The most important environmental condition for rooms is humidity. The question arises from time to time if there are dehumidifiers used in equipment rooms.
Yes, as the primary control for humidity in equipment rooms is the use of a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
Industrial Processes (Use Dehumidifiers)
Dehumidifiers are used in industrial processes where humidity harms the product.
Several industrial processes utilize dehumidifiers like Printing. Grinding and machining, Food packaging and processing, Lithium-ion battery production, Cold storage room, Museum and Archive room.
Also, a dehumidifier is used as the humidity in equipment rooms is one of the most important environmental factors as it causes damage to the power systems and other equipment.
Related Article: Application & Function of Dehumidifiers in Industrial Processes
Food Packaging and Processing (Equipment)
The higher the moisture level, the more likely equipment of packaging material will be damaged. Operating in a high moisture environment is susceptible to clumping and clogging interrupting production and causing downtime leading to lost revenue.
To overcome this, dehumidifiers provide the answer to controlling humidity and thus improving product quality and increasing customer satisfaction.
Related Article: Dehumidifiers for Food Industry: Used in a Packaging & Processing?
Electronics (Equipment)
Dehumidifiers are vital for keeping sensitive electronics in good condition and preventing equipment failure.
Electronic components can be damaged by high humidity levels. For instance, condensation will form on boards and components when air is cooled and leads to corrosion and poor solder joint integrity. This damage can cause system failures and increased downtime.
High Humidity & Low Humidity Cause Damage in Data Centre & Server
Humidity has a devastating effect on a data center and its servers. If humidity is too high the humidity causes corrosion on all components on the servers.
Corrosion causes power shortages, computers break out lost data and the company loses uptime. Data centers take great care to monitor humidity levels to prevent damage to their servers and data centers.
The restoration of the lost server hardware can be costly. However not just downtime but also financial terms.
How To Reduce Humidity in Data Centres?
The humidity within servers is in the highest and most suitable place. The cooling fans won't keep humidity at the correct levels.
Data centers also employ environmental sensors dehumidifiers and techniques for air venting which offer relatively cheap cooling. This system is commonly used but its air quality is very dryer and it causes electrostatic problems.
There are three ideal levels for servers to run well, humidity and dehumidifier levels, minimum air conditioning values, and ventilation techniques that provide cooling cost. The air conditioner is efficient but they also come with limitations.
Dehumidifiers To Reduce Humidity in Data Centers & Servers
Data centers and Server rooms have to be able to reduce humidity using dehumidification equipment. The extreme moisture causes condensation within critical components.
Low humidity produces static voltage. It's true that nature always keeps bringing moisture into any place and can seriously endanger servers.
Humidity poses big problems to data centers and servers in their storage. Proper care is required to protect the building due to humidity.
The humidity control is not as simple as many think. Operating rules for the equipment room should specify safe room temperature and humidity ranges. The optimal way to control humidity - temperature safe values for humidity control.
Why Is Condensation Dehumidifier the Preferred Choice for Data Centres?
Condenser Dehumidifiers are easy to use and cheaper. It works well when the temperatures are elevated at higher humidity levels. They can effectively drain huge amounts of water.
These options make them very attractive. It also produces no odor during their job tasks. Data Center prefer them over other models due to the higher capacities.
Its presence also increases the security of a building due to the higher levels of water removal. They need to work within a safe temperature and humidity range.
The design, safety features, and construction of each make it possible for desiccant dehumidifiers to handle larger areas with ease. These products are perfect for data centers and server rooms.
It can also effectively remove large amounts of water and stop any issues related to humidity and condensation. A dehumidifier helps to prevent the damp conditions which cause mold growth and reduce the risk of damage due to electric shock.
Dehumidifier Placement Guide (in Equipment Rooms)
In a data center or server room, there is different equipment using different types of controls. The humidity levels depend on the brands and type of equipment and each one requires a specific humidity level to function properly.
It is important to place the dehumidifier in a well-ventilated location where it can be connected to any drain or sink. It's also important to make sure that no water gets spilled over it because, if this happens, there is a risk of an electric shock & fire hazard.
A dehumidifier should be placed in an area where the air is very dry and there is not much airflow. It's best to place it on a high shelf so that air can circulate well enough to let the living room stay at maximum efficiency.
It's also good to keep them away from any electrical devices, including computers & servers. The power cords should be positioned in ways that are not likely to get stretched under the weight of the dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier should be kept away from any flames or water sources, due to its electrical components. These units are not safe near water sources. They must be kept away from any appliances or windows.
Dehumidifiers by Room Type
The average life in a dehumidifier - can be around eight years. Dehumidifiers can also be placed in rooms, basements laundry rooms, and crawl spaces.
The National Association of Home Builders estimates its average lifespan at about 8 years. The cost associated with operating your appliance depends on the actual appliance, the time it runs each day, and your electricity rate.
