirements
Roof ConditionMust support 25-30 year solar system life; assess roof age and remaining life
Structural CapacityVerify roof can support 3-5 PSF additional dead load
Electrical CapacityEvaluate service entrance and interconnection capacity
Shading AnalysisIdentify obstructions affecting solar production
Net MeteringUnderstand utility policies and rate structures
IncentivesFederal ITC, state incentives, utility programs

Assessment Methods

Thermographic Scanning

  • • Identifies hot spots and loose connections
  • • Performed under load conditions
  • • Annual recommended for critical systems
  • • Documents with thermal images

Power Quality Analysis

  • • Monitors voltage, current, harmonics
  • • Identifies power factor issues
  • • Documents transients and sags
  • • Basis for power conditioning needs

Cable Certification

  • • Tests cable performance to standards
  • • Identifies marginal/failing cables
  • • Documents for future reference
  • • Required for warranty on new installs

Load Analysis

  • • Documents current vs capacity
  • • Identifies upgrade needs
  • • Plans for future growth
  • • Basis for electrical studies

Assessment Checklist

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