The server room is a place to store valuable information that may not be worth a price. On the other hand, the work of many people depends on the services provided in the data center, which will lead to a lot of time loss if it is interrupted. You can increase the safety of the server room and use it with peace of mind by taking appropriate measures.

server room is divided into two parts: physical infrastructure and software. What we will see in this article is the physical part of the center safety. First, we must see what factors caused the problem in the room and check the ways to prevent it.

Important things in server room safety

#1- Control of humidity and water leakage: The humidity of data centers should be between 45% and 55%. Too much reduction will increase the static electricity, and its increase will cause the equipment to burn. The amount of humidity is measured by temperature and humidity control equipment.

The important thing in this part is to pay attention to the structure of the room at the time of its construction or selection.

Water pipes passing through the sides and ceiling of the server room are not allowed. In case of water leakage, it penetrates into the room and causes damage to the equipment. If there is a room on the ground and negative floors, you should be very careful in isolating it. It has been seen that moisture is drawn through the wall and transferred to the room.

This can be prevented to some extent by using moisture-resistant wall covering, but the basic solution is to ensure the condition of the room's walls and floor.

If the humidity is low, the problem can be solved by using a suitable cooling system or humidifier.

#2- Prevention and structure of correct fire extinguishing: There is no need to explain much about the problems caused by fire, and obviously the equipment is burned and destroyed along with the information inside it. The discussion of dealing with fire in three areas is prevention, awareness of its occurrence and extinguishing it.

In the field of prevention, factors leading to fire should be identified and removed. The first point is the absence of flammable materials such as wood and petroleum-based materials and similar items.

Most of the fires that have happened in the centers are due to the electrical system and increased heat. Correct design and use of quality equipment and appropriate power consumption, as well as the use of protective devices, prevent many problems that we deal with in the electricity sector.

Another thing is to prevent the outside fire from entering the room. The fireproof wall and covering, and the server room door must be designed in such a way as to prevent the entry of fire. Based on the rating of the server room, its time is determined.

The next part is for when there is a fire inside the room. In this regard, read the server room fire alarm and extinguishing system.

#3- Standard implementation of the electrical system: This part is one of the most important parts of ensuring the safety of the server room. All data center equipment works with electricity. Creating a suitable structure in different departments should be done very carefully. The first step is the correct design. The amount of electricity consumed from part to total is calculated with a view to the future increase and is written in a table.

Then, different equipment is selected based on the relevant cables and switchboards to transformers and other items.

The use of standard tools and according to the consumption capacity will guarantee the correct operation of the room.

The next step is the correct implementation of the earthing and bonding system of the server room and the standard earth well.

#4- Proper cooling system: Heat is the killer of data center equipment. An increase in temperature causes malfunction of the tools, until it burns. The occurrence of fire due to high heat is also one of the other problems you face. This part also needs proper initial design. Explanations are provided in the server room cooling calculation section. But accurate calculations in this section along with the correct selection of equipment are required. You can read the server room cooling system in this regard.

#5- Physical security and access: This part includes room entry and exit control and access to the center. The special door of the server room along with the appropriate fittings and access control is important in this area. Access must be classified and controlled which people can enter which sections.

The use of surveillance cameras for prevention and future reference is also done in this section.

#6- Monitoring and constant monitoring of the data center: by taking the necessary measures, we have provided suitable environmental conditions. Continuous monitoring of these conditions allows us to quickly take the necessary measures in case of any accident.

Continuous monitoring of the server room has its own equipment. From temperature and humidity to door opening and water leakage, everything can be monitored by this system.

Using the right system reduces the risk to a great extent.

#7- Regular service and maintenance of equipment: All equipment needs regular service and maintenance. This is necessary to ensure their continuous operation. Generators, UPS, transformers, electrical panels, cooling systems, fire alarm and extinguishing systems, servers, communication devices and all items must be reviewed regularly and replaced and cleaned if necessary.

This part is done with the service and maintenance contract of the server room.

Data center safety checklist

• Physical security
• Is the room without holes and windows?
• All windows are made with safety glass
• The doors have a fire-resistant structure
• The doors have a structure resistant to theft
• After traffic, the door is closed and locked
• There is a traffic control system
• There is a proper authentication method to enter the room
• Unauthorized persons are prevented from entering
• There is a surveillance camera system
• Camera installation location
• Entering the room is possible only from the safe place
• There is a 24-hour security guard on site

Construction safety

• Electrical design is done correctly
• The equipment is proportional to the amount of consumption
• There is backup power in the complex
• What is the operating time of the generator?
• When was the last generator service date?
• There is an uninterrupted power supply
• UPS throughput time
• Last date of UPS service
• There is a suitable earth well
• The earth well has approval
• The bonding system is implemented correctly
• There is a cooling system in the room
• The last service date of the cooling system
• There is a fire alarm system
• The date of the last notification and extinguishing system service
• There is a monitoring system
• The humidity of the room is controlled
• The humidity is in the right range
• The humidity control equipment has been serviced
• The place where the cables pass is through the false floor