CDCP practice question 2 of 10

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

Full set: 57 questions

Domain Raised Floor/Suspended Ceiling

Answer options

A: The casters and feet should be larger to avoid a too heavy point load on the floor tile. Correct answer

B: Skirts at the bottom of the rack to avoid air flow between the hot and cold aisles.

C: Casters and feet should be of a soft material, for example rubber, to avoid damage to the raised floor tile.

D: Casters and feet should not be locked to ensure the racks are still able to be moved to another position.

Correct Answer:

A. The casters and feet should be larger to avoid a too heavy point load on the floor tile.

Explanation

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.

Why Incorrect

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.

References

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.

Keep practicing

Take the free CDCP practice test

Ten exam-style questions with answers and explanations, plus the exam facts and study guides.

Start the free practice test