Factors to Consider when Designing a Data Rack
Why Care about Data Rack Design ?
A rack that is a mess will definitely cause outages all by itself or cause outages of increased durations. How ?
• By accidentally knocking out power and/or network cables when working on appliances in the data rack or pulling on cables.
• By not being able to locate the desired end of patch cords because they can’t be traced through the tangle of poorly installed cords.
• By physically impeding access to equipment
• Poor rack design can have a huge effect on the build-up of heat in a data rack by not providing adequate ventilation
How to plan
• How many servers do you expect to install ?
(will servers be rack-mount or tower – tower will require a shelf)
• How many patch panels do you expect to install ?
• How many switches do you expect to install ?
• How many shelves do you expect to install ?
• Which devices/appliances are rack-mount and which require a shelf ?
• Do you plan to install a keyboard, monitor, & mouse in your rack ?
• Have you included rack-mount power distribution ?
• Have you included an Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) ?
(will UPS be rack-mount or tower – tower will require a shelf or floor space)
(most technology equipment warranties & support plans are void without UPS)
• Have you included “vertical” wire management ?
• Have you included “horizontal” wire management ?
(have you included an adequate quantity based on number of patch panels & switches)
• Have you included a #6 Building Ground for the data rack ?
(most technology equipment warranties & support plans are void without proper grounding)
(must be installed by Electrical Contractor)
• Have you included proper heating, cooling, & ventilation for the room that the data rack will be in ?
(most technology equipment warranties & support plans are void without meeting minimum environmental considerations)
• Have you planned adequate lighting for the workspace in front of the rack ?
• Have you planned adequate lighting for the workspace in back of the rack ?
• Have you included security ?
(will the data room be locked ? – who will have access ?)
• Have you planned adequate workspace in front of the rack ?
(recommended is 36” unobstructed)
• Have you planned adequate workspace in back of the rack ?
(recommended is 36” unobstructed)
(be sure to consider the depth of equipment installed in the rack)
• Are you planning on a 2-post or a 4-post rack ?
(answers to the questions above will help decide this)
• Have you planned for ladder racking & brackets to secure the top of the rack to the plywood backboard ?
• Have you planned adequate A/C power for the rack ?
(recommended is 20-AMP Dedicated Circuit – preferably 2)
(behind rack – positioned to not be covered by appliances in rack)
• Have you planned adequate plywood for the room ?
• Where will patch panels, servers, & switches be located in the rack ?
(proper design/placement can make moves, adds, changes, & servicing efficient)
(improper design/placement can create excessive heat, hard to reach appliances, etc.)
• Are you planning to require labeling for all equipment in your rack ?
(this will save you hours of frustration later)
• Are you planning to color code patch cables in your rack ?
(this can save you hours of frustration later on)
• Will there be a sprinkler head (fire suppression) in the data room ?
(please make sure it is not directly above the data rack)
A well designed data rack/room will enable you to obtain optimal performance from your voice, data, video, & security appliances, as well as make them easier to service and maintain.
A properly planned data rack/room will improve overall network reliability and save you money by ensuring that your power, cooling and IT infrastructure are all optimally suited to your requirements.
For assistance in planning/designing your data rack/room, please contact us today.
About ECS
ECS, headquartered in Auburn, WA, is a team of experts ready to help businesses with the important and often complicated decision of finding the best communication solutions for their company, from voice to data. Servicing Washington & Oregon, ECS specializes in voice, data, video, & wireless. For more information contact ECS at (253) 886-5400 or visit us on the web at www.GoECS.com