Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices

ANSI/BICSI 002-2014: Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices

For engineers and IT infrastructure professionals, the reliable and efficient operation of data centers is paramount. Understanding and adhering to established industry standards is crucial for achieving this. ANSI/BICSI 002-2014, "Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices," provides an essential framework for creating and maintaining world-class data center facilities, ensuring resilience, scalability, and optimal performance.

What is ANSI/BICSI 002-2014?

ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 is an authoritative standard developed by BICSI that outlines comprehensive best practices for the design and implementation of data centers. Its primary purpose is to guide professionals in creating robust, efficient, and adaptable IT infrastructure environments. This standard serves as a foundational document for anyone involved in the lifecycle of a data center.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs a wide array of data center design and implementation activities, encompassing site selection, structural considerations, power distribution, cooling systems, cabling infrastructure, and operational readiness. It provides guidance on architectural, mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications aspects crucial for a functional data center. While it focuses on the physical infrastructure, it does not typically cover the specific IT equipment configurations or software management unless directly impacting the physical environment.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Data Center Designers, IT Managers, Facilities Managers, Systems Engineers, Network Engineers, and IT Infrastructure Specialists.
• • Industries affected: Information Technology, Telecommunications, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, Colocation, and any organization reliant on robust data center operations.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended for achieving best-in-class data center performance and reliability.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically self-enforced by organizations seeking to meet industry benchmarks and avoid operational risks. Regulatory bodies or client audits may also reference its principles.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires a meticulous approach to site selection, emphasizing geological stability and avoidance of natural hazards to ensure long-term operational integrity. Professionals must ensure that power and cooling systems are designed with redundancy and capacity to meet current and future IT loads, often involving detailed calculations for power density and thermal management. Key provisions include establishing robust cabling infrastructure plans that support high-speed data transmission and are designed for ease of maintenance and future upgrades. Furthermore, the standard mandates comprehensive commissioning and testing protocols to validate that all systems perform as designed before and after implementation.

Related Standards & References

ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 often works in conjunction with other critical standards. For instance, it complements standards like those from the Uptime Institute (e.g., Tier Standards) for defining data center resilience levels, and it relies on power and electrical standards (e.g., NFPA 70) for safety and code compliance in electrical installations. It also integrates with telecommunications infrastructure standards, such as those from TIA, for structured cabling design.