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About steel access floor

Types of Steel Access Floor

As mentioned earlier, a steel access floor is a raised floor with steel panels. However, this floor does not only come with steel panels. Sometimes, the access floor panels are made with other materials. These materials can be either solid or hollow. Here are the types of steel access floor panels based on the construction material:

  • Steel/Metal panels

    These panels are made of galvanized or painted steel. They are mostly used in data centers and computer rooms. The metal surface offers electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. These panels are classified into three based on construction: top-coated steel, steel with vinyl, and steel with carpet.

  • Steel access floor panels with chipboard

    The upper surface of these panels has a vinyl covering. They are ideal for offices and commercial spaces. The panels are made of solid particleboard with a steel bottom. They provide a good value of money. The chipboard panels are not suitable for environments with high moisture content.

  • Steel panels with calcium carbonate

    Like the chipboard panels, the upper surface is usually coated with vinyl. These panels are made of either solid or hollow calcium carbonate core with a steel bottom. They provide excellent sound absorption. Steel access floor panels with calcium carbonate are suitable for environments with high humidity.

  • Steel panels with honeycomb core

    The surface of the panels is usually coated with carpets. These panels are constructed with steel top and bottom sheets and a paper honeycomb core. They are very lightweight and provide superior strength and rigidity. The honeycomb core panels are mostly used in high-tech environments, such as laboratories and clean rooms.

  • Particle Board/Cement Board Panels

    These panels are constructed with a solid core of either particle board or cement board, topped with steel sheets. They are suitable for areas with heavy loads but low static dissipative requirements. While not as common as metal panels, they can be useful in specific applications where additional weight support is needed.

Function and feature of steel access floor

There are many benefits to raised flooring systems, including the following key features:

  • Cable Management

    One of the most important functions of a raised floor access is managing cables and wires that provide power and data connections to computers and other electronic equipment. The space between the subfloor and the surface tiles serves as a pathway to organize and conceal cables. This keeps wires from becoming tangled, reducing the risk of trip hazards and electrical interference. Access floors with perforated panels on the underside make it easy to see and access cables for installation and maintenance. Proper cable management not only improves the safety and aesthetics of the room but also enhances the airflow needed for efficient cooling of electronic components. Overall, this function of an access floor system contributes to a neater, more efficient workspace for handling sensitive technology that relies on reliable connections.

  • Improved Airflow

    Improved airflow is one major benefit of installing a raised access floor system. The space between the subfloor and the surface flooring acts as an air distribution plenum. This allows cool air to be channeled more directly and efficiently to computers and other electronic equipment that generate heat. In high-density server rooms or areas with many electronic components, better air circulation helps maintain optimal operating temperatures. This prevents overheating and prolongs the lifespan of sensitive machinery. Access floors also have perforated panels that allow for adjustable air vent placement. Overall, enhanced airflow from a raised floor system contributes to healthier working conditions for electronic technology and can lead to energy savings in climate control.

  • Ease of Access

    Another key benefit of an access floor system is that it allows easy access to the space beneath the surface. This makes it much simpler to perform cable management and plumbing or electrical wiring. For example, if a wire becomes frayed or needs to be replaced, technicians can quickly remove flooring tiles above it to do repairs without having to cut through concrete or other permanent structures. Similarly, if pipes or conduits run under an access floor, workers can reach them easily for maintenance purposes. This minimizes disruptions and safety hazards. Perforated floor panels also provide options to place air vents in the most effective locations. Overall, this ease of access helps ensure all components below the flooring receive regular attention and function optimally.

Scenarios of Steel Access Floor

There are multiple application scenarios for an access floor system. This is because the access flooring provides a practical solution for buildings that need frequent cable and wire management. Here are some common application scenarios.

  • Data Centers

    Data centers are facilities that store computers and other hardware required for the operation of the internet and networks. These centers use a lot of wires, cables, and power connections. Thus, they need a system that can help them manage these connections. Access flooring is widely used in data centers because it provides a way to organize and manage the electrical and mechanical connections. With an access floor, wires and cables are routed under the floor, preventing them from cluttering the room. This makes the data centers more efficient and organized.

  • Telecommunication Centers

    Telecommunication centers are buildings that house the equipment needed for communication networks. Similar to data centers, these centers also require a lot of cable management systems. Access floors are also ideal for telecommunication centers. The raised floors allow for the organization of telecommunication cables, ensuring the room is not cluttered with wires. They also make it easy to access and maintain the cables.

