• • • DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT • • • Only by using the latest LED lens technology to


ensure the right light in the right place and plane can we accurately represent facial recognition and enhance security and surveillance systems in place to protect data centre assets.


Making disruption difficult Independent research studies tell us that well integrated lighting installations, sympathetic to their outdoor environment, can improve people’s perception of safety during the hours of darkness. On the contrary, lighting can also be an


incredibly valuable method of deterrent to those that seek to disrupt a data centre. This does not mean that the outdoor


environment of a data centre should be over lit – indeed, too much light can cause glare, making it more difficult for the human eye to adjust to low light conditions. It can also cause glare for visual surveillance systems, giving an unclear view of any disruption. Creating the lighting design alongside and


hand in hand with the design of security systems is key to ensuring that outdoor lighting supports those security systems and includes the right light quality for optimum operation. Well considered lighting installations aid in the


perception of safety that staff and visitors have when navigating through the outdoor environment of a data centre. Using different lighting techniques and adding layers of light results in better wayfinding, ease of activity and a more comfortable feeling of safety.


Considering light as a deterrent, lighting


around the outer perimeter of a facility is often a useful method to deter anyone seeking to disrupt the data centre facility. Unlit sections of the outer perimeter and building surrounds are viewed as gaps in the security infrastructure and are proven to be the focus access points for criminals. The key here is to avoid breaks in the layers of security created by lighting and use the correct luminaires and controls while respecting dark sky requirements for limiting light pollution.


Making compromise


detection easier For the outdoor lighting system of a data centre, smart control technology can act as an additional layer to the installed security systems. As we saw earlier, to protect the night time


environment and reduce energy costs, ideally the outdoor lighting would be dimmed and the space illuminated in a warmer white. If we add a further layer into this solution –


smart controls – any movement within the lighting scheme can be detected and activate the lighting to a higher level of brightness and more neutral colour of white light. A clear visual highlight to security systems and


security personnel of any movement activity on site. A great example of using technology to achieve a sustainable solution that acts as an aid to surveillance systems.


Smart lighting control can monitor each


individual light point, with secure remote access from anywhere in the world, to see what the operation of the luminaire is, and take a full lighting asset management view at any period of time. A fundamental part of a strong data centre security system.


Reducing the impact


of compromise This obviously has a specific meaning for cyber security, but for outdoor lighting around the site of a data centre, we can interpret this as the need for emergency lighting outdoors. If there is a compromise of power supply to the


facility, Building Regulations require lighting to operate in emergency mode to ensure that the means of escape can be safely and effectively used at all material times. This is where local or central battery supplies


to the luminaires allow the fittings to operate at a reduced light output, if the normal operation fails. We often see emergency lighting as an indoor


only requirement – to be able to navigate out of the building, away from danger. However, emergency lighting in the outdoor


environment is also required so that occupants can navigate away from the building to a determined location point, often signed as a fire point.


26 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING • APRIL 2022


electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk


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