Emergency Power Shutdown Management System (EPSMS): Achieving NFPA 70 & NEC Compliance
In mission-critical environments such as data centers, laboratories, and industrial facilities, accidental power loss can cause catastrophic downtime. Suppression Systems, Inc. (SSI) designs and installs Emergency Power Shutdown Management Systems (EPSMS) that give operators full, safe control of electrical shutdown functions while maintaining compliance with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 75 (Fire Protection for Information Technology Equipment).
SSI’s EPSMS integrates seamlessly with fire alarm and clean agent suppression systems to ensure coordinated, code-compliant emergency shutdowns—protecting both personnel safety and business continuity.
Mitigate Downtime: Why Accidental EPO Activation is Your Greatest Risk
A simple Emergency Power Off (EPO) switch—often the “Big Red Button”—poses one of the largest risks to uptime in data centers. An accidental press or wiring fault can disconnect power to every server, UPS, and HVAC unit in seconds. SSI’s Emergency Power Shutdown Management System replaces basic EPO hardware with intelligent, logic-controlled protection that prevents unintended shutdowns while maintaining true emergency control.
Power-On Trip Logic: The Safest System Design
SSI’s EPSMS uses a power-on trip logic configuration requiring voltage to initiate shutdown. This eliminates false trips caused by power loss, wiring failures, or transient faults—ensuring the system only activates intentionally and safely.
Mandatory Disconnecting Means: Meeting NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 645 Requirements
Under NFPA 70 (NEC) and NFPA 75, data centers and IT spaces must provide a coordinated disconnecting means for:
- All IT and electronic equipment
- Dedicated HVAC systems serving IT areas
- UPS input power and battery circuits (UL 1778-2)
SSI’s EPSMS manages all disconnects through a central controller, satisfying NEC Article 645.10 and 645.11 requirements while maintaining operator safety and system uptime.
Integrated Fire Suppression System Interface
Our EPSMS integrates with fire alarm control panels to trigger a controlled shutdown during a verified fire event. This coordinated response aligns with NFPA 75 and prevents electrical hazards when suppression systems discharge, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk.
Advanced Shunt Trip Control and Monitoring
At the core of SSI’s EPSMS is the shunt trip breaker management system, providing precise electrical disconnection and monitoring for mission-critical power circuits. This ensures that emergency shutdowns occur safely, only when required, and without secondary electrical damage.
- Shunt Trip Breakers: Remote disconnection capability via 24VDC or 120VAC control voltage.
- Clearing Contacts: Protect shunt trip coils from burnout during extended power-off conditions.
- Undervoltage Release (UVR): Optional feature to trip circuits automatically on sustained power failure.
Preventing Malicious or Accidental Operation
SSI designs EPSMS enclosures with recessed and guarded buttons, hinged alarmed covers, and optional two-step activation logic (dual “A/B” confirmation or timed switch) to prevent accidental shutdown or tampering. These safeguards reduce operational risk while maintaining full emergency response capability.
EPSMS Control Features and Capabilities
- Controls: IT equipment, dedicated HVAC, UPS input power, and UPS battery disconnects.
- Alarm Integration: Interfaces with Autocall fire alarm panels for event-based coordination.
- Monitoring: Real-time breaker status, voltage condition, and trip log reporting.
- Custom Logic: Programmable delay and sequence settings for staged shutdown control.
Each EPSMS is engineered to match your facility’s electrical design, load capacity, and local code requirements—ensuring both uptime and compliance.
NFPA, NEC, and UL Compliance Built In
Every SSI-designed EPSMS meets or exceeds:
- NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (Articles 645.10 and 645.11)
- NFPA 75 – Fire Protection for Information Technology Equipment
- UL 1778-2 – Uninterruptible Power Supply Battery Disconnect
SSI ensures every installation includes proper disconnecting means, alarm coordination, and compliance documentation—providing peace of mind to engineers, inspectors, and operators alike.
Protect Uptime. Ensure Compliance. Prevent False Shutdowns.
SSI’s Emergency Power Shutdown Management System (EPSMS) provides the reliable, compliant, and intelligent control your facility needs to minimize downtime and maintain operational continuity.
Contact SSI today to schedule an EPSMS consultation or facility assessment with one of our certified engineers.