Environmental Monitoring

Environmental monitoring can help extend the life of equipment and increase reliability. Monitoring the environmental conditions will allow you to take proactive step to correct faulty equipment prior to equipment failure. The problems caused by environmental settings are magnified when data centers are near capacity. Monitoring your environment will get you the early warnings so action can be taken to minimize the impact on network availability. Entech can provide a flexible Ethernet based monitoring system that is capable of sending alerts via email or SNMP. Some key areas of concern are:

Temperature
As processor speeds increase their heat generation increase as well. The emergence of blade servers has rack densities increasing. Early notification of temperature fluctuations is must to prevent catastrophic failures. Placement of temperature sensors is critical. Avoid temperature fluctuations of 10 degrees. Detect hot spots. Help predict expansion needs. Wireless temperature sensors.

Humidity
Relative humidity indicates how moist the air is. High humidity can cause condensation which can damage electrical components and create corrosion over time. Relative humidity levels should be between 45% and 60%. Humidity at low levels can create problems with static. Static buildup is likely around 35% and is considered critical at 30%.

Water
Leaks and water spills can spell disaster for a data floor. Water detection can alert you of leaks and flooding as well as AC unit failures. Water detectors should be place on lowest point in the room as well as under all AC units on the floor.

Fire
Monitoring the fire system can alert of any pre-action conditions. This could prevent

Power
Monitor Breaker load and warn you when breakers exceed thresholds. Voltage sags, Out of phase detection, Alternate power, generator status, ups battery conditions, utility power conditions.