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Massive failures can occur when a data center overlooks its water leak detection system. Even small leaks undetected can lead to a devastating malfunction of servers and data center equipment. In this article, we will discuss how water leaks can cause faulty operation and ways to prevent unwanted downtime. This can lead to massive losses in revenue.
The build-up of water is no laughing matter. Here are 5 reasons why water leak detection is important in a data center:
1. Avoiding Structural and Property Damage
Water leaks in the soil can wreak serious havoc on the foundation of your site. They can add to the amount of water held inside the edifice. They can also allow mold to proliferate. These issues can be quite expensive to deal with. A resolute attempt aimed at identifying water leaks can go a long way in averting these sorts of mishaps from occurring.
2. Protecting Equipment from Water Damage
Data centers house essential equipment important for its efficiency. Unchecked leaks from HVAC, AC units, water pipes, drainage, or even water from the ground can cause serious issues. The rate at which you can pinpoint water leaks can spell huge savings from repair and can consequently save your site.
3. Save Time
The existence of water is not quickly identified. A common scenario is flooding beneath computer-raised flooring. These often go unnoticed as false ceilings can hide the pipework on top of it. Precipitation and leaks can be seen only when the water splotches show themselves. Water pooling can originate from leaky pipes and trickles from adjoining walls. They can also come from the moisture of air-conditioning systems. Water can penetrate through nearby walls or make its way down to lower levels. The trial-and-error technique of cracking walls is unnecessary if the proper precautions are taken. Water leak detection systems can pinpoint leaks anywhere on your site immediately and automatically.
4. Preventing Business Interruption
Servers, computers, and other IT gear are vulnerable to water. Just a tiny, unchecked leak can wreak serious havoc. It can destroy the efficacy of your gear and the information it holds. This will cause a chain reaction in damaging your equipment as well as ruining your business.
5. Avoid More Financial Loss
Data centers are very susceptible to elevated humidity levels. Prolonged exposure to raised humidity will bring irreparable harm to your site and system malfunction.
These five reasons tells us how water leaks bring significant peril to the progress and growth of your enterprise. But with an accurate water detection system, management of losses and precautionary measures can be executed quickly.
Water Damage in the Server Room and Data Center and Its Consequences
Security professional Robert Oeltjendiers shows us the possible dangers and results of flooding for business-centric enterprises. Mission-critical architecture such as server room, computer center, production, or logistics must be safeguarded from overheating, fire, and ventilation malfunction.
Worst Case Scenario Flooded Data Center
Water seepage in the data center or server room is one of the most destructive perils. A leakage in the IT architecture may be the result of some of the following:
- Air Conditioning Drips
Air Conditioning systems are commonly full of purified water. A burst water pipe or seeping clamp in your AC system can swiftly result in flooding of your data center.
- Seepage of the Water-Cooled Server Racks
Because of increased electricity expenses, water-cooled server racks have become an acceptable option. A dripping coolant could mean trouble for your data center.
- Condensation from Air Conditioning Units
Trickling precipitation from air conditioning units commonly goes into a specific receptacle. If these water tanks are not strictly maintained, the risk of water seepage is very likely.
- Burst Water Pipes/ Damaged Heating Pipes/ Overflowing Toilets/ Sprinkler Damage
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Architectural flaws, such as those above the data center, in server rooms, in kitchens, and toilets can also result in water damage. Imagine a water pipe damaged by frost or a blocked sewage pipe that could wreak havoc on your IT architecture in the blink of an eye.
- Sprinklers
Sprinklers are present in more complicated IT systems. They immediately put out the fire with water. An unwarranted surge of water from your sprinkler system may endanger your valuable server systems. This occurrence is called sprinkler leakage. The pump of your sprinkler system can also cause flooding. The water in the reservoir of your sprinklers may also leak and result in damage to your IT systems.
- Groundwater and Weather Damage
A brook turns into a gushing river during a storm. Structural server room imperfections can allow water to come in. This happens with server rooms that have windows.
- Water Damage Through Vandalism as a Result of Burglary
Never belittle the damage that vandalism as a result of burglary can cause. Burglars open water valves for sheer mischief. The ensuing water damage is often more costly than the burglary itself.
Flooding of the Server Room and the Consequences
Not all mishaps in a data center caused by water are catastrophic. Some even confine themselves to simple short-circuits. But massive floods are sure to bring serious destruction to your site.
More advanced data centers have the capacity to recoup their damages within a few hours. Small to medium-sized structures may not be so lucky. The butcher’s bill in situations like these includes lacking or disorderly hazard protocols. Organizational foul-ups also contribute to the damage. The full recuperation of the site could range from days to months.
What is a Water Leak Detector and How Does it Work?
Water sensors identify and avoid too much moisture and flooding. These can be brought about by faulty architecture and malfunctioning gear. A water leak detection systems consist of sensors, shut-off valves, and a centralized hub. These sensors are installed in locations where leaks abound. They can be placed near faucets and beneath water heaters. Water leak detection sensors sound an alarm if they sense moisture in a place that should be dry. Some leak sensors even watch out for shifts in sound. All leaks generate soundwaves. The detector measures the seriousness of the leak via the frequency of the sound it makes. Underground water leak detectors search for leaks in slabs utilizing acoustic technology.
AKCP Water Detector Sensors
Spot Water Sensor
The AKCP SpotWater detector is a state-of-the-art device capable of pinpointing distilled water. It operates based on a modern micro-sensor. Standard water detectors are unable to identify distilled water. They also are unable to spot water with impurities. This is because they operate on a resistance-type circuit.
Locate Rope Water Sensor
The AKCP LocateWater Sensor is a rope water sensor that can safeguard your gear from water damage. It is designed and created by AKCP and boasts the world standard in water monitoring systems. These are just some of the water monitoring devices that AKCP offers to protect the welfare of your data center.
Wireless Water Detection Sensor
Wireless Water Detection Sensor
Wireless™ Tunnel radio module with AKCP Spot Water Sensor. Powered by 5VDC or 12VDC with battery backup and a full IP66 waterproof enclosure. The spot water sensor will alarm when water is detected. With the same technology as our wired spot water detector it can even detect the presence of de-ionized water. Works with all Wireless Tunnel™ Gateway.
Sensor Details
- 4x AA Batteries for backup
- 5VDC or 12VDC powered
- LED indicators for power, status and RSSI
- Optional DIN rail or pipe mounting
Conclusion
We cannot emphasize enough the need for water leak detectors in data center. The cost of water damage to systems can be more than just monetary. It can lead to an entire site malfunction. The looming threat of downtime also exists. Ruined reputations and loss of revenue are still a few of the reasons why sensors should be utilized. What seems to be a simple precaution could spell life and death for the survival of your data center. We hope that this article was both informative and helpful.
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