In the ever-evolving world of data centers, where every moment counts and downtime is not an option, even the smallest component plays a critical role in maintaining optimal performance. The data room floor is one such component that often goes unnoticed but is vital for smooth operations. Serving as the foundation for the entire data center infrastructure, the floor bears the weight of countless racks, cabinets, and cabling while supporting power flow, cooling, and network connectivity. However, there comes a time when the floor needs to be replaced to ensure continued reliability and efficiency. Live data room floor replacement is the best way to do this. Live data room floor replacement is a complex process that involves replacing the existing floor of a data center while keeping the facility operational and minimizing downtime. Traditional data room floor replacement requires downtime, as servers must be powered off and temporarily relocated. However, a new method of live data room floor replacement allows the data center raised floor to be replaced with no downtime at all.
This article will cover:
- Why replace a raised floor?
- How does live data center floor replacement work?
- Live floor replacement v. non-live floor replacement
- Benefits of live data room floor replacement
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Why Replace a Raised Floor?
Why Replace a Raised Floor?Having raised floors inherently presents potential hazards. Floors, if unstable, are un-leveled, filled with gaps, and missing pieces that could present tripping hazards. Over time the standards of the floor itself diminish. After years of use, the stress causes the pedestal heads to loosen. The loosening of the heads causes the grid pieces to shift.
As the grid shifts, small gaps develop between the floor tiles. The in-between tile gaps directly result in the floor tiles being pulled off the grid pieces, decreasing the weight rating. Gapping floors will eventually lead to the floor collapsing.
When designers construct raised panel flooring, the floor’s lifespan is approximately twenty years. The longer a tile floor exists past the suggested expiration date, the higher probability that the tile will collapse and cause failure. As raised tile flooring ages, the rolling load capabilities decrease.
How Does Live Data Center Floor Replacement Work?
The innovative process of live data center floor replacement eliminates downtime by utilizing a lift system that raises equipment from the subfloor while allowing it to remain operable and accessible. The goal is to seamlessly transition from the old floor to the new one without disrupting the critical IT infrastructure and services housed within the data center.
The system uses hydraulic jacks and steel beams to gently lift the server rack just enough to begin the hoisting process. Once multiple beams insert underneath the racks, the steel beams are attached to the hydraulic jacks. Once the beams and jacks are in place, the cabinets are lifted slowly and suspended on a steel framework approximately 3″ in the air.
After the new floor installation, the server cabinets are gently lowered onto the new raised floor. The total lift time for a row of eight to 12 servers is one to two hours to hoist. The floor replacement takes about one hour. Live data room floor replacement provides maximum results and cost-effectiveness and minimizes risks. Visit our online store to see our office storage products.
Live Floor Replacement v. Non-Live Floor Replacement
Live data room floor replacement involves replacing data center flooring while maintaining ongoing operations and minimizing downtime. On the other hand, non-live raised floor replacement typically involves shutting down the data center and temporarily relocating or powering off the equipment during the replacement process. Here are some key differences between live data center floor replacement and non-live replacement:
- Downtime: Live data center floor replacement aims to minimize or eliminate downtime by allowing the data center to remain operational during the floor replacement. Non-live replacement involves a complete data center shutdown, significantly interrupting services and operations.
- Cost: Live data center raised floor replacement is more cost-effective than non-live replacement. The additional planning, contingency measures, and equipment relocation required to conduct non-live raised floor replacement can contribute to increased expenses.
- Equipment Relocation: Live data room floor replacement does not require equipment relocation to facilitate the replacement process. The non-live replacement does involve powering down and physically moving the equipment to a temporary location during the floor replacement.
- Timeline: Live data center floor replacement can be conducted in a matter of hours without the need to relocate equipment. Non-live raised floor replacement is more time-consuming due to relocating the equipment elsewhere in the data center.
- Impact on Operations: Live data room floor replacement aims to minimize the impact on data center operations, allowing businesses to continue providing services to their customers without interruption. Non-live replacement involves a complete cessation of operations during the replacement process, resulting in a temporary suspension of services.
Benefits of Live Data Room Floor Replacement
The benefits of replacing your data center flooring with live data room floor replacement include the following:
- No downtime or disruption of data center operations
- Ability to adjust the data center floor to accommodate changing infrastructure needs
- Enhanced floor reliability
- Improved safety
- Enhanced performance and efficiency
- Compliance with regulations
- Long-term cost savings
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Contact Us for Live Data Room Floor Replacement
Engaging experienced professionals is crucial for a successful live data room floor replacement project. Southwest Solutions Group has experience in live data center floor replacement and other data center raised floor services. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your needs and specifications before the process begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 800-803-1083 or send us a message today.
Business Testimonials
“Working with Southwest Solutions including Matt, Susan, and especially Brad was great. They provide amazing customer service. Brad and the install team were especially great. Very professional, easy to work with, and did the work quickly and very well with very little input from us. If we need help with carousel storage moves, parts, or new equipment we will start with Southwest Solutions. ”
“The team at Southwest Solutions were nothing short of fantastic. First meeting with Craig, I received a customized design, in person, based on my office needs while still maintaining an efficient layout and being cost effective. Craig explained everything clearly, allowing me to understand that as modular mill-work, I would be able to move it if I ever changed offices, but without the added sales pressure to immediately make a decision. Once I had decided, I worked with Chris who assisted in picking out the finishes and scheduling the delivery and installation. The professionalism of Craig and Chris spoke volumes and I would highly recommend anyone looking to transform or fit-out an office to contact Southwest Solutions.”
“I want to let you know that we all really appreciated your team mentality, professionalism and dedication shown on this project. It was a pleasure working with you and your office and we look forward to many more. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone who worked on this project. Thanks! ”
“I just want to take a minute to let you know how good of a job your install crew did yesterday. They were quick, fast, courteous and very consensus during the install. They were awesome to say the least. Being in the service business ourselves, we know that you can never hear the words “Good Job” often enough. Please pass this along to your crew.”
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