Often it becomes difficult to know whose job it is to determine whether a data system is a “Critical Operations Data System” or just an important data system like any other. The NEC^® doesn’t mention whose job it is to make this determination. Making this decision dictates how the system is wired and if special rules in Article 645 must be followed.

In Oregon, the following amended code definition makes it clear:

Critical Operations Data System. An information technology equipment system that has been designated by the building owner as requires requiring continuous operation. for reasons of public safety, emergency management, national security, or business continuity.

Oregon amendments to the 2023 NEC^® are located in “Table 1-E” of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code (OESC) which can be seen using the following link or the OESC PDF file located near the bottom of the screen: 2023 OESC