312-50V11 · Question #583
Low humidity in a data center can cause which of the following problems?
The correct answer is C. Static electricity. Low humidity in a data center allows electrostatic charge to accumulate on surfaces and personnel, creating a risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can destroy sensitive electronic components.
Question
Low humidity in a data center can cause which of the following problems?
Options
- AHeat
- BCorrosion
- CStatic electricity
- DAirborne contamination
How the community answered
(21 responses)- A10% (2)
- C86% (18)
- D5% (1)
Why each option
Low humidity in a data center allows electrostatic charge to accumulate on surfaces and personnel, creating a risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) that can destroy sensitive electronic components.
Heat in a data center results from inadequate cooling capacity or high equipment power density, not from low humidity levels.
Corrosion is caused by excess moisture or high humidity combined with contaminants, not by low humidity.
When relative humidity drops below approximately 40-45%, air loses its ability to safely dissipate static charge, allowing electrostatic potential to build up on personnel and equipment surfaces. A sudden discharge (ESD) into a server's semiconductors or circuit boards can cause immediate component failure or latent damage that leads to premature hardware failure.
Airborne contamination is controlled by air filtration systems and physical cleanliness practices and is not a direct consequence of humidity levels.
Concept tested: Data center environmental controls - humidity and ESD risk
Source: https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-12/rev-1/final
Topics
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.