In most instances, the use of acronyms can provide a quick and easy way of describing a concept or piece of equipment. Acronyms often save time when talking or space when writing. The downside of using acronyms is that there is an expectation that the person receiving the information already has the prerequisite knowledge to decode the acronym. If the person does not, then it can lead to misunderstandings. When it comes to discussing the many types of technical buildings in use today, there are a few acronyms that are used to describe the more popular types of buildings.

Armoda has built custom technical buildings for clients around the world and has heard all the lingo that is used to describe various technical buildings. In this article, we break down the eight most common technical building acronyms so you will be in the know the next time you come across them.

Before we get into the acronyms - a quick background note. What is a technical building? Technical buildings are often prefabricated buildings constructed to enclose and protect equipment located in hazardous or harsh environments. These buildings are used for a wide variety of jobs including accommodating control rooms, instruments, transformers, data centers, and other types of electrical equipment. Because they are often deployed in hazardous environments, they are constructed to withstand extreme conditions. They are also highly customizable and can be designed to meet a client’s exact technical specifications, allowing them to be utilized in a wide variety of situations.

Electrical House

Acronym: E-House / E-Room
Description: Electrical Houses are used to store and protect power assemblies. Individual E-Houses can be purpose-built to meet specific requirements for uses like power backup systems, switch gears, or transformers.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

Motor Control Center Module or Motor Control Center Building

Acronym: MCC
Description: Motor Control Center Modules store equipment to control multiple electrical motors in a central location. They are typically used in large commercial or industrial applications where many electrical motors are in use. The centralized location provides quicker and easier access to controlling the motors. In more extreme or remote environments, MCCs can be constructed to include HVAC, and fire suppression systems, and meet the certifications and standards required by regulators.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

Power Control Center

Acronym: PCC
Description: Power Control Centers are constructed to store electrical distribution equipment. They are designed to protect critical electrical and control equipment in a controlled environment, helping to extend the equipment’s life span.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

Modular Data Center

Acronym: MDC
Description: Modular Data Centers are used for the storage of servers along with the other electrical equipment (IT racks, HVAC, switchgear, etc.) necessary to run them. They are used for getting remote locations up and running quickly, or as an expansion to an existing data center. Modular Data Centers fulfill an important role in providing fast and reliable data and computing power for a wide range of industries.

Industries: Data Mining, Energy, Data Centers, etc.

Local Control Room

Acronym: LCR
Description: Local Control Rooms provide a centralized location to put equipment and personnel to monitor services and equipment within a facility or location.

Industries: Aviation, TV Broadcast, Security, Military, Defense, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Radio Broadcast, Renewable Energy, etc.

Remote Instrument Enclosures

Acronym: RIE
Description: Remote Instrument enclosures are built to house and protect instruments, analyzers, and drivers from the harsh conditions of the worksite. They are often constructed to meet strict blast and fire ratings to ensure that critical equipment and personnel are safe.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

Remote Instrument Building

Acronym: RIB
Description: Similar to RIEs, Remote Instrument Buildings are used to house enclose and protect instruments, analyzers, and drivers from the harsh conditions of the worksite.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

Local Equipment Room

Acronym: LER
Description: Provide storage and workspace for mechanical or electrical equipment. They are often utilized in offshore locations and thus built to meet the maritime certifications and standards required to do so.

Industries: Oil and Gas, Renewables, Energy, Utilities, etc.

More Questions About Technical Buildings? We've Got More Info.

These are the eight most common technical building acronyms in use today. Armoda has constructed technical buildings that protect both life and assets from the harshest environments deployed around the globe. If you have any questions about the technical buildings discussed in this article, please contact us. Our team of experts is ready to help.

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