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In the best of data centre ecosystems, a standards-based structured cabling system will provide functionality and scalability with the maximum available options for current and future equipment.

For the full article from which the summary was taken please visit: http://structured-cabling.co.uk/support/white-paper.
 

Cable plant

Overhead delivery system cable layout:

  • The data hall has a system to support overhead delivery of data connections to the equipment cabinets.
  • Cabinet inter-connects must adhere to structured cable guidelines.
  • There is to be NO direct patching between cabinets: All patch cabling is to be contained within individual cabinets.
  • The data pathways maintain a minimum separation from electrical  power and lighting in accordance with BS7671 17th Edition wiring regulations.
     

Cabling standards

  • A convenient reference to TIA-942 A standards for Data Centres
     

Fibre standards

  • Fibre installation must use 50 micron OM2 Single Mode or OM3 / OM4 Multi Mode cable to ISO/IEC11801 standards.
  • All fibre installations should be labelled (see Labelling standards)
     

Fibre connections

  • Fibre must not exceed required length by more than a meter.
     

Copper standards

  • Copper jumpers must be minimum CAT6 with booted RJ45 connectors.
  • All copper data cables must be labelled.
  • A selection of labelled Cat6 cables are available in Data Hall 3's Build Room.
  • UTP cabling must not exceed the required length by more than one foot within the cabinet.
  • The maximum length for UTP cables within a cabinet should not need to exceed 3m. See: http://blog.tpcwire.com/the-dos-donts-of-installing-ethernet-cable
     

Power cords (cables)

  • Use cords of minimum length – DH3 uses MCBs that are slower to trip; consequently, there is a greater chance of electrocution.
  • It is assumed that systems will have redundant power supplies. These redundant power supplies must have their power cords plugged into separate power strips.
  • Colour co-ordinate cords to power strips: Supply A – black, Supply B – blue.
  • Use labelled power cords.
  • Power cords must be segregated from data cables as much as practicable.
  • Power cords must be factory certified.
     

C13 (F) / C14 (M)

  • The C13 connector and C14 inlet are commonly found on computers, servers, routers, and switches. Power cord sets utilizing a C13 connector and a C14 plug are commonplace in data centres to provide power from a RPDU (Rack Power Distribution Device / Power Strip) to a server.

C13 C14

            • Available in black and blue
            • Available in 0.5m, 1m, 1.5m, 2m

C15 (F) / C16 (M)

  • Similar in form to the C13/C14 coupler, except with a ridge opposite the earth in the C16 inlet (preventing a C13 fitting), and a corresponding valley in the C15 connector (that doesn't prevent it fitting a C14 inlet).
  • The C15/C16 is temperature rated for 120 °C, rather than the 70 °C of the similar C13/C14 combination.

C15 C16

  • Available in black and blue

C19 (F) / C20 (M)

  • This coupler is used for some IT applications where higher currents are required, for example, on high-power workstations and servers, uninterruptible power supplies, power distribution units, large network routers, switches, blade enclosures, and similar equipment.

C19 C20

            • Available in black and blue
            • Available in 1m, 2m in blue
            • Available in 2.5m in black

C19 (F) / C14 (M)

  • C14 to C19 power cord transforms a C20 plug into a C14 plug for connecting to a C13 outlet on a power strip or rack-mounted UPS system.
  • It is used for powering computers, servers and other network devices

            • Available in black only
            • Available in 1m, 2m
            • Limited stock available

C5 Clover Leaf (F) / C14 (M)

  • IEC Plug C14 to Cloverleaf Plug C5 Converter Adapter Cable
  • Converts a standard C14 to a C5 connector, ideal for changing an IEC connection into a male cloverleaf plug C14 IEC Socket C5 Cloverleaf Male Plug
  • Rated up to 2.5A 250V

            • Available in black only
            • Available in 2m only
            • Limited stock available

For more on power cords, see:

http://www.blogquail.com/the-difference-between-iec-connectors/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_60320