I'm looking for suggestions on how to elevate server racks in a basement office with a flood risk. We usually mount our racks directly to concrete, but with sump pumps at this particular site, I'm concerned about potential flooding, even a couple of inches. Can anyone recommend a non-conductive riser or a method to prevent our equipment from touching the floor? I've considered using pressure treated lumber, but I'm not sure if that's the best choice.
5 Answers
Cinder blocks can be a cheap and effective way to raise your racks off the ground. They offer good support and are resistant to water.
Have you thought about using raised flooring? It's designed for environments like this and can support the weight of the racks. Alternatively, you could look for raised frames that are already built for server racking. Just ensure they’re stable before covering the lower areas with any kind of flooring.
Definitely! It's a good way to create a safe space for your racks.
One option is to avoid using the bottom few rack units. The bigger concern is humidity damaging equipment that's exposed, rather than direct contact with water. It's better to elevate the racks and keep them at least a couple inches off the ground to mitigate risks.
That's a good point! Humidity can cause just as much harm as actual water damage.
Totally agree! It might be smart to keep valuable equipment higher up on the rack.
Using wood in a flood risk area isn’t wise. I'd suggest looking into composite materials that won't be damaged by water. If possible, consider relocating racks to a higher location altogether. It’s safer and prevents the risk of electrical hazards.
If it's just temporary, pouring some on-site concrete could solve your problem; it's simple to do. But if you're set on using something like wood, make sure you're aware of the risks and know how to handle it properly.
Just keep in mind that raised floors should cover the whole room for stability! You don't want them tipping.