Code requirements for network cabinet

[hunterguy86]

We are starting construction on our new house.

I am planning on installing cat6 Ethernet cable runs and coax to multiple locations in the house. These will terminate back to a small server cabinet that will mount in my closet.
What are the requirements for grounding this cabinet?


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[ard]

AFAIK, no "code" requirements. Grounded outlet for any equipment you will be installing.

Make sure you allow space for 'stuff' in "my closet". I have a server/telco/home theater closet, which is only 15 sq ft and it is TIGHT. I'd have made it bigger AND have provided better ventilation.

If you have a crawl space and/or attic, consider putting in 2-3 pieces of 1.5-2" conduit between the two. And between serve closet and each of these (unless it is 'touching' them)

GL

 

[hunterguy86]

AFAIK, no "code" requirements. Grounded outlet for any equipment you will be installing.

Make sure you allow space for 'stuff' in "my closet". I have a server/telco/home theater closet, which is only 15 sq ft and it is TIGHT. I'd have made it bigger AND have provided better ventilation.

If you have a crawl space and/or attic, consider putting in 2-3 pieces of 1.5-2" conduit between the two. And between serve closet and each of these (unless it is 'touching' them)

GL

The closet sits on an outside wall. We are putting 1.5" conduit through the slab to the exterior for future pulls to the shop.

I'll also stub some conduit through to the attic as well. I'll probably also have 1 or 2 dedicated electrical circuits in the closet for power.

Just wondering if I need to pull a ground from the rack back to the electric panel.


The house will have a main panel on the exterior for 240 loads and a sub in the laundry room for the 120 stuff. This panel will also be wired for generator backup.


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[theoldwizard1]

The last server room I worked in had all "isolated grounds".

 

[MFortie]

No code, but the ANSI/TIA 607-C grounding and bonding standard calls for a #6 AWG bonding conductor to the panel. Mind you, this is typically for a 'commercial' environment as opposed to residential.

 

[bjl95mustang]

Im in Pflugerville Texas and ran 1000' of cat6 and extra coax in my home while under construction. No issues with the code department just make sure any runs through studs and firewalls are sealed properly. And all of your faceplates for the low voltage have to be installed prior to the final inspection or it won't pass.

 

[prostreetamx]

I've installed several commercial Phone, data, and cable boards in commercial locations and they have been in dedicated rooms with fire rated plywood covered walls. In these locations they did indeed have a dedicated ground system since the equipment normally has grounding provisions on the cabinets or splice blocks. You normally won't find this feature on residential style equipment so no separate grounding is required. I have 2 data hubs in my house and I have found that with all the runs I have that my original built in data cabinets got crowded pretty quick after I added my security cameras and extra data and cable runs over the years. I replaced the screw on covers with hinged wood doors to make access easier. I started out with only 14 runs of cable to jacks in rooms but have added many more. Each jack has 2 cat 5's and 2 RG-6's. Some guys even add fiber and you can buy cable with all this in one jacket. You don't have to terminate every cable right away but cable is cheaper in the long run over having to cut open walls. I got some of my equipment at SmartHome.com. I would suggest putting a surge plug inline with the power to your equipment or a good quality surge protected power strip inside your cabinet.

 

[prostreetamx]

Im in Pflugerville Texas and ran 1000' of cat6 and extra coax in my home while under construction. No issues with the code department just make sure any runs through studs and firewalls are sealed properly. And all of your faceplates for the low voltage have to be installed prior to the final inspection or it won't pass.

As I stated above I did not terminate all of my cables right away but still put blank plates or simple plates with only one jack for my inspection.

 

[Stuff]

If you use a metal rack mounted power strip then that will normally ground the rack itself.

I've dealt with a lot of small network rack installations and most of the cable guys skip installing a separate ground wire. Even in computer rooms where required it is hit or miss.

 

[79firebird]

I my self would run a ground wire doesent hurt. I my self would run 1-2 110 lines and mabey a 20-30 amp 220 for later on for a bigger ups or server. Depending on the size of the room / closet mabey see if you can put a little sub panel in for future use.