Data center humidity standards are intended to be a best practice guide for data center operators and facility managers of data centers. They address the importance of maintaining an optimum relative humidity level within the data center to ensure the smooth operation of IT equipment and to ensure that no damage is done to sensitive equipment.
Why data center humidity standards are important.
Data center humidity standards are a set of requirements for the relative humidity levels in a server room, which is an integral component of every data center. The primary purpose of these standards is to ensure that the temperature and humidity levels are maintained within optimal operating bounds for the servers and their related components.
However, there are many other reasons why data center humidity standards should be strictly adhered to, not least ensuring that your organization's sensitive information is protected from damage.
The importance of proper data center humidity levels cannot be overstated. When protecting your organization's valuable information, you need to know that the physical equipment you use to hold that data is functioning correctly.
If a data center's temperature is too cold or too hot, or if its air is too dry or too humid, the gear inside it can malfunction, leading to potential problems with the integrity and availability of your data. Humidity dries out electrical components and makes them more susceptible to damage.
Humidity also encourages the formation of mold and mildew, which can damage other components and make your employees sick. It's a rookie mistake to think that your data center has one fixed level of humidity—the right amount will depend on the room's temperature and how much airflow it has.
The Standard: Data Center Humidity Standards
Humidity levels within the data center must be monitored and maintained at all times to meet the standards and avoid any potential damage or performance issues from exposure to high humidity levels.
While there are no specific industry standards for data center humidity levels, many agree that relative humidity levels should be between 40% and 60%. Humidity levels above 60% can lead to increased corrosion risks due to condensation, which could damage equipment. If humidity levels are lower than 40%, equipment may overheat due to dew formation on cold surfaces.
The following data center humidity standards will help keep your operation at the highest level possible.
Humidity readings must be performed every three hours to ensure the air remains around or below 60% relative humidity.
If humidity levels rise above 60%, a message will be sent to all employees at 10:00 am, notifying them that a "high" condition exists.
A second notification will be sent at 11:00 am notifying employees that they should remain at their stations until the humidity returns to safe levels.
Employees may return to their regular activities after two hours of safe humidity.
Humidity standards are based on several factors, including temperature and airflow. The standard is based on the amount of humidity that will result in condensation forming on the coldest surfaces.
Data Center Humidity Management
Creating an RH-controlled environment can be accomplished with various approaches, including providing chilled water for evaporative cooling and dehumidification. Regardless of your approach, you need to measure your data center's current humidity levels to determine whether you need to take action.
Data Center Humidity Monitoring
The first step in effectively managing your data center's humidity levels is monitoring them continuously. There are several options for monitoring data center humidity:
Digital hygrometers
Analog hygrometers
Infrared detection
Conductivity monitors
Digital hygrometers are great because they provide real-time feedback by displaying the actual humidity level on a digital readout display. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to find at local hardware stores or online retailers.
Read more about Green Data Center Guidelines, What is The Most Crucial?
Key Takeaway
Humidity is a problem for data centers for a few reasons. The main worry is that high humidity levels increase the potential for damage to hardware, creating the potential for expensive repairs or replacements.
Humidity is always tricky in data centers, as they can't rely on outside air or climate control systems to regulate the temperature and moisture levels.
Suppose you need help setting up a humidification system or monitoring the environment in your data center. In that case, there are two ways to address this problem: one is to hire an expert who can recommend the best way to handle humidity issues for your needs, and the other option is to use technology.
Cloud-based monitoring services offer detailed information about how much moisture is in your facility's air.
Comentarios