Application of sealing modules in IT equipment and data centers

In IT data centers, sealing modules (cable transit sealing systems), though often overlooked, are critical components for ensuring infrastructure security, energy efficiency, and compliance. Their core functions include: preventing airflow leakage, preventing fire spread, enhancing fire compartment integrity, dust and moisture protection, and supporting the maintainability of high-density cabling.

TST SEAL Nico will provide a detailed explanation of typical application scenarios, technical requirements, selection criteria, and industry best practices for data center sealed modules .

1. 1. Why do data centers need specialized sealed modules?

Traditional methods (such as fire-retardant putty, expanding foam, and ordinary glamping) have serious drawbacks:

Irreversible sealing: Adding or removing cables requires destructive construction.

Drying and shrinkage: Cracks appear after 1–2 years, causing a short circuit between hot and cold airflows;

No fireproof certification: It rapidly carbonizes and fails in a fire;

High density is not supported: single-hole cable threading efficiency is low.

The TST SEAL modular sealing system can solve the above problems while meeting the stringent requirements of Tier III/IV data centers for availability, security, and energy efficiency.

1. 1. Core Application Scenarios
   2. Sealing of vertical shafts for both electrical and communication lines.

Location: Cable shafts between floors, passageway from UPS room to computer room.

Function:

To prevent fire/smoke from spreading vertically through the “chimney effect” of shafts;

The fire compartment must meet the fire resistance rating of ≥2 hours (EI120, in accordance with GB 50174, NFPA 2001, EN 1366-3).

Solution: Modular fireproof sealing system + intumescent fireproof material lining.

1. 2. Cabinet/Rack Cable Entry Points

Location: Bottom of server rack, PDU inlet, rear of network patch panel.

Function:

Prevent cold aisle air leakage (improves refrigeration efficiency by 5%~15%).

Dustproof, rodent-proof, and moisture-proof (especially in humid southern regions);

Upgrade the overall IP54 protection level of the server rack.

plan:

Small diameter: Brush Grommet;

Multi-cable hybrid: Modular sealed base (such as Roxtec DataSeal, nVent ERICO).

1. 3. Sealing of underfloor wiring channels/wall penetrations (Raised Floor & Wall Penetrations)

Location: Cable tray outlet under the raised floor, wall perforation.

Pain point: Unsealed holes cause short circuits in cold air → Increased PUE.

plan:

Adjustable modular sealing plate (supports subsequent cable addition);

It works in conjunction with a blanking panel to achieve fully enclosed airflow management.

1. 4. The battery room and UPS room are sealed together.

Special requirements:

Anti-acid mist corrosion (lead-acid batteries);

Explosion-proof (to prevent lithium battery thermal runaway risk);

Airtightness (to prevent hydrogen from accumulating).

Materials: Acid-resistant EPDM + 316L stainless steel frame.

1. 5. Outdoor fiber optic/power inlet

Location: Building exterior wall, entrance to underground utility tunnel.

Require:

IP68 waterproof and dustproof;

UV resistant and withstands temperatures as low as -40°C;

Prevents rodents from biting through.

Solution: Armored optical cable dedicated sealing module + stainless steel waterproof connector.

III. Key Technical Performance Requirements of TST SEAL Sealing Module

✅ Key Indicators:

UL 2043 certification: for use in plenum spaces, is a mandatory requirement for data centers in North America;

LSZH material: Prevents the release of toxic hydrogen halide gas in the event of a fire.

1. 1. Best Practices for Selection and Deployment

✅ Selection Principles:

Material selection based on regional grading:

Core computer room: fireproof + airtight + LSZH;

Office area: Basic dust prevention is sufficient.

Supports high-density cabling: a single module can carry 10 to 50 hybrid cables (fiber optic + power + network cable).

Reserve capacity for future expansion: The module fill rate is recommended to be ≤70% to facilitate future cable additions.

✅ Installation points:

All through holes are 100% sealed, leaving no “spare holes”;

The bottom seal of the cabinet is used in conjunction with a blanking panel;

Regularly inspect and check whether the seals are aging or loose.

✅ Energy efficiency linkage:

According to research by the Uptime Institute, an unsealed bottom of a server rack can result in up to 30% loss of cool air.

Effective sealing can reduce PUE by 0.05~0.15, saving hundreds of thousands of yuan in electricity costs annually (based on a 10MW data center).

1. 1. Mainstream Products and Suppliers (International/Domestic)

💡 Trend: Domestic high-end modules (such as TST SEAL ) have passed UL 2043, CE and RoHS, and have a significant cost-performance advantage.

1. 1. Compliance and Standards Reference

China: GB 50174-2017 “Code for Design of Data Centers” Article 13.2.6: “Cable holes that pass through fire-resistant partitions shall be tightly filled with fire-resistant sealing materials.”

United States: NFPA 75/76, NEC Article 645, UL 2043;

Europe: EN 50600-2-4 (physical security of data centers), EN 1366-3 (fire protection testing);

International: TIA-942-B (Tier certification requires complete seal integrity).

In data centers, TST SEAL sealing modules are far from being “minor accessories,” but rather:

🔒 Safety barriers (fireproof, explosion-proof, and toxic fume-proof);

❄️ Energy efficiency leverage (reduce air conditioning leakage and lower PUE);

🛠️ Operations and Maintenance Cornerstone (Supports flexible expansion and improves availability).

Best practices = Full coverage + Certified materials + Modular design + Regular maintenance.

If you require a data center sealed module configuration list template, a detailed explanation of the UL 2043 testing procedure, or a case study of a sealing solution for a Tier IV project, please feel free to email me .