1.6 Temperature and Humidity

Review the temperature and humidity requirements for OPCM.

Set conditions to the optimal temperature and humidity ranges to minimize the chance of downtime. Operating the system for extended periods near the operating or non-operating range limits could significantly increase hardware component failure.

The ambient temperature range of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius (70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit) is optimal for server reliability and operator comfort. Operating in this temperature range provides a safety buffer in the event that the air conditioning system goes down for a period of time.

Most computer equipment can operate in a range of 20 to 80 percent of relative humidity, but the range of 45 to 50 percent is recommended for the following reasons:

  • Helps protect computer systems from corrosion problems associated with high humidity levels.

  • Provides the greatest operating time buffer in the event of air conditioner control failure.

  • Helps avoid failures or temporary malfunctions caused by intermittent interference from electrostatic discharges that may occur when relative humidity is too low (below 35 percent).

Figure 1-1 Optimal Temperature, humidity, and Altitude requirements for OPCM

The figure is an illustration of an OPCM rack including information about the temperature, humidity, and maximum altitude requirements for OPCM.

The following table lists the operating, non-operating, and optimal requirements for temperature, humidity, and altitude:

Table 1-12 OPCM Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Condition Operating Requirement Non-operating Requirement Optimal Requirement

Temperature

5 to 32 degrees Celsius (59 to 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit)

-40 to 70 degrees Celsius (-40 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit).

For optimal rack cooling, data center temperatures from 21 to 23 degrees Celsius (70 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit).

Relative humidity

10 to 90 percent relative humidity, non-condensing

Up to 93 percent relative humidity.

For optimal data center rack cooling, 45 to 50 percent, non-condensing.

Altitude

3048 meters (10000 feet) maximum

12000 meters (40000 feet).

Ambient temperature is reduced by 1 degree Celsius per 300 m above 900 m altitude above sea level.

Note:

Studies have shown that temperature increases of 10 degrees Celsius (15 degrees Fahrenheit) above 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) reduce long-term electronics reliability by 50 percent.

Excessive internal temperatures may result in full or partial shutdown of an OPCM.