Data centres are critical infrastructure in the digital age, supporting everything from cloud computing to large-scale enterprise applications. In the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, the growth of data centres has accelerated, driven by increasing digitalisation, cloud services, and regulatory requirements for data storage.

One of the critical elements in data centre design is the choice of cabling. Cables are the backbone of data centres, facilitating power and data transmission across racks, servers, and networking equipment. Two common types of cables used in data centres are Class 2 and Class 5 cables. These cables differ significantly in terms of flexibility, construction, and application, which directly impacts performance and efficiency in a data centre environment. This article will explore the differences between Class 2 and Class 5 cables, with a particular focus on their relevance to data centres in the EMEA region.

1. Cable Structure and Flexibility

The fundamental difference between Class 2 and Class 5 cables is their flexibility, determined by the number of copper strands inside the conductor.

Class 2 Cables (Rigid Conductors):

Class 2 cables consist of fewer thicker copper strands, making them relatively stiff and inflexible.

These cables are suited for fixed installations where cables remain stationary and do not experience frequent movement or handling.

Class 5 Cables (Flexible Conductors):

Class 5 cables, in contrast, are made up of many finer copper strands, giving them high flexibility.

Their pliability makes them easy to route through confined spaces and around complex equipment setups, common in densely packed data centres.


      

2. Application in Data Centres

The choice between Class 2 and Class 5 cables in a data centre depends heavily on the specific use case and installation environment. Data centres' high density and dynamic nature typically require careful consideration of cabling needs to ensure reliability, performance, and scalability.

Class 2 Cable Applications in Data Centres:

Power Distribution: Class 2 cables are often used for distributing power across various sections of a data centre where movement and flexibility are not crucial. These cables can be found in power delivery systems for UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units, power distribution units (PDUs), and fixed networking equipment.

Static Installations: In cases where cables are routed in fixed locations with no requirement for re-routing or movement, Class 2 cables offer a robust and cost-effective solution.

Class 5 Cable Applications in Data Centres:

Dynamic and Flexible Setups: Class 5 cables are ideal in data centres that require frequent changes, such as rearranging server racks, upgrading equipment, or reconfiguring networks. Their flexibility allows easy routing and re-routing, reducing installation time and minimising the risk of cable damage during adjustments.

Networking and Control Systems: Data centres rely heavily on fast and secure data transmission. Class 5 cables are preferred for networking systems, control panels, and monitoring systems because their flexibility enables them to fit into tight spaces and maintain proper cable management, which is essential for airflow and cooling.

Edge Data Centres and Modular Units: The rise of modular and edge data centres, particularly in the EMEA region, calls for flexible cabling solutions that can be easily deployed and reconfigured as demand grows. Class 5 cables excel in these environments, where adaptability is key.

3. Performance Considerations

While both Class 2 and Class 5 cables can handle similar electrical loads depending on the conductor size, their performance characteristics in a data centre environment differ primarily in terms of mechanical resilience and ease of handling.

Class 2 Cables offer high mechanical strength due to their thicker copper strands, which makes them less prone to damage from tension or compression. This makes them suitable for environments where the cabling will remain undisturbed after installation. However, their rigidity can be a disadvantage in high-density data centres, where tight corners, small cable pathways, and the need for frequent changes require more flexibility.

Class 5 Cables, with their finer strands, provide the necessary flexibility for complex cabling layouts and frequent modifications. However, they are more vulnerable to wear and tear in environments where the cables are subjected to high levels of mechanical stress. This makes proper installation and protection (e.g., cable trays and ducts) important for maintaining performance.

4. Installation and Maintenance

Installation and ongoing maintenance are critical factors in data centres, especially given the high density and rapid changes in server and network setups.

Class 2 Cables: Their rigidity can make installation in tight or confined spaces challenging. While they may be easier to manage for power distribution, their lack of flexibility makes them less ideal for environments that require ongoing modifications or high-density cable management.

Class 5 Cables: Class 5 cables shine in terms of ease of installation and maintenance. Their flexibility allows them to be routed through the complex layouts typical in data centres. This ease of handling makes them a preferred choice in environments that require frequent changes or expansions, minimizing the time and cost of installation. Moreover, in data centres, where airflow and cooling are critical, the ability to tightly manage and organize cables is essential for efficiency, and Class 5 cables make this task easier.

5. Cost and Scalability

Cost is an important consideration, especially in large-scale data centres requiring extensive cabling.

Due to their more straightforward construction, Class 2 Cables are generally more affordable than Class 5 cables. For static installations, where there is no need for flexibility, Class 2 cables are a cost-effective choice.

While more expensive, Class 5 cables offer significant long-term advantages in terms of scalability and future-proofing. Data centres in the EMEA region are experiencing rapid growth, and the ability to scale quickly is a key priority. Class 5 cables, with their flexibility, are better suited to modular and expandable data centre designs, which are becoming increasingly popular as businesses seek to meet fluctuating demand efficiently.

6. Regional Considerations in the EMEA Market

In the EMEA region, where data centre growth is fueled by cloud computing, colocation services, and the expansion of 5G networks, the choice between Class 2 and Class 5 cables may also be influenced by regional regulations, environmental conditions, and project timelines.

Regulations and Standards: EMEA countries often have stringent regulations concerning fire safety and energy efficiency in data centres. Flexible cables such as Class 5 may be preferable in regions where regulations demand higher adaptability, safety, and efficiency in cabling infrastructure.

Environmental Conditions: In the Middle East and parts of Africa, where higher temperatures and more extreme environmental conditions are common, the flexibility of Class 5 cables may help ensure that cabling can withstand temperature fluctuations and maintain efficiency in high-density setups that require optimal airflow.

Speed of Deployment: With the rapid expansion of data centres in Europe and the Middle East, Class 5 cables may offer a quicker deployment advantage, especially for modular or temporary data centre setups that require rapid scalability.

Summarising

In the data centre sector, particularly in the fast-growing and highly competitive EMEA region, the choice between Class 2 and Class 5 cables should be based on flexibility, application requirements, cost considerations, and future scalability. While Class 2 cables offer a robust and cost-effective solution for static, power-related installations, Class 5 cables provide the flexibility, ease of installation, and scalability needed for dynamic, high-density environments where frequent updates and modifications are necessary.

For modern data centres, particularly in regions experiencing rapid growth and digital transformation, Class 5 cables often provide the optimal balance between performance and future-proofing, making them a critical component in the ongoing evolution of data centre design in the EMEA region.

At Cleveland Cable Company, we understand data centres' unique challenges, especially in the fast-evolving EMEA region. With our extensive range of high-quality Class 2 and Class 5 cables, we are committed to helping you make the best choices for your data centre projects, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance.

For more information about CPR compliance in Data Centres, contact our Global Data Centre Manager, Marcus Ridge, at mridge@clevelandcable.com or 07771 940666.
We’re here to help ensure the safety and compliance of your data centre projects.