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ZINC WHISKER REMEDIATION FOR DATA CENTRE
WHAT IT IS?
Zinc whiskers are tiny hairs which grow on zinc-plated surfaces such as floor tile undersides, pedestals and stringers, as well as sub-floor and overhead cable trays and metal brackets
WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED?
Zinc whiskers can break off when lifting a floor tile, bumping a metal bracket, etc. They easily become airborne and spread throughout the data centre. When these metallic contaminants are drawn into equipment through cooling fans, they cause short circuits, voltage variances and data corruption. An increase in unexplained power supply failures is a frequently seen consequence of zinc whisker contamination.
HOW TO MINIMISE YOUR RISK
Precautions must be taken immediately to not disturb the zinc whiskers and to limit further spreading of metallic particles
- Avoid carrying out nonessential maintenance within affected area.
- Reduce access to area (remove floor tile lifters from room, cordon off affected sections of cable trays).
- Do not remove any equipment or materials from area (airborne zinc particles could have settled on them).
- Review existing or create and maintain a central database to monitor equipment failures possibly attributable to zinc whisker contamination.
- Engage a professional technical cleaning company with experience in zinc whisker remediation to remove zinc particle contamination.
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