Busway systems are a popular solution for effective power distribution , but data centre teams must be aware that not all busway systems are the same and safety must be a key consideration in selecting a vendor . Here , John Berenbrok , Senior Product Manager , Data Centre Infrastructure at Starline , talks us through the safety aspects of various elements of a track busway system so organisations can make informed , safe choices .
or data centre owners and Consulting and Specification
Track busways can be suspended from the ceiling , placed on vertical supports , or even mounted on the server cabinets themselves to provide a direct power source to servers and racks .
But not all busway solutions are the same ; some work better , last longer and require less maintenance than others . In evaluating a busway solution , you should look for three important qualities :
• Reliability – An effective busway system provides reliable and efficient power distribution , a maintenancefree joint design and a long useful life , to ensure continuous uptime for your IT infrastructure .
• Flexibility – An effective busway system gives you flexible design and power distribution options , allowing you to build out , scale up and adapt your IT loads according to your changing power and facility needs .
• Safety – The elements of a busway system should guarantee safety for your workers , your IT infrastructure and your facility .
Here we will explore the individual elements of a
track busway system , with a focus on ‘ safety ’.
The importance of safety
Safety of equipment is paramount in the data centre – first and foremost , to protect the workers who work there ; secondly , to protect the IT infrastructure and the data that it processes ; and finally , to protect the facility itself . Busway systems offer significant safety advantages over RPPs and greatly reduce the risks of dangerous incidents , such as electrical shocks and arc flash explosions .
Data centre owners have a responsibility to provide employees and electricians with the safest work environment possible . It ’ s crucial that owners and CSEs look for a busway solution that is designed for safety and is certified as safe .
Design elements of a busway system
There are four primary elements that make up a busway system . These are :
• Track busways
• Joints
The importance of safety in a track busway power distribution system
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