Vibrations Affecting Your Data Center? It’s Not Just Earthquakes.

Racks Bending Under Heavy Loads And Micro Vibrations

The good news: as manufacturers build smaller routers and servers, more can fit into racks so you optimize the space. The bad news: issues around density, weight and micro-vibrations are beginning to crop up. Some current cabinets are simply not built to withstand the extra stress over long periods of time. Racks bend, welds break apart or screws loosen. As a result, data centers are starting to take a closer look at the stability of their current inventory, as well as what they need to consider for their future needs.

“I’m seeing the writing on the wall. They keep putting more weight into the cabinets, so we’ve been putting our racks through higher levels of testing,” said Chuck Gaw, vice president and co-owner of Gaw Technology.

While most other cabinets for Zone 4 are tested with 1,000-pound loads, Gaw seismic racks have been tested with 2,000 pounds.  

A New Trend Towards Seismic Cabinets

In 2017, there were over 1,500 earthquakes with 5.0+ magnitude globally. Add in the aftershocks and that’s a lot of seismic activity. The recent 7.0 magnitude earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska triggered over 1800 aftershocks – a few measuring 5.0 magnitude.  Businesses with facilities in earthquake or heavy vibration-prone areas have always needed seismic racks for those Zone 4 locations.

Due to the increased stress on server and router racks plus the need for versatility, Gaw said his company is fielding more requests for seismic racks in general, regardless of zone. Some of their clients, including a major telecom provider, are starting to use seismic racks in all their facilities. This practice ensures across-the-board stability for their equipment. It also provides more versatility because the facilities can ship their current inventory wherever they are needed, avoiding logistical headaches.

“This practice gives our global clients the ability to capitalize quickly on new markets that they may not have considered, due to lack of equipment on hand,” Gaw said.

Is The Building Seismic-Stable?

Earthquake-ready cabinets are tested for their abilities during a seismic event, such as an earthquake, in heavy vibration areas like airports, or sways that occur in skyscraper buildings. Gaw’s NEBS GR63-core certified Zone 4 server rack cabinets are designed and tested simulating these conditions. But what about the buildings they are kept in?

A long-time designer and producer of server racks, Gaw said if businesses are considering this option, they must also understand the stability of the physical structure in which they are housed.

A successful seismic cabinet installation hinges on the building’s stability, as well as its flooring. Additionally, proper installation of a seismic cabinet to the floor is essential to its performance.

As more data centers prioritize the efficient use of space, producers and installers will need to constantly evaluate their testing criteria and best practices.

For more information on the capabilities of seismic racks and other products, email Chuck Gaw at [email protected] or visit www.gawtechnology.com.