VAXft Systems Model 810 Site Preparation Guide

This document, "VAXft Systems Model 810 Site Preparation Information" (June 1993), is a manual for Digital Services and other personnel responsible for planning and preparing sites for the VAXft Model 810 computer system.

The manual provides comprehensive guidelines across three main areas:

1. System and Site Planning Overview: It introduces the VAXft Model 810 as a fault-tolerant system designed for continuous operation through hardware redundancy and error management. It describes the system's configurations (entry and expanded systems) and their basic components.
2. System Site Preparation: This section details crucial aspects for physical installation, including:
   • Site Planning Guidelines: Emphasizes identifying space, environmental, and power requirements, preparing layout diagrams, and adhering to fire, safety, and computer security codes.
   • Preparing for Delivery: Advises on reviewing the equipment's delivery route, ensuring adequate door and aisle widths, protecting floor surfaces, and handling heavy cabinets.
   • Facility Layout: Specifies minimum access clearances around cabinets (1000mm front/rear) and cooling airflow access (61cm above), as well as requirements for firm floor surfaces and dedicated storage areas.
   • Environmental Limits: Provides detailed specifications for optimal operating conditions, including temperature (15-32°C / 59-90°F) and humidity (10-90% RH) ranges, air filtration needs, and acceptable shock and vibration levels.
3. Power and Safety Requirements: This chapter outlines the electrical prerequisites and safety protocols:
   • Power Distribution: Stresses the need for separate, dedicated circuits for each system zone, connection to a single bulk distribution panel, and single-point grounding. It highlights that an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is mandatory for true fault-tolerant operation, supporting internal components for at least 30 minutes during a power failure.
   • Electrical System: Specifies requirements for stable electrical systems free from noise and transients, accessible master circuit breakers, and warns against connecting other loads (e.g., motors, copiers) to system circuits.
   • Power Requirements: Provides detailed tables for 120 Vac and 240 Vac power requirements for various system configurations.
   • Safety Requirements: Lists critical safety procedures for installation and maintenance, such as exercising caution when moving cabinets, ensuring correct grounding by a licensed electrician, removing jewelry when working on power supplies, and disconnecting main power before servicing.

In essence, the document serves as a critical guide for ensuring the VAXft Model 810 is installed in an environment that meets all necessary physical, environmental, electrical, and safety standards for optimal and reliable operation.