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Today, red/black separation affects more than cabling and equipment placement. In modern SCIF design, these requirements influence building selection, ceiling heights, workstation layouts, and overall project flexibility. In this article, we’ll elaborate on what facility managers need to be thinking about in terms of red/black separation to help ensure the decisions made early support the project later.
Red/black separation is a secure facility design requirement intended to prevent sensitive information from being compromised. In simple terms, “red” systems refer to classified or high-side systems that process sensitive information, while “black” systems refer to unclassified or low-side systems. To maintain security and comply with ICD 705+ TEMPEST requirements, these systems must remain physically and electrically separated throughout the facility.
In a secure facility, high-side and low-side systems require separation throughout the entire environment, not just within the Computer Electrical Room (CER). Separate power distribution, dedicated cabling pathways, and filtering requirements must all be coordinated carefully to maintain compliance and functionality.
The challenge becomes even more complex in renovation projects or commercial office buildings with limited ceiling space. Traditional office environments often do not provide enough room above the ceiling to accommodate separated power and data pathways while also supporting lighting, HVAC systems, and architectural design goals.
These considerations also impact modular furniture systems, workstation layouts, and how infrastructure distributes throughout the space. As requirements become more closely enforced by accrediting agencies and security officials, project teams that fail to address these constraints early may face costly redesigns, delayed project approvals, reduced usable square footage, or limitations in how occupants can use the space later.
That’s why secure facility planning should begin prior to design and construction. Evaluating infrastructure limitations during site selection and early design coordination can help organizations better understand the tradeoffs between renovation or relocation. We recently published an article here exploring when renovation versus relocation makes the most sense for secure facility projects.
By addressing red/black separation and CER planning early, facility managers can create secure environments that support both compliance and long-term operations.
If you’d like to start a conversation with our team, please connect with me at gbrenner@wbengineering or by calling 301.279.6303.
