Datacenter Cable Ladders

In the past, running all data center cabling was common under raised access floors. This open space made it simple to route and connect cables precisely where they were needed, and to keep them out of sight. Cables were routed and joined in the open space under the raised access floors. At that time, most subfloors were flooded with chilled air. There were strategically located diffusers below cabinet rows that forced cold air upward, dissipating the heat generated by the racks of servers.

As hardware and the number of cables grew in hyper-scale data centers, subfloor air flow became restricted and costly. To cut operating costs, chilled air was pumped only where needed using underfloor ductwork. As a result, access to open subfloor space was further restricted. Tray capacity, installation costs, and aesthetics are all impacted by overhead cable operation.

What is a cable ladder, and why is it needed?

A cable ladder system is used to route and support cables. They have rungs built into them to allow the cable to enter and exit anywhere along the pathway. They can be mounted overhead.

Cable ladders versus cable trays are the preferred choice for heavy-duty cables. The ladders, with side rails, are large enough to house a bundle of wires and a support rail at the top to secure them with ties or clips.

A cable ladder can be used for almost any cable type: power, network, server connections, and fiber channels. Cable ladders come in a variety of sizes, with the most common being wide enough for two power cables.

Cable ladders save time by managing and routing cables efficiently while also keeping them out of sight. But it’s important to label each cable as you feed it into the ladder and label the ends that come out, so you know where they go. Proper labeling will save you time in the future and also help prevent accidents.

How do you size a cable ladder?

The most important thing to remember when selecting a cable ladder is to make sure it will fit in your available space. You will first need to determine how many cables you need to put into the ladder by labeling each one.

Once you know how many cables you will put into the ladder, ensure the width is wide enough to fit two power cables. Next, determine the depth of the ladder. Make sure there is enough room between the top of the cable ladder and the bottom of the equipment to fit any connectors. Finally, you will want to ensure the ladder is tall enough for the installation. Make sure you include room for future expansion and growth. If you add a new cabinet or rack, make sure you have enough space to mount the ladder.

Straight Section Cable Ladders

Ladder rack straight sections and runway ladder racks support straight runs. They are available in two designs – 1.5” tube rails or 2” solid rails. All straight section cable ladders are 116.5” in length and 6, 12, 18 or 24 inches in width. While the default color is dark gray/telephone gray, other colors are available.

Connection Junction Kits for Cable Ladders

Designed to connect sections of cable ladder racks together easily and securely – so cables transition in various directions. A variety of options for vertical or horizontal pathways.

• Adjust the ladder’s horizontal height
• Connect vertical to horizontal sections
• T-connect the cable ladder end to a cable ladder side rail
• Connect two straight cable ladder sections

T-Junction kits connect the cable ladder end to a cable ladder side rail. Sold in pairs and each kit includes bolts, metal corners, washers, and hex nuts. Made of steel and available for 1.5” or 2.0” rails.

Adjustable Height Splice Kit

Adjustable Height Splice Kits are used to change the ladder’s horizontal heights. Each kit includes four brackets and 1 AC hardware kit. Made of steel and available for 1.5” or 2.0” rails.

Vertical to Horizontal Connection Kit

Vertical to Horizontal connection kits are used to connect the vertical cable ladder section to the horizontal cable ladder section. It is made of steel, sold in pairs, and available in 1.5” or 2.0” rail sizes. Each kit includes adjustable rail brackets, flexible end brackets, hex nuts, bolts, and spring lock washers.

Wire Horn for Cable Ladders

The cable retainer post or wire horn holds wires and cables on the ladder rack. This is helpful when you have large amounts of cables or are making turns. Available in 4”, 8” or 12” heights and 1.5” or 2” rail stringers.

Conclusion

Cable ladders are an efficient way to manage, organize and protect your cables while keeping them out of site. Whether you need a straight section ladder or a vertical or horizontal 90-degree elbow, there is a cable ladder solution for your business.