SK0-003 · Question #478
An administrator has experienced minor electrical shocks when touching metal surfaces in the datacenter. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
The correct answer is B. The humidity is too low. Minor electrical shocks in a datacenter, often felt when touching metal surfaces, are most commonly caused by the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which is significantly amplified by low humidity levels in the air.
Question
An administrator has experienced minor electrical shocks when touching metal surfaces in the datacenter. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
Options
- AThe UPS is using 220-240V rather than 110-120V
- BThe humidity is too low
- CThe temperature is too low
- DThe datacenter is experiencing EMI
How the community answered
(31 responses)- A3% (1)
- B87% (27)
- C6% (2)
- D3% (1)
Why each option
Minor electrical shocks in a datacenter, often felt when touching metal surfaces, are most commonly caused by the buildup and discharge of static electricity, which is significantly amplified by low humidity levels in the air.
The voltage used by a UPS affects power delivery to equipment, but it does not directly cause static electric shocks when touching metal surfaces.
Low humidity in a datacenter environment reduces the conductivity of the air, preventing static electrical charges from dissipating naturally. This allows static electricity to accumulate on surfaces, leading to sudden discharges (shocks) when personnel touch grounded metal objects.
Low temperature, while important for equipment cooling, does not directly cause static electricity buildup or discharge that results in minor shocks.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) affects the operation of electronic devices but does not cause static electrical shocks when touching metal surfaces.
Concept tested: Datacenter environmental controls - static electricity
Source: https://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/faqs_000007802.html
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