Automating Data Centers Securely and Efficiently with WAGO

The technical services for buildings (TBS for short) has become increasingly important in recent years – particularly for data centers, as these represent an essential element of the digital infrastructure. For data centers to operate smoothly, the general conditions, such as the air conditioning in the server rooms, must be right. This is where TOBOL comes into play – with WAGO at its side.

TOBOL – headquartered in Leinefeld-Worbis, Thuringia – specializes in customized ICA technology and building automation. TOBOL offers its customers, who are mainly from the commercial and industrial sectors, everything from a single source: from analysis to project planning, programming and switchgear construction to service and maintenance. TOBOL is also a proven expert in automating data center infrastructure. More than two-thirds of the switchgear is used in data centers – both in numerous new constructions in Germany and other projects in Europe. TOBOL relies on WAGO rail-mount terminal blocks and WAGO controllers because they are low maintenance, reliable and flexible, among other things.

Another important factor in the implementation of projects: a reliable partner at your side like WAGO. TOBOL has relied on WAGO rail-mounted terminal blocks for switchgear construction since its founding in 1997. In addition, they have also been using WAGO automation solutions, such as the WAGO I/O System 750 Controller, for ten years – a long-term partnership. The customer and their wishes are always the focus at TOBOL and WAGO: both offer customized solutions for their customers with their flexible range of products.

Apart from their products, the customer service provided by the WAGO Sales Department is also a critical factor for the many years of successful cooperation. “We especially appreciate the strong customer loyalty by the WAGO Sales staff, who are important partners here on site,” emphasizes Olaf Beykirch, Managing Director of TOBOL.

“WAGO rail-mounted terminal blocks allow us to install more I/O points in a control cabinet,” continues Chris Heinemann. For this reason, they rely on WAGO rail-mounted terminal blocks, especially in series switchgear construction for industrial customers – according to Managing Directors Beykirch and Heinemann this is, “an important development” that they definitely want to further expand in the future.

In data centers and building automation, TOBOL uses WAGO automation components such as the WAGO I/O System 750, which is a perfect fit thanks to its modularity and flexibility. With this WAGO Automation System, TOBOL can operate in a modular and flexible manner that's specifically adapted to the respective building solutions. For example, they can retrofit relatively quickly on site if necessary – which is a great added value. Another enormous advantage: In data centers, there are numerous error messages from the electrical supply in a small space – 3000-4000 electrical messages per building – which can be optimally monitored by WAGO controllers.

Using rail-mount terminal blocks and the I/O System 750 from WAGO, TOBOL not only reduces its wiring and maintenance costs, but also prevents work interruptions, downtime and service costs due to the components' extremely high reliability.

TOBOL is currently working hard to make its production digital and paperless: Each workstation is equipped with a computer and a touch screen, giving employees access to all the documents they need for digital production via the cloud. This also applies to testing switchgear: Each switchgear unit is manufactured and tested per applicable standards and guidelines – such as the switchgear standard DIN EN 61439. The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and logging naturally also occur via digital channels. TOBOL also relies on the EPLAN Data Portal for data transfer because of the high data quality, and it makes for quick work when searching for WAGO components – tremendous added value for digital engineering.