Data Center Rigging & MEP Installation: Keeping Projects on Schedule

Safe, efficient rigging and assembly of data center MEP systems starts with understanding how a data center operates. That means knowing what mechanical and electrical equipment is required, how each piece needs to be routed into place, and in what sequence. At R. Baker & Son, we work alongside electrical contractors on power distribution systems, mechanical contractors on cooling systems, and IT contractors throughout the build.

Permanent Power Comes First
A recent data center project is a perfect example. The schedule was aggressive and built around specific milestones, with permanent power as the first and most critical. Working closely with the electrical contractor, our team received and rigged in two 2500kva 4000 amp double-ended substations. Each substation included two 35kv medium voltage switches on each end, two large transformers, and the 480v low voltage distribution gear in between.

Next, R. Baker installed several large automatic transfer switches (ATS), along with two 2 MW generators and their associated paralleling gear.

Meeting the Cooling Availability Date
On the mechanical side, the goal was to have equipment ready in time for the facility's cooling availability date. That meant bringing in several 1,200-ton water-cooled centrifugal chillers, two heat pump chillers, two large cooling towers, and several plate and frame heat exchangers.

The cooling towers required dunnage to be installed before they could be set in place and assembled, so R. Baker assigned a separate team to handle this sizable scope. Completing that work allowed the mechanical contractor to finish installing the 10-inch condenser water piping, makeup water, and filtration systems.

Installing CRAC and CRAH Units
With nearly all major equipment set and assembled, our mechanical rigging crew moved on to installing several computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units for hot aisle and cold aisle cooling, along with four large 40,000 CFM computer room air handling (CRAH) units.

Collaboration That Kept the Project Moving
By working closely with the mechanical and electrical contractors, R. Baker helped ensure electrical and piping terminations began on time, supporting the overall data center project schedule. One especially valuable part of that collaboration was a combined daily toolbox talk. Every morning at 7 a.m., R. Baker and the other trades met together, which built a strong bond between crews and kept everyone aligned on safety and the day's priorities.

Planning a data center project? Contact R. Baker & Son to learn how our rigging team can help you hit every milestone.

Founded in 1935, R. Baker & Son All Industrial Services is a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) - recognized as the oldest and largest M/WBE-certified demolition contractor in North America. We are your trusted partner for complex industrial and construction projects, specializing in heavy rigging, machinery moving, plant relocation, and expert crane erection, dismantling, and support services across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

With significant bonding capacity and an unmatched safety record backed by extensive involvement in OSHA VPP Star projects, we deliver precision and reliability to every job site. Our comprehensive services include heavy rigging, complex machinery installation and removal, plant relocation, industrial dismantling, and specialized support for high-reach and tower crane operations.

Discover why leading industrial and commercial clients rely on R. Baker & Son for safe, precise solutions to their most demanding heavy rigging and dismantling projects. Learn more about our expertise in data center rigging.