A recent report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identified areas of potential ground-shaking hazards from both human-induced and natural earthquakes. In some regions, the chance of damage is
similar to high-hazard areas in California.
Induced earthquakes are triggered by human activities such as wastewater, and oil and gas exploration, states the USGS. Based on the presumption that earthquakes can occur naturally and be induced, six states in the Central U.S. have undergone the most dramatic increase in seismic activity in the past six years: Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas. Through mid-March 2016, there have been 226 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and larger in the central U.S. region, according to the report.
Data centers and critical facilities, such as hospitals, located in areas with high seismic risk should be prepared, and invest in IT infrastructure products that will ensure equipment will remain operational before, during and after an earthquake.
Seismic Protection Systems by Chatsworth Products (CPI) are reinforced to perform better under earthquake conditions, so they don’t require additional bracing. Unlike standard products with static load ratings, CPI’s seismic-rated products are tested on a shaker table to assure a high seismic equipment load rating with minimal vibration under simulated earthquake conditions.
CPI’s Z4-Series SeismicFrame® Cabinet is preapproved by California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), and it is also certified to meet the latest Telcordia Technologies GR-63-CORE requirements.
With a market-leading load rating of 1500 lb, the Z4-Series SeismicFrame features an increased range of cabinet sizes to support deeper equipment and more unobstructed interior space along the sides for thermal and cable management accessories.
The welded, steel SeismicFrame Two-Post Rack resists the swaying motion caused by earthquakes, thus reducing the amount of vibration transferred through the rack to equipment. The equipment is less likely to be damaged during a seismic event, which means faster network recovery.
The rack features 1000 lb Seismic NEBS Zone 4 Load Rating.
CPI offers complimentary design tools, including seismic models to help you plan your next seismic project. In addition to the Product Configurator, which allows you to configure a personalized seismic cabinet, including accessories, or a seismic rack according to your specific needs, CPI also has CAD Blocks, BIM Models and Visio Shapes available to reduce planning time. Additionally, MasterFormat Specifications will further simply your project.
Raissa Carey, Technical Writer