The IT or telecom room is often described as the “brain” of a building. It’s where your structured cabling, network equipment, and security systems all converge. Yet in many businesses, this critical space is neglected—treated like a closet instead of mission-critical infrastructure. Here are five common mistakes companies make with IT rooms, and how to fix them:
Boxes, cleaning supplies, or office junk don’t belong in an IT room. Clutter blocks airflow, increases fire risk, and makes it harder for technicians to work. Fix: Establish a policy that only IT-related equipment may be stored inside.
Servers and switches generate heat, and without proper ventilation or cooling, equipment fails early. Overheated devices lead to downtime and expensive replacements. Fix: Install dedicated cooling or ensure adequate airflow with vents and fans.
If your cabling looks like spaghetti, troubleshooting will take hours. Tangled, unlabeled cables are a sign of poor planning. Fix: Require labeling, use Velcro ties (never zip ties), and implement cable pathways and racks.
Improper or missing grounding creates electrical hazards and introduces noise into systems. Fix: Ensure all racks, trays, and metallic components are properly bonded to code.
Unsealed wall penetrations aren’t just unsightly—they violate code and compromise safety. Fix: Use UL-listed firestop systems for every penetration to maintain fire ratings.
Bonus Fix: Schedule quarterly inspections. Regular checkups keep IT rooms organized and safe, preventing issues before they cause outages.
The Takeaway
Your IT room is the nerve center of your business. Treating it like an afterthought is one of the fastest ways to create downtime, safety issues, and frustration. With proper policies and professional setup, your IT room becomes a source of reliability instead of risk.
