What should the humidity be in a data center?

Humidity levels within server rooms and across the data centers should stay between 40 percent and 60 percent Relative Humidity (rH). The latter range will help to prevent ESD, lower the risk of corrosion (due to excessive condensation), and prolong the life expectancy of equipment.

How do you control high humidity in a data center?

From the standpoint of controlling humidity in a data center, there is a simpler approach: provide only the minimum outside air quantity needed to satisfy ventilation and pressurization control requirements, and add just enough moisture to that outside air to raise the incoming air to the desired dew point.

What is the standard practice floor plenum design clearance for a 15 ton CRAC unit?

A 3-foot rear clearance is recommended. The most common design configuration is the underfloor supply system that relies on a raised floor with air conditioning equipment’s (CRAC units) located around the perimeter of the room.

What technique is used in rack placement in server rooms to help manage heat?

The hot/cold isle method is implemented by positioning racks so that the lanes are divided by hot aisles and cold aisles.

Is low humidity bad for servers?

If humidity is too low, the dry air will lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD) which can damage critical server components. Too much humidity will cause condensation, leading to hardware corrosion and equipment failure.

How do I stop condensation in my server room?

The main thing to avoid is pushing hot air from one server into the cold air inlet of another. Also install heat and humidity monitors to identify if any issues are developing. Keep in mind that you may lose power or the AC unit at night, during a weekend, or on a holiday.

Why is it important not to let the relative humidity in a data Centre fall too low?

Too high humidity can cause condensation, which might lead to water damage. Too low humidity can cause static discharge buildup, which endangers electronics.

What is the difference between CRAC and CRAH units?

Unlike a computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit that uses mechanical refrigeration to cool the air in a data center, a CRAH uses fans, cooling coils and a water chiller system to remove heat. A typical rack of servers can generate temperatures up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the proper cooling path for racks?

Planning out airflow for a server rack is done so that all the equipment can move in cool air from one side, and have it flow out of the rack. This typically means blowing all the warm air out the back of the rack and directing it up and out toward the ceiling.

What are cold aisles in a server room?

In its simplest form, hot aisle/cold aisle data center design involves lining up server racks in alternating rows with cold air intakes facing one way and hot air exhausts facing the other. The rows composed of rack fronts are called cold aisles.