CPI now offers the KoldLok® Mini Raised Floor Grommet, which seals cable holes in access floor tiles as small as 4” x 6” without damaging cables. The patent-pending KoldLok Mini is made with fire-rated resin and filaments that meet UL94 V0 standards. There are two styles of the KoldLok Mini; one that can dissipate static charges through treated brush filaments and one that employs standard untreated brush filaments.
Blocking cable openings significantly increases cooling effectiveness in the data center by preventing cool air from escaping through holes in access floors. As much as 50% of cold air in the access floor escapes through cable access holes.
Using KoldLok Grommets is recommended when implementing CPI’s Passive Cooling® Solutions which provides total cold air/hot air isolation. CPI Passive Cooling Solutions are based on a cabinet with ducted exhaust that directs heated air into a suspended ceiling return plenum. The cabinet itself actually serves as a barrier in the room that secures the separation between supply air and return air. Because the cabinet itself is the barrier, it is necessary to include all elements of best practices, such as blanking panels in all unused rack-mount spaces, air dams around the perimeter of the equipment mounting area, as well as floor grommets.
If you have experience or a suggestion about cold air/hot air separation or the use of access floor grommets, please leave a comment. Kim Ream, eMarketing Designer