Today, the major challenges for Edge Computing and 5G infrastructures, in general, are primarily deployment speed, how to roll out tens of thousands of Edge Data Centers at the speed of “now,” manage costs and be sensitive to the environment, all at the same time. Prime’s new line of prefabricated Modular Data Centers with Intelligent Natural Air Cooling addresses all these needs. Prime Wire & Cable creates economies of scale by utilizing the same components and a limited amount of structures which enables speed to market in 50 – 60% less time than traditional Edge solutions for 5G Macro-Sites or Enterprise environments. By utilizing Natural (free) Air Cooling with Siemens Environmental controls, they cut cooling costs by 50% over traditional HVAC methods – a vital step considering that cooling data centers draws approximately 50% of the power required to run a data center. Their supplemental evaporative cooling method uses 75% less water than traditional water-based cooling systems – once again being sensitive to the environment. 

Prime was founded in 1985 in Los Angeles, originally manufacturing extension cords and accessories for the Industrial/Commercial distribution channel. They soon migrated to Consumer/Retail and began a rapid growth curve that required a major investment in resources. One of their primary manufacturing partners, YFC-BonEagle, purchased Prime in 2006, making that next growth spurt possible. Since its beginnings, Prime has adopted a “problem-solving” approach to new product development. “The two extension cord products you’ve identified were the result of listening to our customers and end users,” says Jeff Millar-Sax, Vice President at Prime. “The NeonFlex® cords addressed a need from professionals on the job sites who were getting their cords taken by other tradespeople on the site because everyone had orange or yellow cords. These hi-visibility cords addressed that concern, as did our in-house customprint program that enables contractors to buy small production runs of cords with their name, website, and phone number imprinted on them.” 

“Prior to our custom-print program, manufacturers were requiring large minimum quantities for custom printing. We found a better way by testing and implementing digital printers instead of the old way of tooling custom print wheels for each custom job and doing the printing during the wire extrusion,” adds Millar-Sax. “Bulldog Tough® cords addressed another need from both professionals and DIY’ers who wanted an oil-resistant, extreme temperature-rated extension cord but didn’t want to pay for more expensive rubber or TPE products.” 

Although the vast majority of PRIME’s innovations and product improvements have been with line voltage products, they have also carried that philosophy to their Structured Cable Division with products like their patented Navi-Lite® patch panels that help installers and repair technicians easily and quickly trace connections from the patch panel to the specific RJ45 receptacle down the line. It saves time and money when installing a new internal network and down the road when doing maintenance. “We have also done things on the backend of manufacturing that go unnoticed to the naked eye. For example, at our own factories we formulate our own compounds, so we have more control over issues such as passing UL flame tests and making a safer product for riser and plenum cables,” explains Millar-Sax. “Quality is always our primary focus because it doesn’t matter how cool a product is if it’s not safe and doesn’t perform as needed.”

PRIME’S PRIORITY IS ALWAYS TAKING CARE OF OUR CUSTOMERS’ (AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE END USERS) NEEDS. WE ARE IN AN EXCITING TIME RIGHT NOW – ON THE CUTTING EDGE WITH OUR SOLUTION

Because they were already providing structured cabling solutions for use in traditional data centers and server rooms, as 5G and the Distributed Cloud/Edge computing models started to develop, PRIME saw an opportunity to contribute. Hence the development of their new Modular Data Center program. “This too came from listening to our customers and the inevitable need driven by these emerging technologies,” says Millar-Sax.  

In an instance, one client wanted to deploy PRIME’s solution in a desert climate where the client’s protocol is not to have a water supply in the data center. The way PRIME’s evaporative cooling works (simplified explanation), the water supply is outside the MDC. There’s a ½ inch (or metric equivalent for those countries on a metric standard) hose-bib onto which the client can connect piping or a typical garden hose from a nearby water supply. The Siemens Environmental Control System sensors bring a limited amount of water to an evaporative panel that sits between the “intake” section of the MDC and the “cold aisle.” 

Although PRIME is always looking for the next opportunity to expand and service their customer base in each product category and marketplace they currently supply, they have their hands full right now with the new MDC program. “Because there is a global need, we need to be ready globally. That means expanding our existing sales and service teams, developing teams in new territories, and cultivating distribution partners who will stock both our main MDC products and provide the aftermarket supplies such as replacement filters for end users,” says Millar-Sax. “Prime’s priority is always taking care of our customers’ (and subsequently the end users) needs. We are in an exciting time right now – on the cutting edge with our solution.” Millar-Sax further adds, “We have several key people and resources in place, but we will need to keep investing in “boots on the ground” in each market territory to ensure we have the right people for each market’s needs.” That’s their focus, along with deploying as many of their MDC’s as possible to help the world realize the promise of 5G. “By participating in opportunities such as this, becoming more active on social media, participating in trade events - both virtually and in person, we hope to create the excitement for our products for end-users, and for those people and businesses who fit the mold to be our partners in deploying our solution globally,” concludes Millar-Sax.