# iNSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are requirements for the installation of MERLIN:

-   Physical Requirements

-   Utility Requirements

-   Environmental Requirements

## Physical Requirements

Physical requirements are the same for all sites, BMEU and DMU.

![](media/image1.wmf){width="6.452083333333333in" height="6.3875in"}

Figure 3‑1. "0" Point from the X and Y Axis

### Floor Space

MERLIN requires a minimum of 178 square feet (13.0 X 13.7 feet). See
Figure 3-1. A soft copy (3.5" floppy disk, in AutoCAD) of Figure 3-1 is
attached in Appendix 3 of this handbook for site planning purposes.

***NOTE: Any changes to this floor plan must be approved no later than
the Site Preparation Meeting.***

### Flooring

Level cement flooring may be covered with "unsuspended" tile, linoleum,
or wood.

***NOTE:** **It is not recommended that the MERLIN be installed over
carpeted floors or flooring that is suspended above a level concrete
surface.***

### Floor Loading

Total weight of the machine = 950 lbs.

### Accessibility

The MERLIN requires the space shown in the Figure 3-1 for machine
servicing and operation. A hard copy of a MERLIN Engineering
Installation drawing is attached in Appendix 4 of this handbook.

### Floor Layout

Determine the Zero (0) point from the X and Y axis and then layout all
floor dimensions from that point to determine the physical location of
the MERLIN and its power and communication line drops. See Figure 3-1.
The site must mark the Zero (0) point on the floor of the facility prior
to the delivery date.

![](media/image2.png){width="5.15625in" height="4.197916666666667in"}

Figure 3‑2. MERLIN Rear View

## Utility Requirements

The USPS/DMU mailer are responsible for providing power and data
connections at the USPS facility and DMUs.

### Electrical Requirements

The local site is responsible for providing electrical service in
accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA 70), and applicable state and local codes.

#### Voltage and Current Rating

115 Volts Alternating Current (VAC), single phase, 3-wire (with neutral
and ground), 60 Hz, dedicated 30 amp power line.

#### Grounding

Grounding in accordance with the NEC and Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Std 142-1991, grounding of Industrial and
Commercial Power System.

#### Power Feed

Each power feed line must be dedicated to one MERLIN unit. The power
feed line must originate at the facility power distribution panel and
terminate at the MERLIN junction/pull box. The power feed line(s) must
be sized to limit the voltage drop to a maximum of 3% to 4% as
determined by the load served and length of power Feeder run (See
listing below for maximum length of wire). All power feed lines should
be run in a standard electrical metallic tubing or steel conduit.

  ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
  **VOLTAGE              **6 AWG                **8 AWG                **10 AWG
  [DROP]{.underline}**   [WIRE]{.underline}**   [WIRE]{.underline}**   [WIRE]{.underline}**

  3%                     122 ft                 76 ft                  48 ft

  4%                     162 ft                 102 ft                 64 ft
  ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------

The site is responsible for terminating the electrical Feeder for the
MERLIN in an 8 x 8 x 6 inch junction/pull box at ceiling level, directly
above the MERLIN main power box. The junction/pull box must be suitable
for a 2.5-inch conduit entry for installation of the power cord entry
strain relief. See Figures 3-1 and 3-2.

#### Electrical Drop Line

The site is required to install an electrical drop line, which is used
to connect the ceiling junction/pull box within the MERLIN main power
box. The USPS provides funding for the power drop at DMUs, but it is the
responsibility of the DMU facility to physically supply the materials
and labor associated with the electrical drop line. Electrical drop line
must be located as depicted on Figures 3-1 and 3-2. The drop line must
reach from the junction/pull box at ceiling level to floor level
directly below the MERLIN main power box. The wire (3-wire, #6, #8, or
#10 AWG copper wire) does not have to be terminated because it will be
hardwired to the MERLIN. The USPS must supply the appropriate strain
relief for the wire that is to be connected to the MERLIN main power
box. The power lines and the communication lines must not be closer than
12 inches. The Bell & Howell installer is responsible for connecting the
power drop line to the MERLIN.

#### Lightning Protection

Prior to the site preparation for the MERLIN, the USPS/DMU mailer shall
determine that lightning/transient protection for the facility is
provided. If it is found that this protection does not exist, the local
site shall take the necessary action to have adequate lightning
protection installed.

#### Electrical Codes Required

The local site is responsible for providing electrical service in
accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code
(NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70), with the
applicable requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and applicable local codes. All components must be
approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

### Communication Requirements

#### Local Area Network (LAN)

The USPS/DMU mailer are responsible for providing a Local Area Network
(LAN) connection at their respective facilities. The network cable
should be a UTP, cat 5 cable (100/10 BASE T) with a RJ-45 connector.
Parallel wire distribution runs of network trunks and power wiring must
be separated by a minimum of 12 inches. The line will be dropped from
the ceiling to the floor as identified in Figures 3-1 and 3-2.

#### DMU Permit System LAN

DMU mailers will install a second LAN connection to the permit system at
their site, if so equipped. LAN cable requirements are as specified in
Section 3.2.2.1, *Local Area Network (LAN)* of this handbook.

#### DMU Sites

The USPS will install routed network connectivity at DMU sites.
Information Systems will initiate the requests for the dedicated circuit
and required network equipment. All facility wiring should conform to
Section 3.2.2.1, *Local Area Network (LAN)* of this handbook.

The USPS provides funding for the LAN lines at the DMUs, but it is the
responsibility of the DMU facility to physically supply the materials
and labor associated with the LAN line installation.

#### Request for Computer Access Form (PS FORM 1357)

The MERLIN site coordinator will ensure that the PS FORM 1357 is
properly completed and approved.

***NOTE: This form is NOT provided in this handbook.***

## Environmental Requirements

MERLIN requires an environmentally controlled location. **A loading dock
is NOT an acceptable location.** An ambient environment, with a
temperature and relative humidity control is necessary for the accuracy
of the scale. Heating/AC vents or fans cannot discharge air directly
onto the scale section of the MERLIN.

###  Reference Data 

The list of the physical, electrical, environmental, and operational
characteristics of the MERLIN is depicted in table 3-1.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| SIZE (L-W-H)         | 7.2 feet X 6.5 feet X 5.0 feet                |
|                      |                                               |
|                      | (Height: 6.2 feet high, Image Lift Transport  |
|                      | cover open)                                   |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| WEIGHT               | 950 lbs.                                      |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

  --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
  Breaker size                            30 amps

  Power factor                            0.74

  Full load kW                            2.0 kW

  Full load amps                          22.3 amps

  Full load kVA                           2.8 kVA
  --------------------------------------- -------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
  Heat Generation                 9000 Btu per hour

  Operating Temp                  Ambient 65-90 degrees F

  Humidity                        20-80% non-condensing

  Noise Levels Produced           \< 75 dB

  Toxic Materials Produced        None
  ------------------------------- ---------------------------------------

OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| MAILPIECE SIZE          | Minimum 3.5" high X 5.0" long X .007"      |
|                         | thick                                      |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | Maximum 15" high X 12" long X .750" thick  |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| MAILPIECE WEIGHT        | Maximum 16 oz.                             |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+
| THROUGHPUT              | Letter 6000 mailpieces per hour            |
|                         |                                            |
|                         | Cards/Flats 4000 mailpieces per hour       |
+-------------------------+--------------------------------------------+

Table 3‑1. Characteristics