Modern businesses use a wide range of electronic and IT equipment. Most companies of any reasonable size will have a server room that houses the core of their computer network and data centers. With such equipment inevitably comes masses of interconnected wires and consequently an increased risk of fire.

Many fires, particularly in server rooms, start as a result of malfunctioning or overheating electronic equipment. Once started, these fires can spread rapidly and cause devastation. Burning wires can significantly increase the hazard through the toxic smoke generated by rubber insulation and by exposing live electrical wires. Also, fires can start within the wiring itself, so steps must be taken to guard against this and to slow the spread of any potential fire.

By developing a diligent and security-conscious cable management strategy, these risks can be mitigated.

Developing a Cable Management Strategy

Cable management is easiest when it is done up front during equipment installation. Cable routes must be well thought out and executed in an orderly and methodical manner, allowing for easier management and reducing fire and other associated risks.

Next, cable trays, baskets, and cable ducts should be used to organize and insulate the cables. Whenever possible, these cable management accessories should be fire resistant or minimize the risk of fire spreading from the outside to the inside of the cable and from the inside of the cable to the outside.

Cable trunking for fire protection

Companies have a wide range of fireproof solutions. Newlec cable ducts made from pre-galvanized steel are especially effective in slowing or preventing the spread of fire due to the high heat tolerance and flame resistant nature of steel.

Other forms of cable ducts are made of PVC-U, a derivative of PVC with specific fire retardant properties. Unlike other plastics, PVC-U will only burn under the continuous presence of an external heat source. When burned, its combustion temperatures are very low, so it does not contribute significantly to the spread of fire and flames. PVC-U also generates very little smoke when burned, a factor that can be crucial during an emergency evacuation of a building.

MK Electric Industrial Cable Trunking offers a versatile and easy to install cable management solution and measures 50mm high and 50mm wide making it suitable for heavy duty applications. For less intensive applications, Marshall Tufflex Self-Fixing Mini Channels measure 16mm x 16mm and feature an innovative clip-on cap for easy modifications.

plan ahead

By carefully choosing fire-retardant cable ducts and similar cable management systems, it is possible to be adequately protected against many fire hazards and lessen their potential impact.

When it comes to fire prevention and control, the little things can make a big difference. For example, ensuring that cable ducts are not cluttered and have enough space for internal ventilation reduces the risk of heat buildup inside cables, while keeping areas around cables clean and free of debris minimizes the amount of of combustible material that could spread a fire.