How Full Electrical Reticulation Helps Your Data Center
Full electrical reticulation is the process of installing electrical cables in such a way that they are out of sight and do not interfere with the equipment to and from which they lead. It is also a way to optimise performance by ensuring the cables are not exposed to destructive elements such as heat and water. This method of cable organisation falls under structured cabling, which we have discussed in a previous article. Installing cables in this way has a few benefits, especially for data centers, which we will discuss in more detail in the article below.
What Do LV, MV, and HV Mean?
Before we explain how electrical reticulation works and how it will help you optimise your data center, we first need to explain some basic terminology that is common when discussing cables and the relevant installation processes. The terminology in question is a series of acronyms that relate to the type of power cables we install (LV, MV, HV, and more rarely – EHV). Each acronym refers to the voltage capacity of a set of cables. These capacities are generally divided into low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), and high voltage or extra high voltage (HV and EHV, respectively).
Only LV and MV cables are relevant to power distribution in data centers (due to their respective capacities), but we will provide a brief overview of each. Using the correct cabling solution is essential to ensure your critical equipment both receives enough power to function and is not overloaded and severely damaged by power surges. It is thus important to have an accredited or certified professional conduct the installation and initial power supply calculations.
- Low-voltage cables have a voltage capacity of up 1000 V (volts) and include smaller fixed wiring solutions in offices.
- Medium-voltage cables have a capacity of between 1000 V and 45 kV (kilovolts) and are used for larger-scale power supply to local grids and heavy machinery or other heavy-duty equipment.
- High-voltage cables have a capacity of between 45 kV and 230 kV and are the kinds of cables you will see attached to large pylons that distribute the electricity over very large areas.
- Extra high voltage cables include all cables with a voltage capacity higher than the maximum of HV cabling, although the two categories may sometimes be used as one.
The Benefits of Cable Reticulation
The two main categories of full electrical reticulation are overhead installation (i.e. installing cables in the ceiling or in concealed piping) and underground installation (i.e. running cables through the floor via a system of pipes). The benefits of both are so similar that we will not further distinguish between the two unless a specific point requires it.
The main benefits of cable or electrical reticulation are the following:
- Cables are not a pretty sight. If they are installed according to the protocols mentioned above, they will not normally be visible and will be hidden inside pipes and behind panels.
- Reticulation is beneficial to both the cables and the equipment they supply with power. Keeping the cables out of harm’s way will go a long way in extending their longevity. Cables that are hidden are less prone to physical accidents or exposure to heat and moisture.
- Cables naturally heat up when they carry a current, which is only further exacerbated when cables are installed haphazardly. Optimising the installation leads to less overall downtime for your equipment, as the cables can go longer without needing maintenance.
CCI Should Be Your Go-To Company for Full Electrical Reticulation Solutions
Our team of professionals will handle every step of the installation process. You won’t have to do any calculations or estimates – leave all of it to us! Contact us if you want more information or if you need advice on the kind of cabling infrastructure your business needs.
