Seismic protection

1Server racks

The problem

An earthquake does not need to knock a rack over to do damage. Peak accelerations above 0.5 g can break disks and make data unreadable, and racks that slide pull their cables out.

What we fit

An all-metal seismic plinth under each rack. Two linked frames absorb vertical and horizontal energy, the rack stays anchored and moves little sideways, so the cables stay connected. Qualified to Telcordia GR-63-CORE Zone 4. Where racks stand straight on the slab, the Non-Raised Floor Plinth takes up to 1,500 kg per rack at 4–5 Hz.

Typical choice

Non-Raised Floor Plinth, seismic plinth for racks100–1,500 kg · 4–5 HzAnti-vibration mounts for racks and data centres100–1,000 kg · 4.5 Hz

Proven in seismic zones: EUIPO (2012), Telefónica (2013), metallic seismic plinths for the data centre.

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

2Busbars, trays & ducts

The problem

Busbars, cable trays and ducts hang from the ceiling. When the building shakes they swing, and rigid hangers crack or tear the runs apart.

What we fit

Wire rope isolators: all-metal and multi-directional, they let the run move in all three axes and absorb the energy instead of breaking.

Typical choice

Wire rope isolators5–1,000 kg · 7–15 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

3Rooftop chillers & HVAC

The problem

The roof is where a building sways the most. Chillers and air handlers on plain springs can bounce off their supports.

What we fit

Double springs with retention: low-frequency isolation in normal use, and a built-in restraint that holds the unit in place when the ground shakes.

Typical choice

Double springs with retention80–1,460 kg · 7–9 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

4Emergency generator

The problem

The generator has to start when the grid fails, often right after an earthquake. It needs isolation from its own vibration and has to stay where it is.

What we fit

All-metal mounts offered for seismic zones, or spring mounts with retention, so the generator is isolated in normal running and restrained in a quake.

Typical choice

Double springs with retention80–1,460 kg · 7–9 HzVibration mounts 954416350–3,000 kg · 15–25 Hz

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.

5Container data centres

The problem

Containerised data centres and equipment shelters stand outside on the ground and take the full ground motion.

What we fit

Container Pads: 6 to 14 double vertical suspensions with heavy-duty springs and stainless steel energy absorbers, anchored to the concrete and the container, for 16,000 to 30,000 kg per container.

Typical choice

Container Pad Seismic Vibration Isolator100–10,000 kg · 3–9 Hz

Proven in seismic zones: Repsol (2014), plinths for the main data centre and container data centres.

The final choice depends on the load per mount, the speed and the environment. An engineer confirms it with you.