Understanding The Critical Role Of Cable Cleats in Data Centres

Published 31 Mar 2025

Do You Need Cable Cleats in Data Centres?

In an increasingly digital world, Cable Cleats in Data Centres are crucial in support of the backbone of global connectivity. Every click, transaction, and streamed video relies on complex Data Centre infrastructures operating seamlessly. As the demand for high-speed data and reliable uptime continues to grow, so too does the need for robust electrical infrastructure. Among the often-overlooked yet crucial components of Data Centre design is cable management – ensuring that LV MV HV Power Cables and data cables are installed, protected, and maintained to the highest standards.

What is a Cable Cleat?

Cable Cleats are devices used to secure, fix, strap and support electrical power cables in an installation, ensuring safe operation and prevention of damage or injury, specifically in the event of a short circuit. Cable Cleats in Data Centres are ultimately purposed to increase/enhanced safety, organisation, cable protection, containment and ensure optimal performance. Typically, Cable Cleats are designed to be attached to various surfaces, such as ladders, trays, struts, rails, or beams.

LV MV HV Power Cable Management in Data Centres

Modern data centres are high-density environments where vast amounts of power are distributed through extensive cabling systems. These installations face several key challenges:

• High Power Demand: Data Centres require vast amounts of electrical power, leading to high-capacity cabling systems that must be properly supported and secured.
• Thermal Management: Poor cable management with no Cable Cleat usage can obstruct airflow, leading to overheating and reduced efficiency.
• Fire Safety: Electrical faults, if not properly contained, can pose a serious risk to critical infrastructure and personnel. Regulations require secure cable installation to prevent short circuits and mitigate fire hazards.
• Maintenance and Upgrades: Well-organised cabling simplifies maintenance and reduces downtime as data centres are continually evolving.

Cable Cleats Critical Role in Ensuring Safety and Performance

Cable Cleats, Clamps & Hangers play a fundamental role in securing electrical power cables, particularly in high-voltage environments. While they may be a small component of the overall electrical system, their importance cannot be overstated. Cable Cleats in Data Centres provide vital protection by:

• Protection during Short Circuits and Electrical Failures: In the event of a fault, the forces generated by high-powered electrical cables can be immense. Without proper restraint, power cables can move violently, leading to catastrophic failures. Cable Cleats hold cables in place, mitigating these risks.
• Ensuring Compliance with Industry Standards: International regulations, such as IEC 61914 Power Cable Standards, set stringent requirements for cable fixing and restraint systems. High-quality cable cleats ensure compliance with these safety standards.
• Aiding Thermal Management: Securely spaced cables allow for improved airflow and more efficient heat dissipation, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of a Data Centre.
• Enhancing Longevity and Reliability: Properly restrained cables experience less wear and tear over time, reducing the likelihood of maintenance issues and unplanned outages.

How Do You Choose the Right Cable Cleats for Data Centres?

Not all Cable Cleats are created equal, and selecting the right product for a Data Centre environment requires careful consideration to provide optimal LV MV HV power cable support. Key factors include:

• Performance Under Fault Conditions: Cleats must be tested under high short-circuit conditions to ensure they provide adequate restraint in the event of a fault.
• Material Selection: Corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or high-strength polymers are ideal for ensuring longevity.
• Installation Flexibility: Data centres often require custom cable arrangements, so cleats should allow for easy installation and adaptability to different configurations.

Cable Cleats, Clamps & Hangers

Cable Cleats in Data Centres aren’t necessarily the most visible component. However, Cable Cleats, Clamps & Hangers play an indispensable role in securing the power supply that keeps the digital world running from Data Centres. A well-designed support system incorporating compatible Cable Cleats protects infrastructure while contributing to operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Cable Clamps | Single & 2 Hole Clamps | Aluminium & Plastic | No-Bolts Cleats Stackable & Boltless LU Approved

Thorne & Derrick are stockists and suppliers of a complete range of Cable Cleats used to clamp and retain low, medium and high voltage cables in the event of a short circuit, including 11kV/33kV MV HV power cables – single-way cable cleats, trefoil cable cleats, quadrofoil cable cleats, emperor cable cleats and multiple bundled cable configurations can be cleated using Ellis Patents and Prysmian manufactured Cable Cleats in a choice of materials including nylon, stainless steel and aluminium.