Data room temperature sensors

July 2, 2009 by
Filed under: Data Center, environmental monitoring, humidity monitoring, temperature monitoring 

I thought a blog on data room temperature monitoring would help answer some frequently asked questions we get.

Q: What is the ideal data room temperature?
A: Some believe the temperature range for a computer room is between 55 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature is probably somewhere in the middle. We try to keep ours between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How can improper temperature adversely impact computer hardware?
A: This article in InformationWeek on why “none like it hot” is worth a read.

Q: If we keep the server temperature cooler, will it run faster?
A: The server manufacturer will tell you the ideal temperature. Generally, cooler is better to a point.

Q: How do you monitor temperature?
A: Obviously in our data room we use Ravica temperature sensors. The equipment at Ravica supports sensors to monitor almost anything.

Q: How do we control humidity if the air conditioning is always removing moisture?
A: During the summer here in Maine, enough humidity isn’t the problem. We put in a humidifier during the winter. Monitor your humidity first and trend it for 6-12 months before spending money on an expensive system.

Q: What about humidity, how do we monitor that?
A: Use a device that allows you to monitor and store via SNMP the humidity measurement over time. SNMP trending humidity is ideal.

I hope this helps.

Related posts:

  1. Humidity Monitoring – Unforseen danger in your server room
  2. Temperature monitoring during the summer months
  3. Recommended Server Room Temperature and your Ravica SensorProbes
  4. Server room temperature alerts via Skype
  5. Ideal office temperature

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Comments

  • http://Mojo Mary Ellen Smith

    We have approximately 30 computers in our computer lab. Is there a minimum and maximum temperature that must be maintained when computers are on? when computers are off? Thank you

  • http://www.ravica.com Jon Mills

    Temperature is a fairly constant variable. Like the article says, somewhere towards the middle of 55-80 degrees is preferred at all times. However, in order to maintain that temperature when the computers are on, you may need to increase airflow. Making sure your cooling system (whatever it may be) kicks in at the appropriate times to maintain the preferred temperature is key.

  • http://www.ravica.com/blog/data-center/how-to-monitor-data-room-temperature/ How to monitor data room temperature : Ravica Blog

    [...] Data room temperature monitoring can can involve more than just hanging a thermometer on the wall. Measurements should be taken from at least two locations [...]