The challenge of data centre installations
The rapid growth in data generation and storage needs is fuelling the development of data centres. This sector is now a major driver of demand for M&E contracting services.
Data centres house a huge amount of equipment and cabling, meaning that M&E supports need to be carefully selected to ensure the data centre infrastructure remains functional, efficient and scalable.
Walraven fixing systems are installed on data centre projects across Europe. We can provide a complete range of M&E fixings and supports, passive fire protection solutions and technical support for data centre solutions.
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How to select the right M&E supports for data centres
Given the critical role that M&E systems play in data centres, selecting the right data centre solutions is essential to ensure the data centre infrastructure remains functional, efficient and scalable. Here are some factors which may affect your choice of fixings for data centres:
Load Capacity of Fixings & Supports
Consideration: Data centres house heavy equipment like server racks, cooling systems, and power distribution units. M&E supports must be strong enough to carry the static and dynamic loads imposed by this equipment.
Solution: Select supports that have been load tested and demonstrate suitable load-bearing capacity for the installation. Don’t assume that all products are load tested, some may not be, so check with the manufacturer.
Walraven offers a range of load–tested support solutions.
Non-Penetrative Supports
Consideration: Protect sensitive flooring with non-penetrative solutions
Solution: Data centres sometimes utilise technology within the flooring to prevent electromagnetic interference. This was the case in a data centre project we worked on in Czech. Nothing could be anchored to the floor so in this case mounting feet are required to protect the sensitive flooring. These are also useful where pipework is mounted on rooftops.
Walraven offers non-penetrative mounting options.
Minimizing Zinc Whisker Contamination
Consideration: Zinc whiskers, which can form on zinc plated materials, pose a serious risk to sensitive electronic equipment in data centres.
Solution: Avoid the use of pre-galvanised or zinc plated M&E supports where possible, especially in areas near sensitive IT infrastructure. Material finishes that are less susceptible to zinc whiskers such as hot dip galvanisation, Walraven BIS UltraProtect® 1000 and stainless steel are preferable to avoid contamination.
Walraven offers a range of finishes suitable for use in data centres. Read more detail about zinc whiskers and our solutions in our technical article.
Fire Resistance and Safety Standards
Consideration: The amount of electrical equipment and heat generated within data centres can mean there is a high risk of fire. Passive fire protection systems and fire rated fixings can be important.
Solution: Ensure that the selected supports are rated for fire resistance and meet relevant safety standards (e.g., UL, EN). Materials should be able to maintain their structural integrity in the event of a fire to prevent collapse. In addition, firestopping measures will be required where services penetrate compartment walls.
Walraven offers fire tested strut channel solutions and passive fire protection products
Modular and Flexible Design
Consideration: As with most projects, the need to balance fast construction with safety on site is often key. Plus as data centre needs evolve, the infrastructure may need to adapt quickly to changing technologies, expansion, or reconfiguration.
Solution: Select modular support systems that allow for easy construction, adaptation, reconfiguration and scalability. Modular systems avoid the need for welding on site improving safety and ensuring that data centre solutions can be constructed easily and accommodate future growth without the need for extensive retrofitting.
Walraven offers complete modular, easy to install frame systems with EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations).
Vibration and Shock Absorption
Consideration: Vibrations from cooling systems, other HVAC equipment or external sources (e.g., seismic activity) can damage sensitive electronic equipment.
Solution: Include vibration-damping fixings where required. Anti-vibration mounts, spring hangers, and isolation supports can reduce the transmission of vibration to critical components in data centres.
Walraven offers anti-vibration solutions if required.
Corrosion Resistance and Durability
Consideration: Data centres often have controlled environments, but cooling systems and humidity control can still expose M&E fixings and supports to moisture, leading to corrosion.
Solution: Select materials that offer some level of corrosion protection like galvanised steel, Walraven BIS UltraProtect® 1000 (BUP 1000) or stainless steel. In environments with high humidity or where water-based cooling systems are used, prioritize non-corrosive materials such as BUP 1000 or stainless steel for long-term durability.
Walraven offers quality, durable, tested and approved fixing systems in a range of materials for corrosion resistance
Cable Management
Consideration: Data centres require extensive cabling for power, data, and networking. Poorly managed cables can impede airflow, create safety hazards, and increase the risk of overheating.
Solution: Use cable management supports like trays, baskets, and racks that allow for neat and efficient cable routing. These supports should facilitate easy access for future upgrades or maintenance while keeping cables well-organized.
Walraven offers cable fixings and channel systems for cable tray supports.
Walraven Data Centre Case Studies
Why choose Walraven fixings and supports for data centres?
Here are some of the reasons why installers across the industry trust Walraven fixings for data centre solutions.
High quality and highly tested solutions
Quality and compliance are at the forefront of Walraven’s product development process. Product systems are backed up with both internal and third-party tests and approvals including ISO, RAL, ETAs, load tests, fire tests, corrosion tests, zinc whisker tests and more.
Ease of Installation and modular solutions
Where possible we have designed our products with ease of installation in mind. Pre-assembled components, lightweight materials, and intuitive systems minimize onsite labour and complexity.
Walraven’s modular fixing solutions make it easy for installers to adapt to future requirements, whether it’s expanding capacity or reconfiguring existing systems.
Complete fixing systems for quality and reliability
There is no need to piece together your M&E supports from different suppliers when Walraven can provide complete fixing systems and equipment supports so you know that every element of your support frame will be of the same high quality, maximising performance and reliability of your installation.
Complete solutions are available for suspended support frames and non-penetrating floor mounted supports. With our three modular channel systems (Walraven RapidRail®, RapidStrut® and Maxx) we can optimise your installation and provide the best, most economical and efficient solution for your needs.
We have products within our range to deal with heavy loads, vibration, corrosion and more, in a variety of finishes depending on the requirements.
We’ve got the full package!
Options to minimise zinc whiskers
Walraven offers some products in a Hot Dip Galvanised finish, but most of our strut channel and fixings are available in an enhanced finish as standard (instead of HDG), and that is Walraven BIS UltraProtect® 1000 (BUP 1000).
BUP 1000 is unlikely to result in zinc whisker growth, PLUS it offers higher levels of corrosion resistance than hot dip galv and is a more environmentally friendly option due to the production process.
We also offer a complete range of stainless steel fixings which are also suitable for data centres.
Project and technical support
Walraven is more than a supplier; we are a trusted partner. Installers benefit from expert guidance and tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of data centre environments. From design support to product selection, Walraven can support your data centre projects.
If you need support with a data centre installation, get in touch with our Technical Team.
Find out more about data centres in general at Cisco.
Or visit our international website.