In the evolving world of data centers, reliability and safety in electrical installations are non-negotiable. One critical yet often overlooked component in achieving this is the proper use of cable cleats—specifically, steel strap cleats and sleeving. When fitted, these components play a vital role in protecting cables against electrical faults, maintaining system integrity, and streamlining the installation process. In this article, I outline the key benefits of properly fitting steel strap cleats and sleeving, and the installation speed advantages within data center power infrastructure, focusing on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Ensuring safety through proper fitting

The primary function of cable cleats is to secure power cables and minimize movement during electrical faults such as short circuits. In the event of a short circuit, the electrical current will spike, generating intense electromagnetic forces that push cables apart violently. Properly fitted steel strap cleats provide a robust solution for managing these forces and preventing potentially catastrophic damage to cables, cable trays, workers, and other nearby equipment.

The International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 61914: 2021 outlines the requirements for cable cleats in electrical installations, including their capacity to withstand the forces associated with short circuits. Cleats that meet this standard offer assurance that they will perform effectively under extreme conditions, securing cables during the initial milliseconds of a fault, well before protective devices like circuit breakers can react​.

Correct fitting involves the use of cushion sleeving, which serves as a buffer to absorb mechanical stress and reduce the risk of cable insulation damage. Then the use of a battery-powered PBTMT/E tool the installer can tighten to the correct tension before automatically cutting the strap. The cut-off then slips back inside the head leaving no exposed sharp edges. The straps are fitted parallel to the rung and perpendicular to the cable.

In addition to this, the 316-grade stainless steel straps now have a 120-minute fire rating, tested by international compliance company, Warrington Fire Services. This gives the customer full confidence that not only can these cleats protect in the event of a short circuit but will hold the cables together for far more than the 90 minutes most markets require.

Speed of installation and labor savings

The design of modern steel strap cleat solutions enables rapid installation without sacrificing safety. Traditional cleat systems will require different sizes to match specific cable diameters and formations. In fact, there are hundreds of various sizes and materials on the market, which can complicate inventory management and cause delays when the appropriate sizes are not readily available. By contrast, steel strap cleats are highly flexible and capable of accommodating a variety of cable sizes and configurations with a single product, reducing the number of different devices needed on-site. In fact, one strap could replace over 40 traditional cleats.

This versatility not only simplifies inventory management but also speeds up installation. With fewer cleat types to choose from, contractors can swiftly secure cables and move on to other tasks.

Additionally, installation time can be further reduced by using tools such as a battery-powered PBTMT/E strapping tool, which streamlines the process of tensioning and cutting the straps.

The availability of pre-cut cushion sleeving also eliminates the need for on-site preparation, contributing to faster and more efficient installations​. Reduced installation time leads to reduced labor costs.

Reducing installation errors and rework

Speed of installation does not only refer to how quickly a task can be completed but also encompasses the reduction of errors that could necessitate rework. When using steel strap cleats with cushion sleeving, the fitting process is straightforward, making it easier to achieve correct installations. The standardized approach reduces the likelihood of fitting errors, such as incorrect angles or insecure fastening, which could lead to non-compliance with the appropriate safety standard.

The application of cleats according to established guidelines, such as IEC 61914, ensures that the cleat spacing and installation method are optimized for safety. Cleats must be spaced appropriately to manage the forces exerted during a fault, typically at 300mm intervals (or multiples, thereof) along a cable tray/ladder.

Enhanced sustainability and environmental benefits

Proper fitting and the use of versatile steel strap cleats also contribute to sustainability in data center infrastructure projects. The ability to use one cleat for multiple cable formations and sizes significantly reduces material waste. Contractors can adjust the same cleat to fit different cables rather than discard unused cleats that are incompatible with new installations. This flexibility minimizes the number of products that need to be manufactured, transported, and stored, which in turn lowers the overall carbon footprint of a project.

Additionally, reducing the number of different cleat sizes simplifies logistics, with fewer shipments required and less packaging waste. The installation process itself can also be more environmentally friendly. Steel strap cleats with pre-cut cushion sleeving reduce the amount of material handling on-site, and there is less waste generated during the installation process. These factors contribute to the sustainability goals that many data center projects are increasingly prioritizing today​.

Testing and compliance assurance

Cable cleats play a vital role in ensuring that data center power infrastructure complies with safety standards. For instance, IEC 61914:2021 specifies the conditions under which cleats must be tested for attributes like temperature resistance, lateral and axial load endurance, corrosion resistance, and impact strength. Testing under these conditions helps guarantee that cleats will function as intended during a fault, securing the cables and preventing damage to surrounding infrastructure​.

Panduit has developed a simulation program and testing methodology to assess the performance of cleats under realistic conditions. This includes modeling the forces during a short circuit event and testing for intentional failure to understand where a cleat may potentially break. These tests provide valuable data that help engineers select the right cleats for each installation and ensure that the installed cleats will meet regulatory requirements​.

Improved reliability of power infrastructure

Ultimately, the correct fitting and rapid installation of steel strap cleats contribute to the overall reliability of data center power infrastructure. Cables secured with high-quality cleats are less likely to experience movement or damage during short-circuit events, reducing the risk of electrical outages. Given that data centers are critical facilities that host large amounts of data and provide essential services, even a short-term outage can have significant financial and operational repercussions.

The use of appropriately tested and fitted cleats reduces these risks by preventing cable displacement and damage, thus enhancing the resilience of the power distribution system. By adopting best practices for cleat installation, data center operators can achieve greater peace of mind, knowing that their infrastructure is well-protected against electrical faults and other potential hazards​.

Steel strap cleats and sleeving play a crucial role in data center power infrastructure, offering significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Correctly fitted cleats not only secure cables against the forces generated during short circuits but also streamline installation processes and reduce the need for rework. The versatility of modern cleat designs minimizes material waste and supports sustainability objectives, while rigorous testing ensures compliance with safety standards.

As demand for data centers continues to grow, steel strap cable fastenings for high-voltage electrical cabling are essential considerations in ensuring the safe, reliable, and sustainable development of digital power infrastructure.

Andrew Booth, global manager for cable cleats at Panduit, also contributed to this article.