Spec-Clean

Anti-static refers to an environment – whether within a product or a physical space – that features components allowing for the reduction of electrical static or that prevent its build-up.  Anti-static agents are the actual compounds used in a variety of products (such as ESD wrist straps) to make either the products or the wearer less likely to conduct potentially damaging static electricity.

Blanking panels make data center cooling systems run more efficiently by blocking the transfer of hot and cold air in empty rack space. Blanking panels provide low-cost protection against overheating along with noticeable savings on energy costs. Most models are easy to install and fit standard cabinet openings.

The CPU is the part of a computer that implements instructions from any number of different types of programs. The CPU is a processor that allows a computer to function. The term “central processing unit” and the component it refers to has been around the computer industry since the early 1960s, and while the appearance of CPU's have changed dramatically over the years, its basic function has remained the same.

CRAC stands for “computer room air conditioning.” CRAC can refer to any system that controls air temperature, humidity levels and the distribution of air within data center equipment.

A data center container is a portable data center that increases an organization’s storage capacity.  The data center container itself is a shipping container, making it easy to move and relocate as the need arises.  This type of “remote” system also lowers the costs of operating cooling and other power-related functions.

There are four data center tier levels, with the design of each successive tier (1 through 4) providing a more stringent security environment and also defining how much data would be available to a system at a specific location. Developed by The Uptime Institute, based in Santa Fe, N.M., the four tiers are briefly described here.

1 – A Tier 1 data center is a basic server room implementing the general guidelines for computer system installations. This first level runs within a 99.671 percent availability through one non-redundant distribution path with non-redundant capacity components.

2 – A Tier 2 data center Includes all requirements of Tier 1, plus a guarantee of 99.741 percent availability with redundant site infrastructure capacity components.

3 – In addition to fulfilling requirements of Tiers 1 and 2, Tier 3 data centers provide dual-powered IT equipment to receive data from multiple independent distribution paths with an increased availability of 99.982 percent guaranteed.

4 – Tier 4 data centers include the components of the first three Tiers with the addition of independently dual-powered cooling equipment. The site infrastructure is fault-tolerant with distribution capability and the capacity to store electrical power. An availability of 99.995 percent is guaranteed.

Disaster recovery describes a set of procedures and policies to be followed in the event of a disaster that has harmed an organization’s technology systems.  Managing hazardous waste after exposure to fire (such as lead, mercury, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from computer cables) is an essential part of disaster recovery cleaning. When a disaster has occurred in a cleanroom, data center or other critical computer environment, Spec-Clean can provide immediate response time and has the expertise to manage contamination control.

An ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap is worn while working with or around computer systems to ground the technician and to prevent static electricity buildup within the body. Also referred to as an anti-static strap or a ground bracelet, ESD wrist straps are typically made from stretchy fabric containing conductive fibers. The design of the strap allows high-voltage charges to leak through but prevents damaging electric static from releasing on sensitive computer equipment.

A Floor Puller is a tool that uses suction cups to attach to and lift sections of flooring. Floor pullers are used in many industries to remove the panels of raised floors in data centers.

HEPA is a type of vacuum air filter that catches a very high percentage of all particles that could damage or destroy sensitive data center equipment.  These filters are able to trap extremely small particles missed by other types of filters.

A cooling function that prevents hot exhaust from being taken in by another system.  Employed in various sizes and types of cabinets, hot aisle vs. cold aisle technology segregates hot air from cold air, decreasing the possibility of overheating and equipment damage.  With this form of containment, cooling systems can operate at higher temperatures, humidity within an enclosure is reduced, and systems in general run with more efficiency.

Intermediate Distribution Frames or IDF's are used in a variety of environments, usually as cross-connectors of cables and circuits and as distribution points that allow cables from a main distribution frame to send media or data to remote locations. IDF's are used for WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network) systems to hold backup systems such as hard drives and CD-ROMs. They can also support switches, routers and hubs as well as various types of connection devices.

An in row cooling unit is designed to increase cooling efficiency by maximizing the dynamics of airflow inside a computer room. A unit is positioned between a server cabinet to provide cooling to the cold isle and also handles return air from the hot isle.

A Lights out server room functions as a center to house various servers.  “Lights out,” refers to the fact that lights are kept off within the room.  Additionally, the room is kept locked and is devoid of IT personnel.  Control of the servers is handled externally, either from another room in the complex or from a remote location.  A lights out server room is considered to provide a high level of security.

Used in telecommunications, an MDF is commonly a steel rack that allows for the connection of networks within a plant or facility to outside cables and other equipment.  Accessible from two sides, main distribution frames feature termination blocks arranged horizontally at the front of rack shelves. The MDF makes assigning facilities more flexible with lower cost and higher capacity than patch panels.

NOC refers to a remote location where computer systems, television broadcasts or telecommunications networks are managed or controlled. It’s common for larger organizations to operate several NOC centers, in order to manage a variety of networks and to allow one center to take over for another in the event of technical problems. In telecommunications, for example, NOC's keep track of power failures and alarm signals with the goal of maintaining a high level of performance.

PDU is a power distribution unit providing multiple power sources aligned on a single bar, similar to a surge protector at home. There are both rack-based and floor-mounted versions of PDU's, and they are commonly used in data centers to power computers and networking equipment. PDU's come in three types:

1. Basic PDU provides multiple outlets and a heavy duty power cord.

2. Metered PDU includes a digital load meter to monitor a power supply allowing the operator to increase or decrease power as needed.

3. Switched PDU that can be managed remotely allowing an operator to power on or shut down equipment.

Plenum refers to the area where air circulates in systems running heating and air conditioning units. This space is commonly found between two ceilings or between a raised floor and the actual floor, and it often serves as a place where computer and telephone network cables are run.

PUE measures the efficiency of power usage in a data center. Within a typical data center, power will be used to run the computer equipment as well as for cooling, lighting and other functions. Developed by the Green Grid, PUE shows the ratio of power used to run computer systems vs. overall power usage.

Flooring on which data center equipment sits that is high enough to allow human access.  Developed in the 1960s, raised flooring provides space for an efficient cooling system and easy laying of wires or cables.  Because alternatives to this type of flooring have met with mixed success, many industry experts believe raised flooring results in fewer problems and lower costs, overall.

Used to hold up and reinforce a series of panels in raised floors.  Typically made of steel, common styles include clip, bolted and clamp.

A nonprofit consortium of experts in the data-storage/data center industry. Based in the United States, The Green Grid is a global membership organization made up of technology providers, end-users, facility architects, policy-makers and utility companies. The consortium includes more than 175 member companies worldwide and, according to its website, “seeks to unite global industry efforts, create a common set of metrics, and develop technical resources and educational tools to further its goals.”

UPS is a battery-powered device that sends power to a computer system when the normal power source (usually the utility main) fails. As an auxiliary power supply, a UPS provides instant or near-instant continuation of electrical current after a power failure.

VCT floor tiles are made of vinyl and available in a variety of shades and colors. Commonly offered in 12- or 18-inch squares.

The name given to very small structures of zinc that resemble hairs. They have been found on the metal surfaces of raised flooring in data centers. If allowed to grow, they can become airborne and conduct electricity. The danger of zinc whiskers is that they can enter computer systems through air intake vents.