High Sensitivity Smoke Detection Systems in Data Centers
The data center room shown in the photo has implemented a high sensitivity smoke detection (HSSD) system. An HSSD system is a data center best practice and will provide very early warning of a potential fire.
Clear Raised-Floor Tiles Provide Quick Location and Easy Access
When managed carefully, clear raised-floor tiles can provide quick location and easy access to critical valves. These tiles can also serve as an innovative way to show off your data center's infrastructure.
Identification of Normal Operating Systems on UPS Panels
The equipment shown depicts an excellent use of 'dots' to identify normal operating conditions on this UPS panel.
Eyewash Water Supplies Should Have Flow Switches and Alarms
Although the implementation of an emergency eyewash water supply is a good practice, the eyewash shown should be equipped with a flow switch and an alarm to the security desk. Thus, assistance will be dispatched immediately in the event of an emergency.
Data Center Electric Room Risk to Uptime
Storing materials in an electric room poses a significant risk to uptime.
Unnecessary Downtime in Data Centers
The proximity of this copier to the emergency power off (EPO) is likely to cause an unnecessary downtime event.
Manage Underfloor Static Pressure in Data Centers
Managing underfloor static pressure requires closing unnecessary openings. This innovative solution raises other issues such as being a trip hazard and a fire hazard.
Accident Prevention in Data Center
This coffee cup was reportedly placed on the DASD by a customer engineer. An accidental bump could cause major equipment damage and loss of service.
Hazards to Uninterruptible Power Supply Stability
The power outlets in this control room are fed from the uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Loads that are hazardous to UPS stability, such as heaters, are plugged into these UPS circuits.
Battery Corrosion in Data Center
These UPS batteries are dirty, stained, and show indications of solution spills and leaks. This service issue represents a risk to uptime.
Data Center Abandoned Cable
Cables are routinely cut or abandoned. Unused cables block underfloor air distribution and can lead to equipment overheating. Depending on the state, county, or municipality, they may be an NEC violation.
Fire Sealing in Data Centers
Fire-rated holes should be sealed in data centers. Here is a good example of an opening that has been sealed in a ceiling.
Lightning System in Data Center
Leads on lightning systems in data centers should be checked and maintained. This down lead is damaged and requires maintenance.
Power Line Risk Near Data Center
Trash collection containers can invite risk depending on their location. The waste management company's vehicle could accidentally knock down the pole and cause a power outage.
Eyewash Alarm in Data Center
This eyewash station automatically alarms the command center once the water flow is activated.
Condensation on Cables in Data Center
Unwanted condensation in the underfloor creates operational risks. This can be addressed by revising operating temperatures.
Protecting Breakers in Data Center
Guards or covers should protect critical support equipment switches and breakers. This breaker handle is exposed to being accidentally thrown.
Water Detectors in Data Center
Underfloor water detectors should be checked after they are installed to determine if they are functional. In this data center, several were not. There are indications of water damage throughout the underfloor.
Fire Barriers Between Floors in Data Centers
No fire barrier was found between the two floors as seen beneath the raised floor in this data center.
Identifying Critical Points in a Data Center
Critical valves should be visually marked and tied into the correct position. The valve shown can be operated by breaking the seal.
Raised Floor Alphanumeric Grid
Alpha-numeric grid systems, as depicted, are used for easy physical location and identification of racks and facility equipment in a data center. This best practice can facilitate a quick and easy response to any specific area on the raised floor.
Non-critical Device
Non-critical devices should not be plugged into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) outlet. Here, a portable tool battery charger was found in the UPS power receptacle.
Breaker Unlabeled
These critical branch circuit panelboards show no branch circuit identification. In many cases, the circuit breakers are not even numbered.
Chilled Water Corrosion
Chilled water from the leaking valve shown in this photo has resulted in corrosion damage to the cooling unit. Loose particles caused by this corrosion can become airborne and threaten reliable computer equipment operation. The leak may also indicate interoperability of the valve actuator, which regulates the flow of chilled water to the cooling unit. If true, this would result in a loss of cooling unit discharge air temperature control.
Fire Extinguishers
There is no signage to indicate that one of these fire extinguishers causes extensive damage to electronic equipment. The one on the right utilizes dry chemicals and should not be used.
Ensuring Uninterruptible Uptime: Power in, heat out, always.