Most manufacturers recommend using a dehumidifier to keep an indoor air duct up to six inches away from walls or anything which could block access to the air.
Types of Data Centre Dehumidifiers
There are two types of dehumidifiers that help keep the server room's humidity at the right levels. They must know the room size and position of hot spots and other vital details.
It's no matter whether you just buy one dehumidifier or put them to the side of the room. It is not just an easy purchase but the best way to monitor and maintain proper humidity levels.
Dehumidifiers by Room Size (In Equipment Rooms)
It's not an easy job to find out the size of dehumidifier you need for your room. It includes factors like the humidity level required to be maintained, the size of the space, and any other moisture sources present in that area.
The right dehumidifier will depend on several factors including whether it is a small, medium, or large area.
1. Small Rooms
For small damp areas, a capacity dehumidifier of between 35 and 40 pints is recommended for this size room. It is crucial to keep the humidity level below 60%.
A dehumidifier with a lower capacity may work well in a small room. It's also possible that a higher capacity unit will work if it's not kept running constantly. Either way, make sure you choose a model which has been designed for small spaces.
2. Mid-Sized Rooms
For mid-sized areas of the equipment rooms and particularly those with excess moisture a dehumidifier with 40-59 pints capacity is recommended.
A suitable dehumidifier for this case would be having a capacity of 60-79 pints, with ventilation fans of at least 3.4 cubic feet per minute (CFM).
For mid-sized areas, a standard-sized unit should work fine. A higher capacity model should also do well if it's not kept running constantly.
3. Large Rooms
For large damp areas in equipment rooms, a dehumidifier with a capacity of between 70 and 150 pints is recommended.
A dehumidifier with a capacity of around 60 to 100 pints will work well in this case. A model with around 110-150 pints capacity would also work well.
For a larger equipment room, you will need to get a very large capacity unit. However, it should be able to run for short time intervals.
Reasons To Use a Dehumidifier (In Equipment Rooms)
- Moist or wet stains are present on walls or ceilings
If there are water spots or moisture on walls or ceilings regularly, it's time to get a dehumidifier. If not fixed, this will lead to mold growth and cause health problems.
A musty odor is noticed after turning of A/C systems or using the air-conditioning system for a while.
If a musty odor is noticed after turning on the A/C, it's time to check if humidity levels are high. If you find that humidity levels are on the high side, run a dehumidifier for a few hours and see if the smell goes away.
- The room feels unpleasantly stuffy or humid.
Humid rooms make you feel sick because the moisture in the air clings to your skin. This might also lead to an increase in bacteria and fungi growth which could cause health problems like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
The dehumidifier should be used for about 10-15 minutes every hour to decrease humidity levels.
Humidity levels can be monitored using a hygrometer, which measures the amount of moisture in the air.
- Windows are covered with condensation or you find it hard to breathe.
If windows are covered with condensation or cannot be opened due to this, there is a high chance that relative humidity levels are on the higher side.
There are also other moisture sources present in the room like an aquarium, which needs to be considered if getting a dehumidifier for equipment rooms.
- Musty odors exist in a room even if there is no fungus or mold.
If you notice a musty odor in your house despite not having any water damage, it's time to check the humidity problem of the area.
The right home dehumidifier will depend on the size of the space, whether there are moisture sources present in that area or not.
- Mold is visible in the room or can be seen growing.
If there is mold growth in the equipment rooms, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and avoid mold spreading.
Mold affects everyone who comes into contact with it physically and mentally.
- Excess moisture in the equipment room
If you still have not been able to find the source of humidity, it might be caused due to an air conditioner that needs servicing or repair work done it.
Will a Dehumidifier Cool a Room? (Equipment Room)
A room dehumidifier does not cool a room. It reduces relative humidity from very high to more normal numbers which then feel cooler as the air is drier.
People tend to think that a unit with a smaller capacity will be enough, but at the same time, they have doubts about efficiency and how it operates in large spaces.
Dehumidifiers in Equipment Rooms FAQ
Is a Dehumidifier Required for a Well Designed Curing Chamber?
Dehumidifiers are not required in curing chambers that have built-in humidity control, but it can't hurt to get one just in case.
Even if there is some humidity control for the chamber, the environment inside the chamber could be very different from the surrounding atmosphere.
Are Dehumidifiers Considered as Medical Equipment?
No, dehumidifiers are not medical equipment. They are considered to be appliances like refrigerators and window air conditioners.
Summary
It is important to control humidity levels in an equipment room and dehumidifiers are used to solve the problem. Different types of dehumidifiers available can be used depending on the size of the room.
A unit with a smaller capacity might seem of good value, but it can't handle large spaces efficiently. The right dehumidifier size depends on the space you need to cover.
