[geeks] Ideal Humidity range for server rooms?

[gsm at mendelson.com]

On Wed, May 06, 2009 at 09:24:27AM -0400, James Fogg wrote:

>Many data centers are kept at 45~50%RH. The goal is to reduce static
>buildup. Low RH will definitely promote component-killing voltages.

Back in the old days, where data centers used 10 inch magnetic tapes and
printed continuous form paper, RH was kept at around 50% so that the
paper would fold properly, and there were no static problems with the
tape.

Temperature in the room was kept at 68 to 70F, but that was based on the
air flowing out of the air cooled computers which had cold air pumped
into them from underneath.

Rooms with water cooled computers were often warmer as there was no need
to keep the air going into them cold. Almost all the heat came from 
peripheral devices, lights and people.

What most people consider a server these days is just a fancy PC, designed
to operate in home/office conditions, which compared to a computer room
of the 1970's is a hot, dusty and often damp enviornment.

Geoff.
-- 
Geoffrey S. Mendelson, Jerusalem, Israel gsm at mendelson.com  N3OWJ/4X1GM