Summary
A data center owner needed a single, reliable way to route a large volume of power and data cables through a complex, multi-building campus while meeting strict safety, electrical and structural requirements. CBC planned, coordinated and executed the installation of the tray systems under one engineered layout with standardized supports and parts. The facility received one backbone for power and data, delivered ahead of critical milestones and documented well enough to repeat on other sites.
The challenge
The client needed a single, reliable way to route a large volume of power and data cables through a complex facility while meeting emerging requirements. Several tray types had to be coordinated across a multi-building campus against strict safety, electrical and structural requirements, and all of it had to fit around other trades and fixed milestones.
Conditions at the outset
- Large campus needing organized power and data routing.
- Multiple buildings and tray types to coordinate.
- Strict safety, electrical, and structural requirements.
- Late changes to grounding and labeling rules.
- Work had to fit around other trades and milestones.
- Leadership needed confidence in long-term reliability.
Grounding and labeling rules changed late in the process, after layouts were already being worked.
Leadership was not only buying an installation; they needed confidence that the system would still be serviceable and expandable years after handover.
The solution
The team implemented a phased engineering and coordination approach that aligned structural design, safety, and field execution.
One engineered tray layout was drawn for every area, and supports, parts and installation methods were standardized so crews were not solving the same detail twice.
How the work was run
- Built a unified, engineered tray layout for all areas.
- Standardized supports, parts, and installation methods.
- Issued clear drawings, maps, and progress trackers.
- Aligned grounding and safety details with the Engineer of Record.
- Sequenced installation to avoid trade conflicts.
- Captured standards and decisions for reuse on future sites.
Grounding and safety details were resolved directly with the Engineer of Record rather than through a chain of requests. Installation was sequenced to keep out of the way of other trades, and the standards and decisions made along the way were captured as they were made.
The result
The facility received a robust, scalable cable tray system delivered ahead of critical milestones, with no compromise to safety or performance. One backbone now carries both power and data, and every safety, structural and electrical standard was met.
What it produced
- Single cable tray backbone for power and data.
- All safety, structural, and electrical standards met.
- Consistent parts and grounding reduced operational risk.
- Clear pathways and labeling improved maintenance.
- Extra capacity and access built in for future growth.
- Repeatable model that can be applied to other facilities.
Consistent parts and grounding reduced operational risk, and clear pathways and labeling made the system easier to maintain.
Extra capacity and access were built in for future growth, and the model is documented well enough to apply at other facilities.
