DATA CENTRE MANAGEMENT Maintaining optimal humidity in data centres
Humidity control is a key factor in maintaining the right environmental conditions to ensure that ever-expanding data centres can continue to operate efficiently. Tom Barker explains how the right equipment can help to avoid moisture related issues.
Tom Barker
Internal sales manager at Humidity Solutions
www.humiditysolutions.co.uk I
n today’s technology-driven world, data centres play a crucial role in supporting industries and organisations. From storing sensitive
information to powering complex cloud services, data centres are the backbone of digital operations. As these facilities continue to grow in size and importance, maintaining the right environmental conditions becomes a key factor in ensuring their functionality and longevity. Among the critical factors to monitor, humidity control plays a huge role in keeping data centres running smoothly.
Humidity matters Data centres contain an array of sophisticated computing equipment, which is highly sensitive to environmental factors. Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential to prevent issues that could potentially compromise the infrastructure. Electrostatic discharge (ESD), a silent yet significant threat to IT environments, is one of the major concerns that can occur from incorrect humidity levels. ESD occurs when dry air enables the build-up of static electricity, which can discharge into sensitive electronic components, causing it to be damaged or malfunction. When the relative humidity is within the ideal range, the air carries the optimal amount of water vapour, reducing the risk of static electricity and increasing performance. Conversely, both too much and too little humidity can lead to severe consequences, affecting equipment downtime, reliability, and overall productivity. Therefore, precise control and monitoring of humidity are essential to protect valuable IT assets.
Ideal levels So, what level of humidity should be maintained within data centres? Generally, an ambient relative humidity (RH) range of 45% to 55% is considered optimal. This range provides the best balance between protecting against electrostatic discharge and avoiding moisture-related issues. Here’s why this range matters:
EIBI | NOVEMBER � DECEMBER 2024
Tom Barker Internal sales manager at Humidity
Solutions
www.humiditysolutions.co.uk
● Low humidity: When RH falls
below 40%, the risk of electrostatic discharge increases significantly. Static electricity can accumulate on surfaces, and even a minor discharge can damage sensitive components in IT equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements. ● High humidity: On the other hand, humidity above 60% can lead to condensation, which poses its own set of challenges. Condensation can cause corrosion of hardware, accelerating wear and leading to early component failure. High moisture levels can also create a breeding ground for mould and other contaminants, posing additional risks to the hardware. To minimise these risks, data centres should install reliable humidification and dehumidification systems with sensors to detect and respond to fluctuations. Monitoring devices and sensors are also crucial for maintaining RH within the ideal range, ensuring a stable and safe environment. At Humidity Solutions, we
understand that every data centre has unique requirements when it comes to humidity control. With decades of expertise in the sector, we provide bespoke humidity control solutions tailored to the needs of each facility. Our range of products is designed to ensure the optimal RH range is consistently maintained, safeguarding sensitive IT equipment and supporting operational reliability. ■
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