Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from having their data hosted on-site in server rooms as opposed to adding a line-item for monthly cloud storage costs to their budgets.
Humidity control is crucial, as it directly impacts the functionality and longevity of the equipment. Image supplied by benzoix on Freepik
Some SMEs have invested in hybrid data storage solutions that incorporate cloud back-ups for extra security. However, in both these scenarios, setting up a server room comes with a hefty initial price tag and it’s critical to protect the hardware so as not to compromise the software and data that it runs and stores. Factors like vibration, temperature, ventilation and humidity can lead to equipment failure.
Trevor Brewer, Director at air quality specialist Solenco, says that maintaining an optimal humidity level is critical. “Server rooms, or data centres, are the backbone of operations for many businesses, and this makes their environmental conditions a top priority. Humidity control is crucial, as it directly impacts the functionality and longevity of the equipment. In fact, most commercial insurers will make humidity control a condition of cover for server rooms.”
There are three main reasons for managing the humidity in a server room:
- Corrosion: High humidity can cause electronic components to corrode, which in turn reduces their reliability and lifespan.
- Static electricity: When air is too dry, it increases the risk of static electricity. Even the tiniest spark can cause sudden and irreversible damage, and also present a fire risk.
- Condensation: A high moisture level in the air, combined with changes in temperature, can cause condensation and lead to water damage.
- Dehumidification: A water-tight solution
The optimal humidity level for a server room ranges between 40 and 50% depending on the temperature of the room. Some business owners rely on air conditioners to keep both temperature and humidity levels low. However, Brewer says that while an air conditioner will naturally dry out the air, its sole purpose is to control the temperature and not the humidity. “Should the temperature remain stable and the humidity in your server room spike, the air conditioning unit is not built to turn on and dry the room.”
He recommends investing in a quality industrial dehumidifier to use in conjunction with an air conditioner as they both maintain their respective applications. “A dehumidifier is complementary to an air conditioner, allowing it to run more efficiently in a dryer climate, therefore saving cooling costs,” Brewer advises.
When researching the dehumidifier that’s right for your business’ needs, it’s important to look at its extraction capability. A smaller unit may not be capable of maintaining the correct moisture level in a large space. And, to combat the challenges presented by soaring electricity prices and loadshedding, you should look for a unit that’s both energy-efficient and has an auto-restart function to ensure business continuity after a power interruption. Some units are also designed to integrate with your building’s ducting system, which means less manual intervention is needed for the day-to-day operation of the unit. The ability to easily monitor and control humidity levels is increasingly important amidst unplanned power outages and loadshedding. Brewer recommends investing in equipment that has intuitive controls for a simpler and safer user experience.
Temperature, airflow and other measures
If you’re setting up, expanding, maintaining or retro-fitting a server room, you should install a best-of-breed temperature control system, and plan the airflow to prevent ‘hot spots’ at points where the equipment generates a lot of heat. A fit-for-purpose fire suppression system is also imperative – a water-based system will damage your equipment irreparably. Server rooms typically have multiple data circuits coming in, often from multiple different providers. It’s contractually important to have one location (the DMARK point) where the providers’ responsibility ends and your business takes over.
“Technology is an integral part of all formal business enterprises, and planning how your employees, clients and business partners access, use and store your software and data is as critical as your company’s five-year growth plan. Maintaining your server room in optimal condition is a non-negotiable,” says Brewer.
Source
Supplied by Solenco
