Does anybody know what the code requirements are for bracing a 4 post rack, either nationally or in CA? I am in California. I was working today on a site that had their rack on wheels and no bolts to the floor/ ladder racking to the walls or anything else…
Any input is appreciated…

Believe it or not, racks on wheels is okay. when a rack in being permanently mounted you have to have the proper contractors license but so long as is not permanently mount no license is required.

I've seen many racks not bolted to the floor just to get around that requirement

Not from California, but as a former GTE employee (who had a large presence in CA) we used to get GTEPs (GTE practices) concerning mounting equipment (especially Central Office frames and cabinets). There was always an addendum for CA that called for earthquake bracing. As I recall they were pistons, kind of like shock absorbers.

I may be able to dig that up if you're interested. As far as a "code" requirement, I don't think the NEC would have much to say about a data rack. BICSI or the EIA/TIA? Maybe. I'll look.

Usually something on wheels is considered temporary and/or portable. I can't imagine any self-respecting or reputable data center allowing something to be put on wheels just to bypass a mounting requirement. And without cable rack/tray how do the cables get to the rack? Laid across the floor? Seems kind of sleazy to me.

In NYC we always bolted a rack down with at least 3/8" bolts. In COs and "Internet Hotels" (Level 3, Global Crossing) it was either ½" or ¾" bolts - all with double expansion anchors. If it was on a raised floor then we used the appropriate sized threaded rod and went down to the slab.

Sam

There is nothing in the NEC, however, there may be a reference in IBC-2013/ICC-2015. Since we are in Pennsylvania, we usually follow the AHJ, but, honestly, 1/2" bolts in the concrete floor and ladder to the wall with appropriate anchoring is all we do. I have never had a AHJ actually specify anchoring requirements. They are usually too concerned with what type of insulation in on the cable.

Rcaman

Here in N.J. they like to see the rack is grounded. Which can get interesting if you don't check your ground against the third wire ground in the outlet.

Grounding each rack (Usually #6) is a given. In COs, Verizon requires cloth covered green wire.

Sam

thank you everybody for your input!

The NEC follows the IBC rather closely these days and it doesn't' go into how a rack should be mounted or not. Codes like the NEC never tells you when you have to do something, it only states how it is to be done. There are other NFPA codes that will tell you the when part.

As for the BICSI, I don't think it covers the mounting requirements of when a rack needs to be hard mounted or not. I need to dig out my copy of the BICSI’s Information Technology Systems Installation Methods Manual (ITSIMM) to be sure.

The best thing to do is just contact your AHJ and see what they require.

Sam, is that cloth covered #6 still available? We use green #6 just not cloth covered and we check the potential between our ground and the ground the equipment is plugged into.

I'm retired 7 years, so I'm not the best source, but yes, we could get it when we needed it.

Sam

Sounds like the old RH that everybody used until TW then THHN came out that we use today. Rubber insulation under the cloth Sam?

-Hal

Exactly, Hal. Verizon and AT&T still insist on it when we do work in their buildings or nodes - or even in someone else's space if it's for them.

Someplace in the dreaded basement I've got a copy of the Verizon (or maybe NYNEX) pecs regarding construction work. I'll have to see if I can find it.

Sam

I remember seeing green cloth covered ground wire used in the (Global Crossing) OPS site that I worked at. I think it is also used by Level(3) when new relay racks are installed.