HP StorageWorks XP24000 Disk Array Site Preparation Guide, v01 (AE131-96002, June 2007)

Raised floor requirements
The computer room floor must be able to support the total weight of the equipment as well as localized
weight at each caster or foot of the equipment cabinets. A common method of preparing an adequate
floor for a computer room is to construct a raised floor over the building floor. A raised floor offers
these advantages:
• Allows weight to be spread evenly across the floor
• Provides an under-floor area for running interconnecting cables conveniently and unobtrusively
• Allows optimum distribution of conditioned air
WARNING!
If metal is used in the construction of the raised floor, ensure that there is a common ground
connection between the raised floor and main floor to avoid possible build up of static voltage.
Failure to comply can result in serious injury to personnel and damage to equipment.
Requirements for raised floors:
• Raised floor access ramps must not exceed a 10 degree slope.
• Use a 25 to 31 cm (10 to 12 inch) raised floor system for the most favorable room air distribution
system.
• Grid panels must be at least 45 x 45 cm (17.72 x 17.72 in).
• The floor must have a load rating between 300 and 500 kg per square meter (553 to 921.7 lb
per square yard, or 61.4 to 102.4 lb per square foot). Floor loading maximum at any point is
500 kg (1102.3 lb).
To estimate the load rating for your floor, consider the total weight of these items:
• The disk array; see “Weights” on page 21.
• Other equipment
• Furniture such as desks, chairs, and storage cabinets
• Computer room personnel
• Moving equipment such as forklifts and dollies
The lower the floor load rating, the more clearance is required around the array to distribute the
equipment weight correctly. If your computer room is too small to allow for minimum required clearance
around the array, you may need to increase the floor load rating. For more on required clearance,
see “Floor clearance” on page 27.
Floor covering
HP recommends the use of a tiled raised floor.
CAUTION:
HP strongly discourages carpeting within 6.0 m (20 ft.) of the disk array. Carpeting may shed dust that
can cause problems with the disk array.
Site requirements for the HP XP24000 Disk Array24