Make Cable Installation and Organization Easier in Data Centers

In this blog post about VELCRO^® Brand products, learn how they can support your efforts to install and organize the cables in your data center. 

Data centers are the nucleus for commercial operations. There are almost 2,800 data centers located in the United States alone and they all need to be carefully installed, monitored and organized to ensure businesses are getting the most out of their data space. Avoid spaghetti in data centers with clean cable installation using VELCRO^® Brand products.

Common Cable Installation Challenges in Data Centers

Whether it’s an intermediate distribution frame (IDF) or a main distribution frame (MDF), cable management is key to maintaining optimal data flow. These pathways need to comply with building codes as they run through walls and ceilings to connect the MDF to the IDFs and to workspaces. Various cable networks are required to power control systems, security, professional audio visual, telecommunications and more.

Plastic ties can stress cable jackets, limiting data flow and ultimately shortening the cable’s lifespan. While technology is evolving and bandwidths are increasing, infrastructure will likely need to be upgraded and replaced for CAT 6 cables. Each time cable pathways and equipment need to be replaced and repositioned, plastic ties must be meticulously cut and thrown out, making the replacement process more difficult and riskier than necessary.

VELCRO^® Brand Fasteners Improve Cable Installation for Data Centers

VELCRO^® Brand Professional Series ONE-WRAP^® Tape is a reusable and repositionable data center cable management solution for installers and contractors. This material can be easily removed and reused multiple times to maximize its life and reduce waste on the job. The hook and loop material is strong enough to hold large bundles but flexible to prevent restriction on fiber optic and CAT 6 cables. This helps installations align with many industry standards.

With various cable types in a pathway, it can be difficult to differentiate which cables are which. BradyGrip™ Print-on Hook Material complements VELCRO^® Brand ONE-WRAP^® Tape with an easy-to-use labeling solution to identify specific cable pathways. Using Brady’s handheld printing device, you can print labels on the job and attach, reposition or replace labels. This keeps cable spaces legible whenever maintenance is needed.

Data center cable pathways often need to be fed through plenum space, requiring compliance with building and fire codes. VELCRO^® Brand ONE-WRAP^® FR Tape is the only UL-rated hook and loop material that meets National Electric Code (NEC) standards (section 300.22, C and D). This aligns with electrical codes and facilitates data cable management within plenum space.

Easily Mount Equipment with VELCRO^® Brand ALFA-LOK^® Fasteners

When cameras, displays or other digital devices need to be accessed or upgraded, the VELCRO^® Brand ALFA-LOK^® Fastener is a strong hook-to-hook closure to affix devices in place. This is easy to align, reposition and reattach in outdoor or indoor environments.

Do you need to reduce labor, costs and damage to materials in cable installations? The VELCRO^® Brand Professional Series is a great tool to add to your worksite. Contact your local Accu-Tech representative to learn more.