DATA CENTRES & CABLE MANAGEMENT Attention to detail via modular and prefab
Cable management is the unsung hero of the data centre and plays a vital role in ensuring uptime and optimising the use of white space. Pete Willsher, managing director at RMS Cable Management, explains how modular and prefabricated cable management solutions are helping to meet quality, schedule and cost targets
E
ffective cable management is more important than ever within data centres, where an increasing need for high density installations means that there is an abundance of optical fibre, copper and power cables installed within walls, under the floor, suspended from the ceiling or in overhead containment. The problems caused by poor cable management can be significant, so it’s vital to get it right first time.
On-site construction challenges can impact the quality of an installation due to labour, materials and environmental factors, so more attention is being given to modular and prefabricated cable management. Although they are often used interchangeably, it’s important to differentiate the two terms:
• Prefabrication refers to any construction process that does not take place on-site. It is an umbrella term used to describe construction in a climate controlled factory environment. Prefabricated building materials can be easily shipped or assembled and may be delivered to a building site as complete components.
• Modularity is type of prefabrication and specifically consists of the building of repeated sections, called modules, being built in a factory and then assembled on-site. Modules are essentially separate structural units which, post assembly, make up the entire structure.
Time and money
Modular designs can save huge amounts of installation time, specialist labour, waste and cost, and prefabrication is allowing data centres
to be built in a far smarter way. A prefabricated cable management system that is produced and tested in a factory by skilled engineers ensures the highest standards of quality. Modules should arrive on a just in time basis, ready for integration with a minimum requirement for on-site engineering services. They can be configured by those with little to no experience, with components that are simple for M&E contractors to install on-site. Modular and prefabricated solutions also offer contractors improved confidence in budgeting and accurately achieving agreed product costs and labour rates.
Joined up thinking
Every data centre presents unique challenges in terms of navigating cables into and around a building. If insufficient consideration is given to cable management as part of the planning process, problems can occur post-installation. It’s for this reason that working very closely with M&E contractors from both a digital and an on-site perspective is so important. Clear communication and collaboration, information sharing, dialogue, regular meetings, and shared responsibility with a project’s M&E contractor enables manufacturers like RMS Cable Management to create practical and cost effective solutions.
Companies with experience in modular and prefabricated manufacture, modern methods of construction (MMC) and design for manufacturing (DFM) can help ease the pressures and challenges faced by main contractors.
Safe and secure
The proliferation of colocation data centres is driving the need for easy and foolproof
identification of cable containment hardware for individual clients. Colour coding cable trunking, tray, ladder, basket and electrical metallic tubing (EMT) based containment is a tried and tested way of facilitating this. With EMT, not only is experience with cutting, joining and bending pipes necessary, there is an additional catalogue of essential components required to cater for the navigation of fibre optic cables. Working with a manufacturer that has a comprehensive set of simple, adaptable products to complement standard EMT pipes is advisable.
Green for go
Modular and prefabricated cable management solutions can reduce a carbon footprint, as the delivered product contains less packaging than separate components, and they also minimise material waste by up to 20 per cent. Leading cable management companies that take sustainability seriously will also have defined recycling policies to ensure that all waste packaging and other materials are segregated and recycled appropriately.
Making a difference
Good cable management can make a massive difference to the efficacy and long- term effectiveness of a data centre and should never be underestimated. When considered against typical installation and implementation project costs, reduced waste and packaging, savings on on-site contractors and the benefits of guaranteed quality, it’s no wonder modular and prefabricated cable management are here to stay.
Nobody delivers like Albion
With next-day deliveries, we ensure you achieve your goals.
When you’re working to tight deadlines, trust the team at Albion to deliver accurately on time, every time – even direct to site. We can offer same-day and timed deliveries too – so you never have to worry about delays on your most urgent orders.
No need for extra time with Albion on your team.
albionvalvesuk.com Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk BSEE HP Final
Artwork.indd 6Albion hp BSEE
Mar23.indd 1 In a league of our own. 12/04/2022 14:08:15 9/2/23 09:51 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MARCH 2023 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
