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Never underestimate the risk of water leakage in a data centre

 

Never underestimate the risk of water leakage in a data centre

Data plays a vital role in our world today, on which our digital economy and our highly connected society depend. Data centres, which form the backbone of this information flow, must remain operational without any faults. Downtime, even just a short period, is not an option when continuous service is required for our company's critical functions.

Water leak in the data centre is one of the biggest threats – but often underestimated - could lead to equipment failure and downtime in a data centre. Even worse, when water intrusion enters technical areas, such as inverter, UPS, or battery room, could cause short circuit of this equipment. It is not alarmist to say that water leaks could cause a destructive fire.

Water leaking from a defective pipe

 

 

The causes of water and dangerous liquid leakage in a data centre and its consequences

A leakage, water, acid or hydrocarbon, within a data centre building can be caused by many factors. A few examples, not exclusive naturally, are listed in the below table.

 

Water drops run down the glass wall of a data centre server room

 

Critical equipment/areas

Causes of the leak

Consequences

Data halls/server rooms

  • Coolant leak from water-cooled server rack
  • Coolant/water leak from CRAC unis
  • Liquid leak from the raised floor or from adjacent rooms
  • Server rack failure
  • Downtime, outage

CRAC units

  • Condensation
  • Coolant leaks from the air conditioning system
  • Water leaks from clogged pipes, a drainage tray or a clogged back drain path of the unit
  • CRAC unit failure
  • Whole CRAC system failure
  • Overheating of the data centre
  • Flood

Generator set

  • Diesel/fuel leak from defective valves or clogged pipes
  • Leak from defect generator set
  • Leak from the adjacent area in the basement
  • Generator sets failure
  • Backup power supply failure

Chilled/hot water supply and return pipes

  • Leak from clogged pipes
  • Leak from valves
  • Relevant equipment disruption
  • Downtime, outage

Pantries and related plumbing

  • Toilet leak
  • Relevant equipment disruption
  • Downtime, outage

Sprinkler system

  • leak due to the improper discharge of water from the sprinkler system
  • leak from pump and reservoir for sprinkler system
  • Sprinkler system failure
  • Mission-critical IT infrastructures failure

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

  • Leak from adjacent area/external ingresses
  • UPS failure, outage
  • Short-circuit, fire

Inverter, HV/LV switch rooms, plant rooms

  • Leak from adjacent area/external ingresses
  • Inverter failure, outage
  • Short-circuit, fire

Batteries

  • Acid leak from the battery
  • Leak from adjacent area/external ingresses
  • Battery failure, Emergency power supply failure
  • Short-circuit, fire

 

Besides the colossal cost due to equipment failure, downtime caused by a leak in a critical area of a data centre, the worst-case scenario could be loss of customers and the company's reputation.

Fortunately, the problem can be tackled. With the help of a reliable water leak detection system, leaks can be detected before they cause serious problems.

 

 

Secure your data centre against dangerous water leaks with TTK leak detection solutions

 

TTK continuously monitors all types of leaks in a data centre building, whether it is a water leak from CRAC units, a diesel leak from generator sets, or an acid leak from batteries.

Based on addressable and patented sensing cables and digital cutting-edge leak monitoring panels, TTK offers a range of smart leak detection systems – combining water, hydrocarbon and acids leak detection solutions for data centre building application. It can early detect and precisely locate all types of leaks, automatically turn off the leak source via a solenoid valve if configured, send a report to the BMS and alert both onsite and remote operators. All these actions are intended to prevent or minimize business downtime.

 

Leak detection unit for data centre

Addressable sensing cables for different types of liquids:

 

To learn more about TTK solutions for data centres.

 

Conclusion

“Prevention is better than cure”, multiple protections and redundancy in data centres aim to avoid downtime and maximize business continuity. Do not underestimate the risk and importance of protecting your data centre from liquid leakage, be prepared and opt for a reliable and intelligent system from TTK.

If you would like to know more or discuss your specific needs, our sales engineers remain at your disposal to offer you the most suitable solution. Contact us.

 

 

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