As with any data center water can be a major problem without proper notification. Leaking condensation pans, exterior walls, humidification lines can go unnoticed below a raised floor. Fortunately an under floor leak detection system can assist in notifying when a leak does occur to properly respond in enough time before critical equipment becomes damaged or electrical wiring shorts out. The following is a brief description of the most common types of under floor water detection systems utilized in data centers today.
As with any data center water can be a major problem without proper notification. Leaking condensation pans, exterior walls, humidification lines can go unnoticed below a raised floor. Fortunately an under floor leak detection system can assist in notifying when a leak does occur to properly respond in enough time before critical equipment becomes damaged or electrical wiring shorts out.
The following is a brief description of the most common types of under floor water detection systems utilized in data centers today.

 

Spot Detectors
A spot detector senses water at a single point and is often used at the source of a potential water problem such as a drip pan below a CRAC/PAC unit. These detectors are most frequently used in small rooms, air conditioning drip pans or dams, and around floor drains. Spot detectors are the most economical way to detect water.
The spot detector utilizes two water detecting probes. These probes extend to the floor; the distance between the probes and the floor is adjustable to a maximum of 3⁄4 inch. A metal bracket, which supports the probes and electronics, can be glued or bolted to the floor.
Each spot detector must connect to a control module. This control module is usually mounted on a wall in a high traffic area, and provides visual and audible annunciation of a water leak. Control panels are available for one, six or twelve spot detectors. A typical spot detector application would include one or multiple spot detectors connected to a control panel.

 

Zone Systems
Cable-type systems are recommended for large areas such as data center rooms along the perimeter of the space. Cable-type systems provide better floor coverage than spot detectors.
One type of cable system is a zone system. A water leak detection sensing cable is placed under the raised floor, around all possible leak sources. The data center room is then divided into multiple areas, or zones. Each cable monitors one zone.
If water or other conductive liquids contact the cable anywhere along its length, the control panel visually and audibly annunciates the water leak and in which zone the leak is located.
All cable-type systems are supervised systems. A supervised system monitors the cable for any type of break or misconnection. If a break in the cable occurs, a trouble LED illuminates.

 

Distance-Read Systems

Another cable-type system is a distance-read system. The distance-read system pinpoints the location of a water leak. Distance-read systems are particularly useful in facilities with large raised-floor areas.

This technology features water leak detection cable, up to 5000 feet in length. The cable is placed in a serpentine pattern on the sub-floor, around all possible leak sources. If a leak occurs, the control head annunciates this information. The control head then provides a distance measurement. This distance measurement is cross referenced with the water leak detection reference map, and the location of the leak is pinpointed within a few feet.

As always we recommend protecting your data center assets by providing a leak detection system below your raised floor especially if any of the following exists under your raised floor:
1. Condensation pan
2. Chilled water piping for cooling.
3. Water piping for humidification
4. Floor drains
5. And if your data center is located in a basement or below grade.

Whenever possible avoid water under and above your data center and if you have no choice give yourself notification with a leak detection system.