Data Centers and Raised Floors - At a Glance

With the diverse IT needs of this day and age, organizations are not only required to invest in multiple computer systems but also arrange for proper storage and maintenance systems. As a result, a proper facility called Data Center is developed for the storage of various components of computer and telecommunication systems. Generally, the basic components found in a Data Center are:
- Cooling Air Handlers
- Air Conditioners
- Power Supplies
- Air Flow Barriers
- Communication Connections
- Fire Suppressing Systems
Although the structural design of a Data Center varies across different organizational needs and resources, a raised floor is often used in many facilities. Simply put a floor creates a void between the concrete floor and an elevated surface.
The elevated floor allows easy and concealed passage of electric supplies like wiring, cables, etc. Secondly, Data Centers built with a raised floor also have the ability to pass cool air through the hidden void.

- Design Components of a Raised Floor

The structural design of a floor includes several essential components and features. Some of these are explained as follows:

Pedestals - Mostly made of metal, a raised floor has pedestals which support the elevated panels. The height of these pedestals depends upon on the space required within the created void between the raised floor and the solid slab. Some companies use long pedestals to create ample space for the storage of voluminous wires and cables. It is necessary to use high quality pedestals to ensure safe and secure load performance of a raised floor.

Panels - The panels of a raised floor are placed above the original, solid, floor surface. Depending on the needs of the Data Center, different types of panels can be incorporated in the structure of a raised floor. For example, perforated panels allow efficient air flow, steel panels with the internal core made of cement result in sound attenuation and high strength, and so on and so forth. For rather aesthetic purposes, these panels can be covered in many types of finishes. Some of these include:

- Marble
- Tiles
- Carpet
- Laminates

Lifter - A suction cup lifter is a standardized option widely used to lift or remove the panels. The metal lifter has one or two suction cups attached on the end which make it easy to pull the floor panel without any hassle or delay.

Certainly, a Data Center facility designed with a raised floor can meet the key objectives of system storage and easy access. However, there are some essential support items and systems which enable companies to benefit from their IT or computer centers. For example, it is crucial to use high quality and specific server lifts for the transfer of IT equipment. In this regard, a rack lift is mostly used to lower or raise the heavy machinery and its components. In other words, the efficiency of server transfer greatly depends on the performance of the rack lift being used for the purpose.