HOT! HOT!! HOT!!!
In recent years, British summers are getting hotter and hotter, topping over 40 degrees.
So, our tolerance to heat is being tested more and more and we find ways to adapt in our daily lives.
But what about our electronic equipment? Our laptops and PCs?
But more importantly, the equipment in our Server / Comms / Plant Rooms? We have servers, switches, routers, NAS units, Wi-Fi controllers, CCTV recorders and even fire alarm monitoring equipment.
When was the last time you had the air conditioning unit checked to ensure that the Plant room is at optimum temperature?
STAY COOL – YOU AND YOUR IT
During a visit to an clients office several years ago, they used what was a built-in walk in ‘cupboard’ and all the comms data equipment was terminated in this little portioned area. It was only large enough to walk in sideways and get to all the kit. The door was open and a freestanding rotary fan was positioned at the entrance to keep the equipment cool!!!
Obviously, that is NOT the way to look after your business grade servers and switches because if it blows up, you lose your entire business (unless you have every single piece of data backed up somewhere.
It’s all in the planning.
PLAN AHEAD
If you are relocating to a new office, all companies plan their furniture layout but very few even think about where the comms / data equipment will be located and very often ends up at the end of the room, very accessible and creating a noise in the form of a low ‘hum’ from the built-in fans that switches and other equipment has (also where the equipment can be tampered with).
Ideally, the data should be in a locked, air-conditioned room, only accessible by ‘authorised’ persons.
Do you get your data equipment regularly tested? Is the space where the data cabinet is located well ventilated? Do you regularly check that no equipment is over-heating?
It’s surprising how many businesses would answer ‘no’ to all three. We take our business IT and telecoms equipment for granted. Once installed, it all works day in, day out, until one day – it doesn’t. When your IT person opens up the server case, three different species of siders can be found, the fans clogged up, more dust than on Mars and we wonder why it was gradually running slower and slower in the past 12 months, compared to the previous 12 months.
KEEP IT COOL – YOU AND YOUR IT
This is same for the PCs by your feet, under the desk. Make sure the environment is clean and get your IP person at least annually, to vacuum out the insides to keep it in good order.
With climate change a daily occurrence now, our electronic equipment is going to be put through some major temperature fluctuations, all be it periodically, but now is the time to considering the best and safest locations within your businesses to ensure it all works as required.
MAXIMUM NETWORKS
Get in touch with the Maximum Networks team team today on 0330 102 7444 or using our contact form