Supporting the Data Center Surge: BAND-FAST®
December 30.2025 | Essential Applications
Data centers are expanding at an unprecedented pace worldwide, creating demand for solutions that meet strict performance standards and enable rapid installation. BAND-IT is helping contractors and operators keep projects on schedule with innovative cable management products designed for reliability and compliance.
Speed and Flexibility are Critical in Data Center Construction
As project timelines tighten and requirements become more stringent, contractors need suppliers who can deliver quickly and consistently. Material availability has become a critical differentiator with demand for components such as cable, trays, and hardware often exceeding supply. Combined with labor shortages, these bottlenecks can lead to cascading delays across projects. BAND-IT’s regional manufacturing for our cable cleat solution, BAND-FAST®, provides a significant lead-time advantage. In a recent project (the second within a year with the same global data center operator) BAND-IT’s ITS (IDEX Technologies Suzhou) branch partnered with a key distribution partner in Malaysia to keep construction on schedule. After working closely to prescribe the correct solution, BAND-IT shipped the first order within three weeks of purchase order receipt, well ahead of competitor availability. This ensured site teams could begin installation without delays caused by material shortages. Additionally, BAND-FAST is designed for flexibility. A single SKU works with multiple configurations, cable diameter, and tray styles, simplifying planning and reducing complexity in the field.
The Hidden Cost of Traditional Cable Cleats
BAND-FAST is short-circuit tested to IEC 61914, the international standard for cable cleats. Unlike traditional cable cleats, BAND-FAST simplifies installation by eliminating pre-staging and reducing friction during cable pulls. Installers can secure cables directly to trays or struts from multiple angles, saving time and labor while maintaining compliance with global standards.
Our tooling is specifically designed for data center applications, where tight spaces and repeatability are critical. This ensures consistent, secure attachment across hundreds or thousands of installations.
BAND-IT’s Tools Drive Efficiency
The Digital Banding Tool (DT2000) enhances BAND-FAST installations by delivering consistent tension, reducing installation time, and providing accurate progress data for project reporting. Instead of manual ratcheting or cranking, our battery-operated tool secures our BAND-FAST solutions with ease. Learn more about the DT2000.
Paired with the DT2000 for confined for densely packed spaces common to data center applications, the LokMateTM Clip Fastening Tool ensures quick and efficient buckle engagement without compromising cable integrity. No more hammering or prying, simply just push to lock.
Why Cable Cleats are Required
Circuit breakers alone cannot protect cables during short-circuit events. Peak electromechanical stress occurs within as little as 0.005 seconds, which is faster than breakers can respond. Without proper physical restraint, cables can sustain severe damage, leading to costly downtime and replacement.
What Global Standards Mean for Your Next Project
In Europe, short-circuit protection in the form of cable cleats is prescribed for relevant installation under IEC 61914, which sets strict performance standards for these applications. Countries across Asia are quickly adopting the same IEC requirements, and global hyperscale operators building in these regions are standardizing to the higher bar to meet those standards regardless of local requirements.
In North America, regulations are not yet at the same level as IEC, but awareness is growing rapidly. Large data center operators are self-specifying cable cleat solutions into their builds because of global exposure and best practices. Industry bodies are also moving toward formal requirements, with several standards already referencing cable restraint:
- NEC392.20(C) – “Single conductors shall be securely bound in circuit groups to prevent excessive movement due to faulty-current magnetic forces unless single conductors are cabled together, such as triplexed assemblies.”
- NEMA BI 50018-2025 – Developed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Cable Cleat Section, largely reflects IEC61914.
- C22.2 No.61914:23 – Canadian standard that directly references IEC 61914.
- API RP 14F (Offshore oil & Gas) – “When three-phase single-conductor or direct current single conductors cable systems are employed, they are to be securely bound on circuit groups… The fixing means shall be rated for the cable size and available fault current.”
Standards such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Electrical Code (NEC) are expected to incorporate similar requirements in upcoming revisions, further aligning North America with global best practices.
Ready to Learn More?
Contact us or get in touch with your regional BAND-IT sales manager today to learn how BAND-FAST and our installation tools can help you meet project deadlines and proactively meet compliance requirements for data center builds.