A 5kW (power consumption) server keeps crashing with the message 'temperature too high'.
The intake temperature is measured at 25 C/77 F and a relative humidity (RH) level of 50%.
The exhaust temperature is 29 C/84 F and 45% RH.
The raised floor is providing an adequate amount of CFM/CMH at a reasonable velocity.
The pressure under the raised floor is approximately 25 Pa/0.1 inch HO.
Analyze the situation and indicate what the most likely cause is for this server to crash.
The server's repeated overheating despite adequate intake and exhaust temperatures suggests that dust buildup inside the server may be impeding heat transfer. Dust accumulation can obstruct airflow within the server, insulate components, and disrupt the convection-based cooling systems that regulate internal temperatures, leading to overheating and potential hardware failures.
Detailed Explanation:
While the intake and exhaust temperatures appear within acceptable ranges, internal dust can reduce airflow and impede cooling efficiency, causing internal components to overheat despite seemingly normal ambient conditions. Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical for preventing dust-related issues, especially in high-powered equipment like a 5kW server.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI emphasizes regular maintenance to prevent dust buildup in data center equipment. Dust can significantly impact cooling efficiency and lead to overheating, which underlines the importance of routine cleaning for optimal server performance.
You are installing new copper cabling.
What is the advantage or disadvantage of choosing pre-terminated category 6 or 6A cabling?
Choosing pre-terminated category 6 or 6A cabling provides several advantages, primarily related to time savings and reliability. Since pre-terminated cables are factory tested, they ensure consistent quality and performance, reducing the need for additional testing during installation. This makes installation faster and more efficient, which can significantly reduce labor costs and deployment times.
Detailed Explanation:
Pre-terminated cabling systems are manufactured and tested in controlled environments, which ensures they meet industry standards for performance. This factory testing process minimizes the likelihood of faults, reducing the need for troubleshooting and retesting on-site. Moreover, pre-terminated solutions can help to streamline installations because they eliminate the need for on-site terminations, which can be time-consuming and require skilled labor.
This is especially beneficial for data centers, where rapid deployment and minimizing potential points of failure are critical to maintaining uptime. However, it is important to note that pre-terminated cables require accurate planning, as lengths and connector configurations must be predetermined.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
According to EPI Data Center Specialist guidelines, pre-terminated cabling is advantageous in data center environments due to reduced installation time and enhanced reliability from factory testing. These attributes align with best practices for efficient data center management, where maintaining performance and minimizing downtime are priorities.
What precaution shall be taken for cabling leading into an equipment rack when a data center is in a seismic-prone area?
In seismic-prone areas, cables should be tightly secured to racks and cable trays to minimize movement during seismic activity. Properly securing the cables prevents them from being damaged due to excessive motion, which could lead to outages or damage to connected equipment.
Detailed Explanation:
Loose cables can be vulnerable to shaking or sudden jolts during an earthquake, increasing the risk of disconnection or damage. By tightly organizing and securing cables, you ensure they remain in place, even during significant movement, thereby maintaining connection integrity and reducing the risk of physical damage.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI training includes considerations for data centers in seismic zones, advising that cables be firmly anchored to support structures to reduce movement and mitigate potential damage during seismic events.
What mainly affects the cooling capacity of a raised floor tile?
The cooling capacity of a raised floor tile is primarily influenced by the percentage of surface opening, the obstruction caused by the supporting construction, the pressure under the raised floor, and the damper construction. These factors dictate how much airflow can pass through the tile and how effectively cool air is distributed to the equipment in the data center.
Detailed Explanation:
The percentage of surface opening on a floor tile affects how much air can flow through, with larger openings allowing more airflow. Supporting structures beneath the floor can obstruct airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Pressure under the raised floor impacts the velocity and volume of air that moves through the tile. Additionally, if dampers are installed, they control the airflow rate, which can be adjusted to meet specific cooling needs for the area.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI guidance on airflow management under raised floors emphasizes these factors as critical for effective cooling, especially in high-density areas. Ensuring unobstructed and adequate airflow helps maintain consistent cooling across equipment.
When shielding material reaches its saturation point, what will be the impact?
When shielding material reaches its saturation point, it can no longer effectively attenuate additional EMF. At saturation, the material's ability to absorb or redirect magnetic fields is exhausted, meaning it cannot provide further shielding beyond this point. Additional EMF exposure would pass through the material without significant reduction.
Detailed Explanation:
Saturation occurs when the material's magnetic domains are fully aligned with the magnetic field, leaving no capacity to absorb or deflect further EMF. This can happen with high EMF levels, beyond the material's design limits, resulting in a breakdown of shielding effectiveness.
EPI Data Center Specialist References:
EPI guidelines on EMF management indicate that selecting appropriate shielding materials with sufficient capacity is essential to prevent saturation and ensure continuous protection. Saturation limits should be considered during design to avoid compromised shielding performance.