Seismic Considerations for Mounting Equipment and Racks
- by Richard Wood, Zero Stantron

The recent Northridge, California earthquake increased earthquake awareness in many aspects of day to day business. Business continuity following a catastrophic event often has a major impact on the future of a company. Protection of raced electronic system, an integral part of business communication, data processing, testing, and production is of vital interest to any organization.

Electronic equipment mounted in cabinets is very susceptible to the damaging effects of seismic activity. Protection of this equpment should be considered in the design and installation of any electronic rack system. Careful consideration of the factors that affect the seismic performance of a rack system will ensure that the following installation goals are met: 1) Uniform Building Codes (UBC); 2) Weight and Loading considerations; 3) Proper Installation; 4) Experience of Cabinet Manufacturer; and 5) Cost & Availability.

The most important design consideration is the amount of seismic activity to prepare for. The UBC were developed to identify areas where the potential for seismic activity is high. The UBC represents the potential for risk on a scale of 0 to 4. Zone 0 represents the lowest risk; zone 4 represents the highest risk.

The UBC also present formulas and guidelines to predict the loads created by seismic activity. Designing to meet the codes does not guarantee seismic safety. Codes are guidelines, statistical in nature, developed to help reduce the risk of seismic damage. Although the codes are not exact, they have proven themselves to be excellent guidelines and will reduce the potential for damage if properly applied. Good seismic design should be considered in all Zones. Even in low risk zones, applying the principles of sound seismic design will increase the stability of any electronic system that is mounted in cabinets.

The weight and location of different types of equipment in the cabinets is of vital importance. Seismic activity is rarely limited to motion in only one direction. While the primary direction of motion is the most powerful and most destructive, the Northridge quake of 1994 resulted in violent ground motion in both vertical and lateral directions.

For more detailed design information or assistance with your seismic application, please contact:

Richard Wood, Engineering
Manager, ZERO Stantron Cabinets
1224, Montague St., Pacoima, CA 91331, 818-890-3445.

Or Email Solutions@genproj.com and we will get the information right to you.

Editors Note: This information was provided by the staff at ZERO Strantron Cabinets.