What should be a consideration when having casters (rollers/wheels) or feet under the rack?

Raised-floor tiles have limited point-load capacity. BICSI 002 advises that equipment casters or feet should have a sufficiently large surface area so the imposed load (static or rolling) stays within the tile’s rated point-load limit; enlarging the footprint lowers pressure and prevents tile cracking or deformation.

B. Skirts improve airflow containment but do nothing to mitigate floor-tile loading from casters.

C. Soft rubber wheels spread very little load and can permanently indent or stick to tiles, increasing damage risk.

D. Unlocked casters compromise seismic restraints and safety; mobility is not the primary concern for installed racks.

1. BICSI 002-2019, 9.2.2 “Equipment Footprint and Point Loads”, pp. 226-227.

2. ASHRAE Datacom Series, Thermal Guidelines 4th Ed., Appendix F “Floor Loading Considerations”, p. 167.