How to make server cupboard floor dust free

ov_sjo

ov_sjo

ov_sjo

Associate
Joined
19 Sep 2014
Posts
630
Hello all,

I am in the process of getting the comms stuff set-up in my new gaff - I am using a space under the stairs for router/switch/servers, however the floor is bare concrete and I fear the servers will just turn into large vacuum cleaners if I don't treat it.

I am aware of using PVA to seal concrete floors, I have also considered maybe laying some vinyl down - although I suspect that won't be practical whilst trying to slide rubber-footed servers in/out.

Just wondering if anyone had any crazy/great ideas on how to approach this problem?

Thanks


(I will be putting a vented panel/door on the front!)
jaTfe1W.png
 
paint it with floor paint ?

also generally not the best idea to drag any equipment along the floor.
Stick them on castors to make your life easier or maybe rails ?
 
I think that you are going to need more than a vented door to keep that space cool. You may want to consider some mechanical ventilation in there
 
Seal the concrete with concrete paint - usually used in a garage it will last forever where its not bumped around.

Fit active ventilation, Fans blowing into the enclosed space fitted with dust filters. Provide exit ventilation that does not have filters.
This will provide clean air, keeping your kit much much cleaner.

Fit the filters somewhere that is easy to run a vaccum across them, makes it very easy to keep them clean then.
 
Carpet it catches and traps the dust until you vac. That space will cook with anything more than a router and switch in it so you need some decent active ventilation!
 
Put ventilation grilles into at least one of the upper stair risers. And paint everything - dust can come off the woodwork if insects get at it.

Hmm.. is that an exterior wall to the right? If so, put your exit vents there.
 
I would use garage floor paint on the floor, varnish the woodwork and plasterboard would keep the dust down more than emulsion maybe

Put a low level vent maybe on the bottom step and a high up vent at the front to get some natural ventilation and maybe a thermostat and silent fan set to come on at 35c+ maybe
 
valve90210 said:
Thin layer of self-levelling floor compound would do the job nicely.
Click to expand...

Not sure what benefit this would have over just painting it? Floor is very smooth as-is.

pepp77 said:
How about putting a thin layer or plywood down and then sticking carpet tiles to that - https://www.dctuk.com/carpet-tiles/nouveau/connections/smoke-grey?utm_term=Shopping - () - Core - ()&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&matchtype=&utm_campaign=Shopping - () - Core&gclid=CjwKCAjwq4fsBRBnEiwANTahcP3XJ21b5qwZ3lq5bgB1GTbucMZ1CzgAJFYLiexCu1MDC-UOPL8C8RoCFqwQAvD_BwE
Click to expand...

I did think about lining the floor with wood - would most likely need to be in at least two pieces due to the intricate shape.

SimonR said:
I think that you are going to need more than a vented door to keep that space cool. You may want to consider some mechanical ventilation in there
Click to expand...

I have a contingency plan which involves venting out into the hall way through one of the side wall panels.

samcat said:
Seal the concrete with concrete paint - usually used in a garage it will last forever where its not bumped around.

Fit active ventilation, Fans blowing into the enclosed space fitted with dust filters. Provide exit ventilation that does not have filters.
This will provide clean air, keeping your kit much much cleaner.

Fit the filters somewhere that is easy to run a vaccum across them, makes it very easy to keep them clean then.
Click to expand...

I don't think I have the luxury of easy-to-access filters under here :)

sovietspybob said:
I'd probably just paint the lot of it, floors, walls and the underneath of the stairs that should keep most dust down.
Click to expand...

Probably a bit late now in hindsight, but a good idea.

a1ex2001 said:
Carpet it catches and traps the dust until you vac. That space will cook with anything more than a router and switch in it so you need some decent active ventilation!
Click to expand...

It's quite a large cupboard which this will be relatively open into - there are a couple of places behind the kit and/or in the cupboard where I can add additional airflow if required. From experience in a smaller cupboard ambient temperatures were OK (i've got a temperature datalogger)

Quartz said:
Put ventilation grilles into at least one of the upper stair risers. And paint everything - dust can come off the woodwork if insects get at it.

Hmm.. is that an exterior wall to the right? If so, put your exit vents there.
Click to expand...

Considering painting. No exterior walls, however the left hand triangle at the bottom goes to the hallway and is a potential exhaust point.

HardwareGeek said:
I would use garage floor paint on the floor, varnish the woodwork and plasterboard would keep the dust down more than emulsion maybe

Put a low level vent maybe on the bottom step and a high up vent at the front to get some natural ventilation and maybe a thermostat and silent fan set to come on at 35c+ maybe
Click to expand...

Yep, similar fan idea in mind already.






Thanks for the suggestions folks.
 
ov_sjo said:
Considering painting. No exterior walls, however the left hand triangle at the bottom goes to the hallway and is a potential exhaust point.
Click to expand...

Vents in the stair risers are much more discreet and heat rises so vents in the upper risers will do the most good.
 
dulcificum said:
So you have a hole through your carpet and a big metal vent in the middle of the stair?! Don't know anyone who would want this let alone anyone's missus.
Click to expand...

Sorry should behave said bit would be on the vertical stair tread not the horizontal face.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom