Server Rack Grounding

Bonding (or grounding) is a system of protective measures, which is implemented to prevent electric shocks when touching metal parts of energy-powered equipment. The whole structure consists of a metal circuit, a ground bus, and a ground wire. Network hardware is connected to PDUs and constantly powered to perform smoothly. Thus, server cabinets require obligatory grounding to protect the maintenance staff.

Bonding is used worldwide, in all spheres since it is the best way to secure humans’ lives from sudden death. Grounding is found not only in industrial facilities but also in domestic households. Washing machines, bath tubes, and refrigerators are grounded in living apartments.

The Importantce of Bonding Server Cabinets

The main purpose of grounding data racks is to secure people from the harmful influence of electric circuits and prevent health problems and death in the case of serious damage to telecommunication systems.

Protection from electrical surges and spikes. In industrial plants, a short circuit can result in voltage surges, which can provoke an insulation breakdown and, consequently, damage sensitive IT equipment.
Protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD). People tend to accumulate static potential. Contact with the server equipment may cause a discharge, which will affect the operation of the network system.
Reduces the risk of fire. The bonding system implies the installation of a differential machine and an RCD that controls the circuit consumption and, in the event of power leakage, disconnects to the electrical circuit, preventing the possibility of a fire.
Ensures compliance with industry server rack grounding requirements and regulations. All infrastructures are required to comply with certain requirements and rules for the mounting of electrical hardware in order to protect maintenance staff from electric shock.

Bonding is a reliable way to guarantee the protection of employees when maintaining telecommunication systems and server rooms.

Server Rack Grounding Requirements

The TIA and ANSI, international institutions for standardization and certification, standardize the requirements for manufacturers to produce physical machines in accordance with the set rules. The ANSI/TIA-942 standard is aimed at regulating the maintenance of network systems and data centers.

In order to pass certification, a data center should comply with this standard. It provides certificates on 4 rating levels. According to data rack grounding standards, Level 1 is characterized by minimal protection against emergencies and does not even require bonding. On the contrary, Level 4 sets the highest requirements since this standard is issued to healthcare institutions, financial organizations, and other major facilities. In this case, independent powering systems and distribution lines are built to guarantee a fault-tolerant infrastructure.

Setting data cabinet earthing requirements allows manufacturers to produce components that comply with international specifications and can be used worldwide. For manufacturers, it means a presence on the world market and the distribution of products in different markets.

Grounding Network Rack – How to

Data centers consume 30 times more power than any office. Thus, it is important to guarantee the highest level of safety conditions. So, the installation of a grounded rack will be a good solution in any case. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind during the process:

The signal bond root is commonly connected to the protective earth or the cabinet ground.
It is important to design network bonding in such a way that all electrical potentials are balanced for a low-resistance path to the ground.
Workers should pay particular attention to the termination of bonding straps. They should end with a closed-loop terminal or a listed ring at both ends. The construction is secured by attaching them to the door from one end and to the cabinet chassis from another end. The scheme will ensure reliable contact with metal.
Make sure that bonding panels have a termination for field wiring ground lug.
A listed-bonding lug is used to ground the body to the main earthing conductor. Communication with other metal parts is guaranteed due to assembly tricks.

The implementation of these tricks will help set up a reliable and 100% secure system that will protect workers and equipment, prolonging the lifetime of your network system and ensuring its smooth functioning.

Note that server racks and cabinets distributed by Sysrack are already grounded. Thus, it means that buyers won’t have to spend time and effort on proper bonding. Buying an earth-bonding data cabinet is an easy way to get a high-quality secure furniture piece and enjoy its security and performance. However, what is more, the lives of your employees are not at risk.

Regardless of what type of facility you have (be it an office, a commercial building, an industrial plant, or whatever), all components (both machinery and furniture) need protection. No one and nothing can guarantee 100% security without arranging a bonding system. Grounding is widely used in both domestic and industrial spheres. Yet, in system administration, it is highly required since IT equipment is vulnerable to changes, which can cause datum loss and provide a harmful effect not only on physical devices but also on human health and life.

What are the potential risks of not grounding a server rack?

Not grounding a grounded rack can result in various risks, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can damage sensitive electronic components, potential electric shocks to technicians working on the rack, and increased risk of equipment malfunction or failure due to electrical interference.

How do I know if my server rack is properly grounded?

To determine if your server rack is properly grounded, you can use an electrical multimeter to measure resistance between the rack’s ground connection and a known ground point. If the resistance is low (close to zero ohms), it suggests that the rack is effectively grounded. Regular inspections of grounding connections and cables for wear and tear are also crucial.

What should I consider when connecting servers and equipment to a grounded rack?

When connecting servers and equipment to a grounded rack, ensure that grounding cables are not overly stretched or under strain, avoid daisy-chaining multiple devices to a single ground point, and always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper grounding techniques.

Are there different grounding methods for server racks, and how do I choose the right one?

Yes, there are different grounding methods for server racks. These methods include using grounding bars, grounding strips, and direct grounding cables. The choice of method depends on the rack design, the type of equipment being used, the configuration of the data center, and local electrical codes.

Are there industry standards or regulations for server rack grounding?

There are industry standards and regulations for server rack grounding, often set by international and regional bodies. In the U.S., for instance, the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for equipment grounding. Additionally, organizations like the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) also offer standards related to server rack grounding.