This domain covers the structural components of the data center white space, focusing on the raised access floor and suspended ceiling. These systems are critical for underfloor air distribution (UFAD), routing power and network cabling, and integrating fire suppression and detection systems.
This domain details the physical layer of the data center network. It covers structured cabling systems, industry standards, and the components that form the data communications backbone.
The Power Infrastructure domain covers the end-to-end electrical distribution system essential for data center operations. It examines all components from the utility grid connection down to the rack-level Power Distribution Units (PDUs). This section emphasizes achieving high availability through robust power design, redundancy, and fault tolerance.
This domain covers the fundamental standards and best practices that govern data center design and infrastructure management. It focuses on key frameworks like TIA-942 and EN 50600, which define the criteria for data center availability and reliability. Understanding these standards is crucial for achieving operational excellence and compliance.
This domain covers the layered security model essential for protecting a data center against physical threats. It details the design and implementation of access control, surveillance, and monitoring. The focus is on establishing a robust security posture from the site perimeter to the rack level.
This domain addresses illumination within the data center, a critical component for operational safety and efficiency. It covers lighting requirements, standards such as TIA-942, and different lighting technologies. Proper lighting is fundamental for tasks performed in the white space and support areas.
This domain covers the management of water presence within the data center. It details the risks posed by water ingress and the critical need for robust leak detection systems to protect IT infrastructure and facility components.
This domain addresses Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF) and their sources within the data center. It examines the risks of Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) to data cabling and IT hardware. Proper management of EMF is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and system uptime.
This domain addresses the critical thermal management required to dissipate heat load from IT equipment. It examines the mechanical systems and principles essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and ensuring data center uptime. Proper cooling infrastructure is fundamental to prevent equipment failure and support high-density computing.
This domain introduces the data center as the mission-critical facility housing IT infrastructure. It establishes the direct link between data center uptime and business continuity, exploring the primary factors that lead to service interruptions.
This domain covers the critical process of selecting a suitable location for a data center. It details the evaluation of external risks, building characteristics, and construction requirements. The focus is on establishing a physically secure and resilient foundation for mission-critical infrastructure.
This domain covers the metrics and methodologies for measuring and improving data center energy efficiency. It introduces industry standards like Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and Data Center infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE). The focus is on reducing operational expenditure (OPEX) through optimized power and cooling infrastructure.
The main risk is determined by the severity of the impact. While multiple systems may use water, the backup power system is a critical life-support component. During a utility power outage, the data center relies entirely on its backup generators. Many large diesel generators use cooling systems that may require a continuous source of make-up water, especially for extended run times (e.g., systems using cooling towers). A failure of the water supply could lead to the generator overheating and shutting down, causing a complete and catastrophic failure of the data center. This potential for total failure makes it the main risk.
A. This describes the ultimate business impact or consequence of a failure, not the direct technical risk or the failure event itself.
B. DX (Direct Expansion) cooling systems are refrigerant-based and use air to reject heat. They do not rely on a continuous central water supply for their operation.
D. A failure in the water supply would disable humidification systems, but the resulting change in humidity poses a less immediate and less catastrophic risk (e.g., Electrostatic Discharge) compared to a total power loss.
1. Uptime Institute
"Tier Standard: Topology" (2018).
Reference: Section T10.3
"Water."
Quote/Paraphrase: The standard explicitly states that a continuous water supply may be required for three key functions: "heat rejection
humidification
and/or generator operation." This confirms that generator operation is a recognized critical dependency on the water supply.
2. Caterpillar
"Electric Power Application and Installation Guide - Understanding Generator Set Cooling" (2019).
Reference: Section "Cooling System Options
" Page 5.
Quote/Paraphrase: The guide details various cooling methods for large generator sets. It explains that for applications where standard radiators are insufficient or impractical
"other cooling systems are available. These systems include heat exchangers and cooling towers." Cooling towers
a common solution for high-capacity heat rejection
are directly dependent on a make-up water supply
linking generator reliability to water utility.
3. ANSI/TIA-942-B
"Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers" (2017).
Reference: Annex G
Section G.3.1
"Site selection recommendations regarding utilities."
Quote/Paraphrase: This section emphasizes the need for "availability of dependable utilities
" including water. It notes that a lack of reliable water can impact "mechanical equipment
" which includes both the primary cooling plant and the support systems for backup power
underscoring the criticality of the water supply for multiple essential systems. The failure of the ultimate backup system (power) represents the most severe risk scenario.
