When operating a data center, the last thing you want is downtime. Downtime leads to upset clients and lost money. One of the leading causes of downtime is hardware failure. The equipment can shut down when the humidity and temperatures exceed the appropriate levels. Before disaster strikes, use environmental monitoring to avoid any potential equipment failures.
Do you need assistance with your data center’s indoor environment? At C&C Technology Group, we have a few solutions to keep all that sensitive equipment safe and secure.
Recommended Data Center Practices
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), data centers should maintain an appropriate temperature range within these spaces. All IT equipment should have a temperature range of 64.4–80.6°F (18 – 27°C) with relative humidity in the range of 40 – 60%. Along with that, the difference between the inlet and outlet temperature must be within 35°F (20°C), and it should not have a change of more than 9°F (5°C) within 15 minutes.
When you use monitoring tools, you can maintain the ideal environment in your data center. Some of these tools will monitor specific environmental factors, including:
Temperature
Since that equipment operates around the clock, overheating is a significant concern, especially for servers. If the servers go down, it could cripple the whole operation in the data center. You need temperature controls to ensure the equipment operates within the recommended range. Monitoring the temperature can be achieved with a few temperature sensors. These sensors are strategically located to prove holistic temperature readings. Additionally, you should calibrate these sensors from time to time.
Related: 10 Best Data Center Companies Worldwide
Humidity
Along with the temperature sensors, consider using a device to control the humidity levels. You will want to keep an eye out for these environmental factors. When there is high humidity, it can be corrosive to the hardware in the data center. However, low humidity can cause other problems, including static electric arcing.
Airflow
Monitoring airflow is also necessary. The data center should have cooling fans to ensure the proper airflow passes through the area. Without a monitoring device, moisture and erratic temperatures could build up. These devices can also help monitor controls by redirecting air flow and dissipating heat.
Along with those environmental factors, you may want to take into consideration other elements in the data center, such as:
Size
When you have a small data center, there are smaller parameter ranges. However, monitoring can be a bit more complicated when several types of equipment exist. With the various locations of the hardware, you can run into issues with uneven temperatures. For that reason, many temperature recommendations have a range of temperature, knowing that temps can fluctuate within the center. Despite that, you still need to have accurate reading in the data center.
With the increased footprint of your equipment, you must rely on accurate monitoring. Wireless sensors should be placed in high-density locations, while you can use cabinet sensors to create a thermal map for your space. Using that map, you can accurately monitor the hotspots in the data center.
Related: Server Room Temperature Monitors [Buyer’s Guide]
Power
If you have a sudden burst of static electricity, it can be a choke point for a data center. Erratic discharges will affect the data center’s performance, but a consistent power supply will limit any electrical failures to your hardware. Power monitoring can inhibit any of those sudden problems. With an energy monitor, it will check for any irregular electricity flow. These monitors decrease the risk of damage and prevent power failure to your equipment.
Benefits of Data Center Infrastructure Management
When you have a data center infrastructure management system (DCIM), you can protect the hardware and equipment in your center. While you use the specific monitoring tools separately, interconnecting them will give you more advantages. Some of those benefits include:
Greater Visibility
Think of your data center as a whole unit. With a centralized system, you can keep track of the entire infrastructure. This type of centralized system allows you to track the environment. Plus, these systems provide logs to help technicians diagnose any issues. You will be able to check those critical areas of the center at regular intervals throughout the data. By inspecting your environmental factors regularly, you can achieve optimum data operation.
Streamline Resource Allocation
Individual and manual monitoring negates the benefits of an integrated system. While you can address one problem, you might know if all systems are fully operational. An infrastructure management system can help you streamline the entire monitoring process. With that, you can allocate resources to specific spaces in your data center.
Related: How Do Power Distribution Units (PDUs) Work?
Efficient Energy Consumption
Monitoring your data center’s temperature, humidity, and power requires plenty of energy. An energy-efficient monitoring system can prevent consuming too much power for your data center. Also, you will have the tools to help you better manage your energy usage, avoiding downtime or repairs when you exceed the recommended limits.
Limiting Risks
Environmental monitoring should be an integral part of your data center. Since a data center needs to relay and house data, avoiding errors is always a must. Limiting those mistakes can prevent infrastructure failures, helping to boost productivity. With that, you can focus on more pressing, higher-level tasks.
Use Environmental Monitoring Today
Monitoring is vital for any data center. Whether you have a small or large center, you must choose the right solution for your needs. Monitoring tools can keep track of the data center’s environmental factors, allowing you to avoid any catastrophes. An integrated management system can reduce downtime to the center due to equipment failure.
Are you ready to find a solution to monitor your environment in a data center? At C&C Technology Solutions, our team of experts will discover the best ways to help manage those environmental factors. Learn more today!
Last Updated on August 2, 2022 by Josh Mahan
