[tech] Power situation in Machine Room

[Bob Adamson]

There is a fire extinguisher out in the Cameron Hall corridor. If 
there is a fire in the machine room, I would imagine that you would want 
the fire extinguisher where you can get to it (ie not IN the machine 
room). Perhaps a smoke alarm would be of more use? The power ideas seem 
good though.

Bob [BOB]


On Sun, 4 Oct 2009, mattman at ucc.gu.uwa.edu.au wrote:

> Well howdy ya'll,
>
> As most of you would be aware by now I imagine, the University/Guild 
> conducted surprise RCD testing the other day (grrr).
>
> The outcome of this was that:
>  a) an RCD does in fact need replacing;
>  b) the electrician was of the opinion that we really did need to sort out 
> the power situation in the MR - he was happy to turn a blind eye, but did 
> strongly urge us to fix it to improve safety.
>
> So, to address (b), here are some ideas for discussion:
>
> 1) Power distribution strips in the racks to stop the power boards dangling 
> around
>   - doesn't even have to be proper ones, could be just some longer power 
> boards cable tied into the rack
> 2) Hooks on the roof to carry extension leads coming off the boards to get 
> them up off the floor
> 3) Racking up Mermaid and Merassu to:
>   (a) Improve airflow around them
>   (b) Keep them with all the other servers where we have networking gear and 
> power
>       - this in theory should make them easier to put on the UPS should we 
> want to.
>
> Not power related, but some other things I've been pondering while in the 
> clubroom today:
> - tidying up the cat5 spaghetti - can utilise the same hooks on the roof
> - given that the MR is an enclosed space with a higher risk of fire due to 
> its contents, it should probably, in theory, have a A:B (E) fire 
> extinguisher.
>
> Anyway, as I said, ideas to discuss - ideally some of this could be carried 
> out before Wednesday when the RCD gets replaced (or at the same time if the 
> powers going to be off anyway) - I fly out to Sydney on Tuesday but can try 
> and action some of this stuff either today (Sunday) or Monday morning if 
> people are happy.
>
> Cheers,
> Matt [MRD]