  • Office Buildings

    Modern office buildings use access floors to manage their electrical and mechanical connections. The office equipment, such as computers, printers, and phones, require power and data connections. Access floors provide a solution for these connections. Moreover, access floors for office buildings are designed to be aesthetic and more durable than residential access floors.

  • Commercial Spaces

    Access floors are widely used in commercial spaces, such as hospitals, schools, and libraries. These spaces require frequent changes in the layout of the electrical and mechanical connections. For example, a hospital may need to change its layout to accommodate new equipment. Access floors provide a flexible solution for these spaces since they can be easily moved and managed.

  • Clean Rooms

    A clean room is an environment with controlled levels of pollutants. It is usually used in manufacturing and scientific research. Access floors are popular in clean rooms because they provide a way to organize the cables and deliver air circulation. The clean rooms are usually built with access flooring since they need to constantly change the filters to control air pollution. The access floors make it easy to access the HVAC system.

How to choose steel access floor

Before choosing a raised flooring system, it is essential to understand what is required from the project. These factors must be considered to ensure the correct access flooring system is selected.

  • Consider the Environment:

    Where the steel access floors will be installed should be considered. If it's a damp, humid area, a concrete subfloor may be the best option. But if it's an area with lots of wires and plumbing, a raised floor could help hide those items. Think about whether the space gets wet, like a bathroom or kitchen, and what kind of floor would work best.

  • Load-Bearing Capacity:

    The first step in choosing a raised flooring system is to determine the load capacity. Different areas require different strengths. For example, a data center needs a sturdy floor to hold heavy servers, while an open office space can use a standard load-bearing floor. The raised floor should be able to support the weight of all items placed on it without sagging or bending. Considering this fact will help choose the right load capacity for the space.

  • Accessibility and Cable Management:

    Another important factor is how much cable and piping will run under the floor. Some areas have more wires than plumbing, which can be better managed with a raised flooring system. If there are many cables, an accessible floor that allows easy access for maintenance is needed. This ensures that all items under the floor can be managed and maintained without issues.

  • Material and Aesthetic Considerations:

    Also, think about what the original floor is like and how it will look. Access flooring comes in materials like concrete, aluminum, and steel, each with pros and cons. Steel and aluminum are lighter options that can be used in most spaces. Concrete is heavier but provides good stability. Different materials give different appearances. For instance, wood and steel give a modern look, while concrete is more functional. Consider what style is desired and choose a material that matches that.

  • Ease of Installation and Modification:

    Installation should also be considered. Some raised floors go together more quickly and easily than others. If the original floor is changing, a system that can be easily modified or moved should be chosen. This allows flexibility for future changes.

Steel Access Floor Q&A

Q1: How long will a raised floor last?

A1: If properly installed and maintained, a raised floor can last for decades. Access flooring is designed to be durable because it is made of steel, cement, or calcium sulfate. The longevity also depends on the subfloor and the kind of finished floor on top of the access floor panels.

Q2: Can an access floor be removed?

A2: Yes, a raised access floor can be removed, and access panels can be replaced. The removal procedure is straightforward, but it is advisable to involve a professional to avoid damaging the support pedestals or the subfloor. Once the panels are removed, the floor tiles can also be replaced if they are damaged.

Q3: What is a steel access floor?

A3: A steel access floor is a raised flooring system with panels made of steel. It is also known as a raised floor or raised access floor. Steel access floors are commonly used in data centers, computer rooms, telecommunication facilities, and other areas requiring extensive cabling and airflow management.

Q4: What are the types of access floor?

A4: There are various types of access floors based on materials. Steel access floor panels are made of galvanized steel. Aluminum access floor panels are lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Wooden access floor panels offer a more traditional aesthetic and are easier to install. Cement-based access floor panels are durable and provide excellent load-bearing capabilities. Calcium sulfate access floor panels are fire-resistant and offer high compressive strength.

Q5: What are the disadvantages of an access floor?

A5: Access floors are expensive to install because of the materials used. They also take a lot of time to install. Maintenance and cleaning of the pedestals and the space under the access floor is another expense. The raised flooring system also limits the height of the room because of the increased floor height.