Customer Cage & Cabinet Policy

The Customer Cage & Cabinet Policy establishes the standards by which customers may use, maintain, and secure their allocated colocation spaces within GridColo facilities. These allocations—whether open racks, lockable cabinets, partial or full cages, or dedicated suites—are extensions of the data hall environment and must therefore be managed in ways that preserve facility safety, operational continuity, and tenant equality.

This policy applies to all customers and their authorized agents, vendors, contractors, and visitors working within customer allocations. It applies across all Security Levels (1–4) and covers cages, cabinets, suites, and any other physical enclosures provided by GridColo. This policy supplements the Data Hall Etiquette Policy, General Rules & Regulations Policy, and Safe Working Practices Policy; compliance with all applies simultaneously.

Customer allocations are provided for the exclusive use of the customer, but they remain physically within a shared data hall operated by GridColo. Customers must therefore exercise full control over their allocations while also respecting the rules governing the shared environment. GridColo reserves the right to intervene if customer practices create hazards, compromise airflow, exceed contracted power limits, obstruct facility systems, or otherwise threaten the integrity of the data hall.

Cages are defined by physical partitions; cabinets by their rack footprint. Customers must not store equipment, cabling, tools, or materials outside their allocation. Encroaching into aisles, neighboring cages, or overhead space beyond approved pathways is not permitted. Any modification of cage walls, doors, or cabinet structure requires prior written approval from GridColo.

All cabinets and cages must be clearly labeled with the customer's name or assigned identifier, in a style approved by GridColo. Each piece of equipment within an allocation must also carry legible identification, including hostname, asset tag, or device ID, to enable rapid troubleshooting. Labels must not obstruct facility tags, panel IDs, or safety signage.

Egress pathways within cages and aisles must remain clear at all times. Fire detection and suppression devices must not be obstructed. Equipment or cabling must not be installed in a way that interferes with fire sprinklers, gaseous suppression, or sensors. Customers must not bring in open flames, candles, or other ignition sources.

Visitors may enter customer cages and cabinets only under escort by an authorized customer representative with escort privileges. Contractors working within cages must either carry temporary GridColo credentials (Striped Purple or Green) or be continuously escorted. All visitors and contractors must comply with GridColo rules while inside customer allocations.

Customers are responsible for managing access rosters to their allocations and must promptly notify GridColo when individuals no longer require entry. Customers are accountable for the conduct of their personnel, contractors, and visitors within their allocations. Any incidents of theft, tampering, or unauthorized access must be reported immediately to GridColo Operations.

GridColo reserves the right to inspect cages and cabinets to ensure compliance with this policy, particularly where safety, security, or operational stability are at risk. Customers will be notified in advance of routine audits but may be inspected without notice if an urgent condition arises. Customers are expected to cooperate fully in remediation of deficiencies.

This policy is effective upon publication and remains in force until replaced. GridColo may amend this policy to reflect changes in technology, industry best practices, or regulatory requirements. Customers will be notified of substantive updates via the customer portal and official communications.