Proper Cable Management Pays Off

Can proper cable management pay off for you?  We know that gnarly and cluttered router and server cables are more than just a simple eye sore. Poor cable management has negative impacts that are damaging to your data centers’ bottom line as well as its reputation.

Conversely, an organized appearance can be the unsung hero in proper data center management. Using an organized cable management system can better control utility costs, extend the life of routers and servers, improve maintenance productivity, and demonstrate a center’s care and concern for its clients’ data.

“Ill-managed cables that block router and server cooling fans mean the equipment and building have to work harder to keep that critical equipment cool,” said Chuck Gaw, vice president and co-owner of Gaw Technology, a leader in server rack cabinet solutions. Unproductive fans can reduce the life span of the router and server equipment, he added.

As data centers operate in regions whose governments regulate the carbon footprint of any given facility, higher utility bills from poor airflow could generate unwanted attention from regulators.

“That’s a hot issue our clients love to avoid,” Gaw added.

Proper Cable Management Benefits 

Maintaining a well-organized data center has its benefits too. Technician crews have an easier time working in organized space, whereas disorganized systems make it harder for them to maintain, install, remove and test equipment. If a business works with a third party contractor for maintenance, this additional work could pierce the scope of work with their third party contract. Poorly maintained cables can also become a tripping hazard for workers, which can increase worker’s comp and other liability claims as well, Gaw said.

The aesthetics of well-organized cables also helps the sales process, as potential clients may look poorly on a cluttered facility.

Data centers can easily avoid all these pitfalls; there are various cable management options that secure, bundle and route the cables throughout the data center, while keeping the racks and cabinets organized and accessible.

Using cable hangers and trays configured for vertical and/or horizontal racks, data centers can ensure efficiency and safety.

For businesses looking to renovate an existing data center or establish a new one, Gaw recommends developing a plan for cable management before the work begins.

Having a cable management system built into the design or renovation is less disruptive and costly versus going back in after everything is installed.

“The small cost of choosing the right cable management products will save companies time, money and headaches for a long time down the road,” Gaw said.