For example, most health system data centers require two large and custom-built power generators, an elaborate and custom-designed cooling system combining both air and water sources, electrical power switching gear, uninterrupted power supply equipment, raised access floor equipment, and other specialized equipment. The lead time from order through delivery for power generators typically takes 9-10 months, while cooling systems and switching gear typically take up to 6 months.
This means the equipment must usually be ordered well before ground is broken on the building's construction. And once the facility is built and the equipment is installed, it usually takes another 6-12 months to test the systems and store the data before the data center goes on-line.
If a new or expanded data center is in your organization’s future, it is essential to understand and plan for the very high level of sophistication and complexities involved. All members of the planning team, including the CM/GC, should be involved at the earliest stages of planning to ensure the best results.
Fred Jaeckle is vice president of pre-construction and estimating and Brian Nuehring is director of estimating for S. M. Wilson & Co., which has completed several new data center projects. For more information, please visit www.smwilson.com . To read Part 1 of this series, please go here.
