Enterprise Data Center Design and Methodology

Electrostatic Discharge

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the rapid discharge of static electricity between bodies at different electrical potentials and can damage electronic components . ESD can change the electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device, degrading or destroying it. It might also upset the normal operation of an electronic system, causing equipment to malfunction or fail.

Today's equipment has a much denser geometry, with thinner, more easily damaged materials. Though changes in design, manufacturing processes, and materials have reduced ESD sensitivity, components can still be damaged if precautions are not taken in the design of the data center and in component handling techniques. The damage can result in catastrophic failures, or it might not cause outright failure, but might make a component more susceptible to failure later on. Low grade failures due to cumulative degradation of components can be subtle and difficult to detect.

There are numerous ways to control static generation and ESD. The following list describes some of the control techniques.

• Since static electricity is a greater problem in an environment with low relative humidity (RH) levels, maintain appropriate relative humidity levels. This will help to dissipate charges.

• Limit or isolate the use of hardware that generates static charges.

• Limit or isolate activities and materials that generate static charges.

• Use only appropriate carts and furniture in the room.

• Don't use carpeted tiles!

• Operators should use appropriate personal grounding equipment such as anti-static lab coats, wrist straps, and heel grounders.

• Never use paper clips to press reset buttons ! A good idea is to tape a few wooden toothpicks to the inside of the rack doors for use as reset button depressors.

• Keep covers on equipment racks closed. Covers should be opened only by trained personnel using proper grounding when inspections, repairs , or reconfigurations are necessary.

• The raised floor system should be properly grounded with static dissipative tile surfaces to provide a proper path to ground.

• Use only appropriate cleaning agents on floor tiles to maintain the static dissipative properties of the floor.