Data Center Containment - Answers

 

Thank you for taking the Data Center Containment quiz on Mission Critical.

Here are the answers!

1. True or False: Cold Aisle Containment is always preferred over Hot Aisle Containment?

  • False

Explanation: Containment configuration is driven by:

-  Room architecture

-  Cold air supply

-  Hot exhaust air return

-  IT equipment array

-  Heat load

 

2. True or False: Installing containment will always save me money?

  • False

Explanation: In order to capture the energy savings entitlement of containment, the supply and return airflow should be balanced according to heat load requirements. Cooling infrastructure set points and controls should also be adjusted to maximize efficiency.

 

3. When installing containment, which of the following should be considerations?

  • d. All of the above

Explanation: Containment may alter smoke detection zones and fire sprinkler coverage. Always consult with the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) when deploying containment. Approved fire and smoke rated component material should be used. Uniformity of rows makes containment easier to implement. Odd shaped rooms and row variations pose challenges to an effective containment strategy. Containment may adversely affect lighting coverage. Always consider light patterns before deploying containment.

 

4. True or False: Melt out ceiling tiles that are accepted in one jurisdiction should be accepted for all of my location sites in other jurisdictions?

  • False

Explanation: Although melt out ceiling tiles may be acceptable by one location, an AHJ in the adjacent city may not approve the same tiles.

 

5. True or False: When using a rack chimney strategy, the positioning of IT equipment within the rack is extremely important?

  • True

Explanation:Positioning of equipment within the rack is extremely important.

-    Equipment should not obstruct airflow within the rack to the exhaust chimney.

-    Low power consumption equipment should be positioned above high heat load devices. 

 

6. What is the most important factor in maintaining the highest integrity of the containment system? 

  • b. Establish and maintain consistent containment operating procedures

Explanation: Even the best containment systems are compromised by human element factors. Common detriments to effective containment are:

-    Leaving the doors open

-    Failure to install or replace blanking panels in vacant U space

-    Using and not removing perforated air tiles to cool area in hot aisle while occupied by workers

 

7. The best containment doors are:

  • d. Matched to occupants standard operating procedures

Explanation: Data centers are operated in different manners. Lights out data centers have little human intervention, while others have constant movement of equipment crash carts that are pushed through the doors.

 

8. True or False: In a cold aisle containment row, each cabinet must be provided with a perforated airflow tile?

  • False

Explanation: Placement of floor tiles should be coordinated with containment heat load. Airflow, temperature and humidity should be measured and monitored to ensure that the space is within ASHRAE Guidelines.

 

9. Which of the following professionals should install your containment system?

  • a. Product trained personnel

Explanation: While “anyone” can install containment, trained personnel are the most qualified. The installation will be performed with higher quality, greater speed, and with reduced risk.

 

10. True or False: All containment systems qualify for energy incentive utility rebates?

  • False

Explanation: While not all containment systems qualify for utility rebates, many do. Be sure to check with the local utility company to learn about the application process prior to installing the containment system.

 

11. Which of the following area(s) are often overlooked when installing a containment system?

  • d. All of the above

Explanation: If the cabinet tops are included in the containment zone, they should be provided with brush strips to minimize leakage. Brush strips should be installed in raised floor tile cable cuts to minimize bypass air. Excessive floor to cabinet gap can be a source of bypass air and hot air recirculation.

 

12. True or False: The containment system can be used as part of the data center security strategy?

  • True

Explanation: Containment doors may be fitted with locks and security system contacts to monitor physical access to the space. Solid or opaque “window panes” provide line of sight security.

 

13. True or False: Containment systems obstruct conveyance infrastructure and make cable installation extremely difficult?

  • False

Explanation: Although containment may obstruct conveyance and cable access, careful preplanning and workflow analysis minimize difficulty. Many containment system manufacturers will alter designs to suit your needs.

 

14. True or False: CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) models will provide a good predictive analysis of containment effectiveness?

  • True

Explanation: CFD models provide a useful performance indication if the room architectural features, power consumption, and cooling infrastructure input data is accurate. CFD models should always be calibrated to actual airflow and temperature measurements once the installation is complete.

 

15. True or False: When deploying a containment system within a multi-tenant data center, I should consider the containment (or lack thereof) of adjacent occupants?

  • True

Explanation: Hot and cold aisle containment should never be deployed within the same space. Considerations should be made to avoid heat contamination from adjacent occupants.

 

For More Information On Data Center Arc Flash, view these articles:

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