When planning machine room raceways, what is the most important consideration?

The most important consideration when planning machine room raceways is the size of conduit or duct. This choice is crucial because the correct dimensions of the raceway directly affect the ability to safely and effectively manage the cables and wires that will be installed. Adequate sizing ensures that there is enough space for the proper thermal dissipation, mechanical protection, and accessibility required for both current-carrying conductors and potential future expansions or modifications.

Oversized or undersized raceways can lead to issues like excessive heat buildup or difficulty in pulling wires, which may complicate maintenance and compromise the functionality and safety of the installation. Furthermore, proper conduit sizing is essential for compliance with electrical codes and standards, which mandate specific fill percentages to ensure the raceway's efficiency and safety. Thus, prioritizing the size of conduit or duct helps ensure a well-designed, efficient, and code-compliant raceway system in machine rooms.