What is Data Centre Cabling: A Guide to Best Practices
Cable world logo

No results Found

Data centre cabling

What is Data Centre Cabling: A Guide to Best Practices

Data centres are crucial for keeping our digital services running smoothly, and at the heart of every data centre is its cabling. Setting up a system that keeps data flowing quickly and reliably is essential for every data centre.

At Cableworld, we provide high quality cables that help your data centre operate efficiently and grow effectively.

What is Data Cabling in Data Centres?

Data cabling is all about connecting everything in your data centre, from servers to storage. These cables are key to making sure data moves around quickly. Cable organisation is vital as disorganised cables can slow down data and make it more difficult to fix issues.

Types of Data Centre Cables and Applications

Different data centre tasks require various types of cable. At Cableworld, we have a variety of cables to fit every need:

AXMK Cables

AXMK cables are insulated and PVC sheathed to help them withstand harsh conditions such as in the open air and underground. They are suitable for connecting power across long distances and work particularly well for linking different parts of a data centre or connecting to external power sources.

AHXAMK-W Cables


AHXAMK-W cables are designed for greater protection against water and dirt, making them suitable for laying underground, in the air, or in ducts.

N2XH Cables

The N2XH cable is a non-armoured power cable designed for fixed installation indoors, in concrete and in open air. They aren’t, however, suitable for direct burial or installation in water. The LSOH construction makes this cable particularly suited to areas where, when subjected to fire, the emission of smoke and toxic fumes may create a potential threat to life.

N2HX cables are ideal for use inside the data centre, for connecting equipment in different racks or running cables overhead. Their LSOH properties help to contribute towards better fire safety.

Each type of cable we offer is carefully tested to meet high standards, ensuring your data centre runs smoothly and safely.

H07ZZ-F ALSECURE Cable

The H07ZZ-F ALSECURE cable is designed to meet the highest safety standards in environments where fire, smoke, and toxic fumes pose significant risks. This cable is ideal for a wide range of applications, including data centres. Its design makes it suitable for both internal and external installations.

H07RN-F

Designed to withstand the toughest conditions, the H07RN-F cable offers exceptional durability. Its robust rubber outer sheath shields against abrasion, oils, chemicals, and UV rays, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor usage. It’s also suitable for use in dry, wet, or oily conditions and even explosive atmosphere environments.

What’s more, the H07RN-F can bend and twist effortlessly, making installation hassle-free, even in tight spaces.

H07Z-R (6491B)


Often used in conduit or as an earth cable, the H07Z-R is a low smoke zero halogen cable that is ideal for installations where, if subjected to fire, smoke and toxic gas emissions would present a threat, such as in a data centre.

Fire Cable SWA - Standard and Enhanced


Armoured for extra protection, steel wire armoured fire cables ensure power continuity even during a fire, making them essential for safety-critical applications.

Fire Cable - Standard, Single, and Enhanced

Fire cables are designed to keep working even under fire conditions, crucial for alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and maintaining lighting.

Fire Cable - Data

The Data Fire Cable is a high-performance twisted cable that can transmit data reliably even under tough conditions, such as in a fire, ensuring your data centre continues to operate during emergencies. What’s more, the LSOH construction ensures low emissions of smoke and corrosive gases when exposed to fire.

Best Practices for Data Centre Cable Management

Planning and Designing Data Centre Cabling

When designing a data centre's cabling layout, you should start with a plan that considers current needs as well as your future growth. Use a modular design approach that allows for easy expansions and changes without disrupting existing setups.

Opt for structured cabling systems as they provide a standardised way to efficiently manage and organise network cables. Ensure that all cables are clearly labelled and have a documented map to simplify maintenance and troubleshooting.

Importance of Structured Cabling

Structured cabling systems are essential because they support high bandwidths, making them scalable for future technological advancements. These systems help in reducing downtime and improving accessibility to cables for easier management and servicing.

Structured cabling is also critical for minimising operational costs and ensuring a neat, organised cable infrastructure that reduces the risk of errors and performance issues.

Installation Techniques

When it comes to installing your cables, make sure that all data centre cabling adheres to the highest standards of quality and industry practices. At Cableworld, we have over 20 years’ experience in delivering cable solutions to a wide range of industries so you can count on us to provide high quality cabling that meet all the necessary standards for your data centre.

Follow the recommended guidelines for cable lengths and avoid sharp bends to prevent damage and performance loss.

To keep your data centre organised, it’s important to use cable managers to avoid tangling and stress on cables. Use raised floors or overhead cable trays to separate power and data cables, reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference.

Standards and Compliance in Data Centre Cabling


Data cabling standards are set by international bodies such as ISO. These standards ensure that cables are manufactured and installed to provide safety and performance.

Standards cover various aspects of cabling, including performance, installation practices, and testing procedures. Data centre cabling standards specifically address the unique needs of high-demand data environments, ensuring reliable data transmission and network integrity.

Sticking to these standards is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and ensuring compatibility between different networking equipment. It also plays a significant role in meeting legal and safety requirements, protecting both data and physical assets.

Data Centre Cabling at Cableworld

At Cableworld, each of our cables are carefully designed to meet specific needs in your data centre, from general safety to extreme conditions. Our wide range ensures you have the right tools for building a reliable and efficient data centre infrastructure.