This chapter provides a step-by-step process to help you organize complex installations.

Read this chapter for an overview of site preparation activities, and then use Table 1-1 to track progress for your particular location and system. The rest of this guide provides specific details, many of which are relevant to the installation.

The extent of site preparation tasks depends on the size and complexity of the system. A few small systems are easily installed with little or no modification to the existing site. Large systems, or numerous small systems, require more preparation, with their greater requirements for power, air conditioning, and so on. When installing a system, keep in mind how it fits in with the rest of the equipment installed at that site.

Some sites require that you have specialized knowledge to plan and install services such as power, air conditioning, and safety equipment. Always follow local and regional codes and recommendations while performing activities under regulation. When using consultants, verify that they are licensed and knowledgeable about local regulations.

Site preparation also involves thinking about the future. As configurations grow, site requirements change. While planning a site, consider how and when the site will need modification, and plan accordingly. Make sure the infrastructure being installed (power, air conditioning, and so on) can support future expansion plans.

To minimize mistakes and unforeseen situations for complex sites, assign one person as a coordinator to read this guide and assign tasks. Table 1-1 is only a guideline and cannot cover all circumstances involved in site preparation. Also, many activities are interdependent and involve compromises. After the coordinator evaluates the dependencies and compromises, this guide can be divided among several people so that multiple activities can be performed at the same time.

Start with the activities that take the longest time. Pay particular attention to activities that involve dependency on others, such as having an electrician install power circuits, and to items that are expensive to change in the future.

When you have completed the activities outlined in Table 1-1, the site is prepared and is ready to receive the system. To proceed, refer to the installation instructions provided for the system. See “ Additional Documentation” for the source of additional documents.

See “Site Preparation Checklist Details” for details about these items.

This section provides additional details about the items in Table 1-1, and gives references to sources of further information.