Generic Site Preparation Guide - Edition 6

NOTE: Have a floor system consultant for the appropriate flooring environment verify any
floor system under consideration for a product installation.
Raised Floor Loading
Raised floor loading is a function of the manufacturer’s load specification and the positioning
of the equipment relative to the raised floor grid. While HP cannot assume responsibility for
determining the suitability of a particular raised floor system, it does provide the following
guidelines:
• Because many raised floor systems do not have grid stringers between floor stands, the
lateral support for the floor stands depends on adjacent panels being in place. To avoid
compromising this type of floor system while gaining under-floor access, remove only one
floor panel at a time.
• Larger floor grids (bigger panels) are generally rated for lighter loads.
CAUTION: Do not position or install equipment cabinets on the raised floor system until you
have carefully examined it to verify that it is adequate to support the appropriate installation.
Average Floor Loading
The average floor load value is not appropriate for addressing raised floor ratings at the floor
grid spacing level. However, it is useful for determining floor loading at the building level, such
as the area of solid floor or span of raised floor tiles covered by the product footprint.
Typical Raised Floor Site
This section contains an example of a computer room raised floor system that is satisfactory for
the installation of a product.
Based on specific information provided by HP, Tate Access Floors has approved its Series 800
all-steel access floor with bolt-together stringers and 24 inches (61.0 cm) by 24 inches (61.0 cm)
floor panels.
When the flooring is replaced or a new floor is installed, Tate Access Floors recommends using
the Series 1250 all-steel access floor with bolt-together stringers and 24 inches (61.0 cm) by 24
inches (61.0 cm) floor panels to support the HP installation.
NOTE: If the specific floor being considered is other than a Tate Series 800 floor, contact the
specific floor manufacturer to evaluate the floor.
Table 1-4 lists specifications for the Tate Access Floors Series 800 raised floor system.
Table 1-4 Typical Raised Floor Specifications
RatingItem
7 lb/ft
2
(34.2 kg/m
2
)Dead load
313 lb/ft
2
(1528.3 kg/m
2
)Live load
1,250 lb (567 kg)Concentrated load
1
4,000 lb (1814 kg) per panelUltimate load
400 lb (181 kg)Rolling load
500 lb (227 kg)Average floor load
1 With 0.08 in (0.2 cm) of span maximum deflection.
26 General Site Preparation Guidelines