Seismic effects on enclosures
In areas where seismic activity is possible, enclosures have to withstand
more influences and material-stress than in zones with no or a minimum
seismic risk. During an earthquake, sensitive electric/electronic equipment
can be subjected to motions that can over-stress equipment framework,
whereas the amount of motions and resulting stress depends on several
factors, like:
• Structural characteristics of the building
• Framework in which the equipment is contained
• Severity of the earthquake
Therefore, it is important to use enclosures that have been tested for
specific seismic zones.
Seismic certification
If compliance with the UBC-Zone certification is required, the requirements
for conformity are stated in GR-63-CORE ‘NEBS Requirements: Physical
Protection (NEBS or Network Equipment-Building System). This standard
identifies the minimum generic compatibility criteria for telecommunications
equipment, especially for:
• Earthquake and Office Vibration (Zone requirements)
• Fire resistance
• Thermal robustness
• Transportation and Handling
• Acoustic Noise
• Airborne Contaminates
The testing criteria of the GR-63-CORE are as follows:
• Door does not open during test.
• Equipment still operable immediately before and after test.
• Enclosure must be base mountable.
• Enclosure is bolted down to concentrate slab.
To test for physical performance, the GR-63-CORE contains some different
physical performance criteria and certification levels, such as:
• R4-44: All equipment shall be constructed to sustain the waveform
testing without permanent structural or mechanical damage.
• R4-45: Maximum single amplitude deflection at top of enclosure
relative to the base does not exceed 75mm (3”).
• R4-46: System should have a natural mechanical frequency greater
than 2.0Hz as determined by swept sine survey.
RITTAL