Data centers are computer server hubs that collect, store and process large amounts of data, requiring extensive network infrastructure and electric power supply. Copper is a key building block of this infrastructure. Data centers use copper in various electrical applications due to its unparalleled properties, applications include:
- Busbars
- Power Cables
- Electrical Connectors
- Heat exchangers and sinks
- Power distribution strips.
Learn more about the important role of copper conductors in a broad range of data communication systems and applications.
Applications of Copper in Data Centers
Copper conductors are widely utilized in power distribution applications. International Wire provides a complete range of bare and tinned copper conductors to power critical systems throughout a data center, as well as solutions for grounding and interconnections.
Cabling
Data center reliability depends on copper cabling to improve reliability, efficiency, and security while providing the following benefits:
- Increased data transmission speeds
- Reduced latency
- Improved cooling efficiency
- Lower energy consumption
- Fewer data errors
- Better signal quality
Copper cabling offers significant advantages:
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Cost-Effectiveness
Copper cabling is more cost-effective than fiber optic cabling, making it a more economical choice for most data center applications.
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Easy Installation
Copper cabling is easier to install than fiber optic cabling and requires less specialized equipment and expertise for setup.
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Shorter Distance
While fiber optic cabling is better suited for longer distances, copper cabling is better for shorter distances up to 100 meters. Local area networks (LANs) often use copper cabling, while fiber optic cabling is found in wide area networks (WANs) that connect multiple locations or data center power centers.
Unlike other industries, data centers have much higher standards for electrical power reliability and quality. One hundred percent reliability requires the center to be TIA 942 Tier 4 rated. Once human error is factored into this, the reliability is still at least 99.995%, which equates to just 0.4 hours of downtime per year over a five-year period. In addition to maintaining reliable power, the quality of that power must also be high—meaning correct, stable voltage with an undistorted waveform. To meet these high standards, data center power systems rely on miles of copper conductors that must be properly installed and regularly maintained.
XHHW-2 cables with copper conductors 14 AWG to 1,000 Kcmil are utilized to power server racks, air movement systems and cooling systems.
Power and control tray cable with copper conductor ranging from 14 AWG to 1,000 Kcmil is used to power control circuits and lights, while protecting critical systems from voltage surges.
Feeder cables with copper conductors 14 AWG to 1,000 Kcmil are utilized to power critical control systems, lights and air movement systems.
VFD Cables with copper conductors from 14 AWG to 1,00o Kcmil are specifically designed to protect from EMI, stray currents and voltage spikes. VFD cable are used to power air circulation and cooling systems.
Grounding
Copper cabling plays an essential role in grounding to reduce interference and protect sensitive computer equipment from harmonics and electrical surges. The equipment needs to be isolated from high frequencies, transients, and ground currents at points of current and voltage transformation. Several advantages of using copper grounding over other traditional methods include:
- Conductivity:
Since copper is highly conductive, the metal is an excellent choice for grounding, allowing for an efficient flow of electrical current. - Corrosion Resistance:
Compared to other materials, such as stainless steel or galvanized steel, copper-bonded ground rods provide better corrosion resistance and conductivity. - Cost-Effectiveness:
Copper is more cost-effective for grounding compared to other metals, such as copper-clad steel.
Because a single data center can have hundreds of voltage transformation points, the ideal solution would be a single-point grounding system. A main copper grounding bar can be used to bond all ground leads from the building, separated into two risers: one for the IT/communications circuits and the other for the power distribution system. This separation prevents harmonics, noise, and floating ground currents from disrupting data center operations. Only the main copper grounding bar should be connected to the building’s steel to isolate all noise problems.
Bare and tinned copper conductors, solid and stranded are utilized for grounding grids and circuit bonding conductors. Grounding copper conductors are typically large in size 6 AWG – 4/0 AWG and utilized for grounding equipment racks and individual cabinets of a data center.
Best Practices for Designing and Deploying Copper-Based Systems in Data Centers
The importance of proper planning in copper-based system deployment and design helps ensure the systems are adaptable and scalable according to future upgrades and changes in a data center. By minimizing downtime, copper-based systems improve the cost-effectiveness and overall efficiency of the data center.
Considerations for choosing the correct copper-based materials and components are:
International Wire’s Copper Wire Products for Data Centers
Using copper conductors in various areas of a data center offers a broad range of benefits that include reliability, security, and improved efficiency. The versatile, effective material provides significant advantages in the deployment and design of the infrastructure of a data center. Copper conductors and grounding offer an optimal solution for structured data center cabling systems while reducing energy consumption and overall costs.
At International Wire, you can find an extensive selection of high-quality copper conductors for the unique demands of your data center. Our vast product line includes stranded conductors for power cables, single-end, stranded copper and busbars for grounding, wire copper wire on bobbins and flat wire for shielding. We also provide copper wire braiding services. International Wire carries the highest quality bare and tin-plated copper wires, as well as silver-plated, nickel-plated and aluminum conductors, copper-based alloys, and specialty-engineered electrical solutions.
Headquartered in Camden, New York, we are the largest non-vertically integrated copper alloy and copper wire products manufacturer in America. We have expanded operations in Europe and service a broad range of applications represented by many diverse major market segments. Contact us to learn more about our extensive line of products and capabilities.
