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Telecommunications companies need a lot of power and many of the buildings that are physically ideal for this type of tenant do not have sufficient electric service to support the telephone switch equipment installed.

The ideal building is usually an old manufacturing structure able to accommodate heavy floor loads for generators, uninterruptible power systems (UPS), equipment racks and air conditioning systems.

The usage of power by today's "server" tenants is now independent of square foot area; as a result, a small physical space may require hundreds of amperes and in some cases thousands.

Most "server" tenants specify their requirements in connected amperes which is usually at 120/208 volts. Higher voltages proportionately reduce amperes required. This means that each piece of equipment in the facility is assumed to be operating simultaneously at peak operating load. While it's certainly "safe" to proceed on that assumption, it just never happens. The load the utility company and main building service switches see, can be substantially less than 50% of the connected load.

UPS and back-up generators are installed to provide back-up power to address concerns about the quality and reliability of utility electric service. The UPS system is generally placed within the tenant's demising walls.

There are usually three practical locations for the generator equipment: The Basement, Roof, and occasionally within the tenant's demising walls.

The generator installation consists of several components:

Each component has its own issues related to generator location.

Roof Location: Fresh Air Requirements: Are addressed since the roof allows unlimited air for cooling.

Stack (Flue): With a roof location the stack is minimal, extending above the generator.

Engine-Generator: Dunnage between the columns is usually the structural solution for supporting the generator at the roof.

Fuel: A piped fuel system is required to be run from the tank in the basement to a small "day" tank adjacent to or below the generator. In New York City the piping run consists of a pipe within a pipe.

Basement Location: Fresh Air Requirements: Are addressed by taking air from the outside and bringing it into the generator room and exhausting the air. Because of the quantities of air required and the location of the room, some large ducts and fresh air openings (as well as fan systems) may be required. Remote radiators may be considered in some instances.

Stack: With a basement location it may be necessary to run an insulated stack up to the roof of the building (or to an acceptable setback) which is a challenge in getting to the roof.

Engine - Generator: A basement location usually presents no structural problems.

Fuel: The fuel tank located in a vault may be adjacent to the generator.

Location Within The Tenant's Demising Walls: Assuming the tenant does not have a basement or top floor occupancy the following issues are relevant:

Fresh Air Requirements: This requirement may be the most difficult to address; if sufficient outside supply and exhaust air are not available a remote engine radiator may be considered.

Stack: The riser will start from the tenant floor and extend to the roof or acceptable setback.

Engine - Generator: With the unit within the space, structural reinforcement of the slab may be required as well as extensive vibration and acoustic isolation.

Fuel: A fuel system will be required to run from the basement to the demand floor.

A building that can provide generator power to a tenant can be a tremendous benefit to a tenant with this requirement.