Maintaining consistent temperature and humidity levels in your server room are two of the most important steps you can take in keeping your equipment, people, and data safe. If there is too much fluctuation in climate levels, irreparable damage could be done.
It is suggested that server rooms be kept in a controlled temperature environment between 68 to 72 degrees so the computers don’t overheat. It is also possible for computers to react to being in too cold of an environment as well. The humidity level also plays a role in safe server rooms and should be kept between 45%-55%. We’ve created a checklist on how to keep your server room physically secure, which provides 8 in-depth checkpoints to ensure your server room, people, and property are kept safe. Below are the potential risks you could face if your server room is too hot and even too cold.
What Happens When Your Server Room Is Too Hot
If the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer becomes overheated (between 85-90 degrees) and remains at that temperature for several minutes, the CPU could potentially blow and data will be lost. The equipment could melt or start a fire. In the case of fire, not only is the equipment going to be damaged, but your people and facility could be damaged as well.
Ways to prevent overheating include:
- Knowing where the cooling fans are located
- Maintaining a proper level of air flow in the room
- Don’t leave an empty space on the server rack as it will reduce air flow. Fill empty spaces with blanking panels
- Invest in technology to monitor the temperature, like our Fire Alarm System
What Happens When Your Server Room Is Too Cold
It is possible for server room equipment to be damaged when temperatures fall below 50 degrees. This will likely only happen if the electricity were to go out during the winter, but maintaining a consistent temperature inside while the temp drops dramatically outside during the winter can prove to be challenging.
If the electricity were to go out overnight, you might not realize it until the morning when damage has already been done. Cold temperatures create dry air, which can lead to static electricity buildup. The hard drive of computers are very susceptible to static electricity and if zapped, could be damaged. Computers are ultra sensitive to electricity. For example, damage can be done to a computer’s hard drive or microchip at 10 volts, whereas humans can’t perceive static electricity until it has reached 1,500 volts.
Sonitrol’s Certified Solution To Regulate Climate In Server Rooms
Rapid changes in temperature can cause condensation buildup in computers, which will also cause damage. Maintaining consistent temperature is considered even more important than keeping a low climate level to ensure the safe operation of server equipment.
The single best way to ensure a stable climate in your server room is by investing in Sonitrol’s Fire Alarm System, which provides for smoke and heat detection, water flow and sprinkler monitoring, and most importantly for server rooms, temperature monitoring. All of these features and more are monitored by our expertly trained security staff 24/7. Download our checklist to make sure you are doing everything in your power to keep your equipment, data, and people safe.