LEGRAND has developed a zinc aluminium finish surface treatment for its Cablofil steel wire cable tray system, suitable for both the white and grey space of data centres.
Legrand Cablofil wire mesh cable tray systems offer data centre professionals a wide range of benefits, including easy installation, maximum cable capacity and improved airflow.
The advanced durable and corrosion-resistant design ensures this system can withstand demanding data centre environments, with customisable options that allow users to create a solution that meets the specific needs of each facility.
Independent laboratory testing shows Legrand’s Cablofil products significantly reduce electromagnetic interference when installed and earthed correctly.
The surface finish of the steel structure absorbs EMI and keeps disturbance away from the cables, having a minimal impact on connected devices.
Legrand experts believe the main concerns when selecting cable management products to be used within the white space area of a data centre are the potential formation of zinc whiskers or zinc flakes on steel wire cable trays, as well as the importance of a system that will not damage cables once installed.
Although there are various material finishes of steel mesh cable trays currently available to data centre stakeholders, experts believe a zinc aluminium finish is perfectly suited to the
demands of modern data centres. In contrast to electrostatic risks, the threat of zinc whiskers is considered negligible.
The formation of zinc whiskers on zinc coated products within data centres are a concern for IT system managers.
Zinc whiskers are filaments of pure zinc that grow from steel surfaces and when these zinc whiskers form, they can break off because of scuffing, scraping or vibration. Zinc whiskers can then become airborne and potentially land on sensitive equipment, such as circuit boards and electronic components, causing irrevocable damage.
For industrial environments, the appearance of occasional zinc flakes is generally not an issue. However, for clean room environments, like data centres, zinc flakes may not be acceptable.
Pre-galvanised zinc aluminium finish (ZnAl)
Legrand’s advanced surface treatment for its Cablofil steel wire cable tray system involves a process similar to that of traditional pre-galvanisation. However, the wire material is immersed in an alloy containing zinc and aluminium.
The welding process has also been adapted to prevent ‘weld burns’ or vulnerable points for corrosion, which can occur with traditional pre-galvanised steel wire tray systems.
Legrand’s zinc aluminium finish also offers greater longer-term resistance to corrosion and ensures extended lifetime expectancy compared with conventional hot dip galvanising after manufacture.
Tests on this zinc aluminium surface finish have withstood over 1 000 hours in salt spray trials, resulting in certification as a Class 8 finish product.
