Individual departments are responsible for procuring and maintaining special equipment such as computers, printers, autoclaves, distillers, and all diagnostic and other equipment used for teaching and research purposes.

Departments are encouraged to contact the Physical Plant prior to purchasing special equipment. The Physical Plant department will determine the space needs, availability and capability of correct electrical outlets or HVAC equipment. Any alterations, electrical power needs, or HVAC modifications that may be required are the responsibility of the requesting department. Physical Plant will make all arrangements to perform the work. Departments will be charged for actual incurred costs or will be responsible for procuring adequate funding for requested work.

Physical Plant personnel must be consulted and prior approval obtained from them for the source of power, equipment phasing, voltage, and amperage of special equipment. Several campus buildings do not have all the standard voltages and phases available.

When purchasing office or laboratory equipment, the following principles of electrical characteristics should be observed.

1. All must be 60 Hz and have the Underwriter's Lab (UL) seal of acceptance.
2. No equipment or group of equipment rated at 120 volts requiring 10 Amps (1250 watts) or more of power should be purchased without prior approval of Physical Plant personnel.
3. No equipment requiring, by the manufacturer, a special or dedicated circuit should be purchased without prior approval of Physical Plant personnel.
4. Prior approval must be obtained for any equipment rated 208, 240, or 480 volts single or three phase.
5. Use and purchase of EPA certified energy star equipment is strongly recommended by the Physical Plant Department.