When planning a data center project or deployment, one of the most essential tasks is conducting a site survey. But what exactly is a site survey, and why is it important? In this article, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about site surveys to give you a clearer understanding of their role and significance in the process.

What is a Site Survey?

A site survey is a critical step where we physically visit a data center or site to take measurements, inspect the layout, and address any customer concerns. During the survey, we gather essential information to create a bill of materials (BOM) or quotation for the project. It also allows us to evaluate the site’s conditions to ensure that any potential issues are identified early, reducing the risk of delays or unforeseen challenges during deployment.

Site surveys can take place at any stage of the project:

• Pre-sales phase: Conducted to evaluate the site, map out cable paths, and identify any potential bottlenecks or critical issues.
• Deployment phase: Aimed at addressing any challenges encountered during installation.
• Post-deployment phase: Conducted when there are issues to resolve after the system is up and running.

1. What’s the Purpose of a Site Survey?

The main goal of a site survey is to assess the physical site conditions and identify critical aspects of the project, such as cable paths, distances, equipment layout, and access points. This information is crucial for generating a precise BOM and providing an accurate quotation. Typically, the survey is performed by one or two personnel and, in some cases, may include the installer if the timing permits.

In most data centers, the purpose of the visit is logged as a “site survey,” which refers to any of the above tasks.

2. Will the Site Survey Cause Any Downtime?

Generally, no. A site survey is non-intrusive and focuses on gathering measurements and assessing the site. It does not involve any modifications, deployments, or troubleshooting, and as such, should not disrupt operations. The work done during the survey is typically limited to walking the site, measuring with tools like laser distance finders or tape measures, and observing the conditions.

3. How Long Does a Site Survey Take?

This question is subjective, as the duration of a site survey depends on the type of site and its layout. We’ve worked on projects ranging from multiple small network rooms to large-scale data center halls. Typically, we estimate the survey will take about one hour, which includes time for arrival, check-in, security passes, site access, completing the survey, and returning passes.

For sites with multiple smaller rooms, the approach may vary depending on customers’ preferences. Some customers prefer a walkthrough of all rooms to ensure there are no potential deployment issues, while others opt for room sampling. In the latter case, we focus on 2 or 3 of the most challenging rooms to base our design on. This is often the preferred option for customers with numerous edge rooms, as it may not be feasible to survey each location due to time, travel, and cost constraints.

For larger, centralized data centers, the survey is typically more straightforward, and an hour is usually sufficient to walk through the data hall.

4. What Do You Look for During a Site Survey?

When conducting a site survey, the main goal is to gather the necessary data to estimate labor, materials, and other requirements. Below are some of the key aspects we focus on during the survey:

• Site Access Conditions: Assessing the accessibility for moving heavy and bulky equipment, such as cable drums, cabinets, and UPS units, is essential. This includes evaluating loading bays, cargo lifts, and the width of passageways.
• Complexity of Works: The survey helps us understand the complexity of the installation process. For instance, we assess factors such as ceiling height, the need for cable trays, and any obstructions that might complicate cable routing. We also check for potential risks like blocked pathways or inadequate clearance beneath raised floors.
• Cooling Considerations: If cables are run under a raised floor, we need to ensure that there is enough clearance for airflow and pressure buildup to maintain efficient cooling. Similarly, if cables are run overhead, we must check that their path isn't obstructed by sprinklers, beams, or existing cable trays.

5. Are There Any Risks to a Site Survey?

The risk involved in a site survey is minimal, but it's not entirely without potential hazards. For instance, when inspecting cabinets or racks, there’s a very slight chance that loose cables may become disconnected. In rare cases, opening distribution boards to check power specifications may lead to a trip if a wire is loose, but these incidents are highly unlikely. It's important to note that site surveys are generally very safe and non-disruptive.

Key Take aways

Site surveys play a vital role in ensuring the successful deployment of data center projects. They help bridge the gap between theoretical planning and real-world conditions. By gathering detailed site information, we can better plan for labor, materials, and potential challenges, ultimately ensuring smoother project execution and minimizing risks during installation.

Whether you’re planning a new installation or evaluating an existing system, understanding the role of a site survey is essential to the success of your project.