Cleaning raised computer room floors causing electrical

[jtinge]

We have recently experienced trips in the branch circuits routed in the raised floor plenums of several of our computer rooms. An investigation of the problem indicates the cleaning service has been cleaning the raised floor tiles by flooding the floor with cleaning solution similar to the way they would on a normal tile floor. The solution then leaks through the tiles down to the underfloor receptacles and wiring causing a breaker trip. We do not have any real guidlelines for cleaning of raised floors. Does anyone know of documented industry guidlelines for cleaning raised computer floors designed to prevent damage to the electrical wiring under the floor? So far I have found some prohibitions on types of cleaners that attack wiring but no real guideance on cleaning per se (i.e. only damp mop or spot cleaning shall be used on raised floor tiles). Fortunately the breakers tripped as intended, but this could have turned out to be a unintended safety issue rather than just a loss of power to computer circuits. Any guideance or best practices would be appreciated.

 

[rattus]

Re: Cleaning raised computer room floors causing electrical

Common sense dictates that you would never allow any kind of liquid to fall through the cracks. These floors don't see much traffic, and don't require a lot of cleaning. In this case, there is crud in the cracks which would require that the tiles be lifted and cleaned individually.

Then a daily vacuuming would be best because it keeps the dust out of the cracks--unless the electrical noise from the vacuum interferes with the computers.

As an alternative, a daily dry mop and occasional damp mop ought to suffice.

 

[dillon3c]

Re: Cleaning raised computer room floors causing electrical

jtinge,

I'm reading your post,and in the noticing that you may have receptacles under this raised plenum floor,and you are passing flexible cords through hole-openings cut into the floor,and inturn plugging into these receptacle devices below the raised floor.

And then cleaning crew,are pouring liquid cleaner on surface of raised floor. And solvent is running through floor cracks, to the solid surface below floor(the plenum area) where these receptacle devices are mounted,supplying the energy to equipment to the above surface.This solvent is infact,leaking into these receptacle devices under floor, where flexable cord is plugged into these same receptacles, thus tripping the circuit breakers?

And simular problems of the discribed, also is happening,and exsist in more that one raised floor area at your facility.

-forgive me for being long-winded but-
I'm trying to understand your post. Might this be a accurate description sir in the above,of discribing your posting/situation?

[ May 17, 2005, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: dillon3c ]