Conduit systems are used in server rooms to organize cables and improve access for modifications. They can hide cables while allowing easy access and can separate data and electrical wiring for better performance. Labeling and using a raceway system can also improve organization and appearance.
Electrical wiring in server rooms can get unwieldy quickly. Cables are suspended throughout to ensure system connectivity and business continuity for many organizations. If left without some form of organization to keep these cables out of sight, this can not only cause frustration but can also create a very messy work environment.
To allow for easy additions and changes to cabling, a conduit system, a plastic and metal conduit-type device is used primarily in data center environments to hide cables while still allowing for easy access. The conduit system allows cables to be routed out of the conduit through slots in the sides of the plastic while the front cover is solid plastic and snaps into place for a clean, finished look. The snap-fit conduit closure also helps improve wiring access when full access is needed for changing wires or for further modifications.
Trunking systems also have a specific shape, which allows electrical and data cabling to be routed along a specific path. The backplate of the enclosed conduit is metal and usually grounded when installed, while the other sides of the conduit are made of plastic for easy handling and routing of cables.
Some conduit systems allow data and electrical wiring to be separated within the conduit for better performance and shielding, which helps keep electromagnetic interference away from the data wiring.
Today, some companies include their data centers on tours for both new employees and prospects and even customers. Using a trunking system can improve the look of a data center, hiding the cabling that helps keep the organization connected, while still looking good for all who see it.
If multiple conduit systems are used, it may be helpful to label the front cover of the conduit indicating which computer systems are using cable in a specific conduit to provide an at-a-glance knowledge of the cabling within the conduit. Even with tightly contained cabling, labeling the ends of each cable to indicate the port number of the switch and the server or device the cable connects to can be a great time saver during an emergency.
Using a conduit system can improve access to cabling and prevent it from becoming a tangled mess in any data center. When modifying a data center, it’s a good addition to the plan to use a raceway system whenever possible to keep the environment looking like new for as long as possible.
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