Your storage system can be installed on a raised or non-raised floor.
A raised floor consists of load-bearing floor panels laid in a horizontal grid above a building floor. The raised floor is supported by adjustable vertical pedestals to provide an underfloor space for distributing cables, power outlets, and other services.
- Provides efficient cooling.
- Makes it easy to accommodate cabling layouts.
- Prevents tripping hazards because cables are routed below the raised floor.
If your site has a raised floor, consider the following factors:
- The raised floor must be built of noncombustible materials.
- Treat concrete subfloors to prevent them from releasing dust.
- Confirm there is positive air pressure below the raised floor to verify adequate airflow.
- The raised floor clearance must be adequate to accommodate cables. Remove all unused cables from the area below the raised floor to prevent these areas from becoming dust and dirt traps.
- Eliminate sharp edges on floor cutouts to avoid damage to cables.
- Apply sealant to raised-floor cable openings to prevent chilled air from escaping.
- For metallic raised floor structures, it is a safety hazard to expose metal or highly conductive material at ground potential to the walking surface.
Although raised floors are preferred, the storage system can be installed on non-raised floors. In these environments, overhead cabling can be used to provide power to the storage system. Installation planning, cable length, and rack location in relation to the cable openings on the rack are critical to installations that use overhead cabling.