HP StorageWorks XP20000 Disk Array Site Preparation Guide (AE190-96002, September 2007)

Make sure your computer room adheres to all national and local building codes for a data
center/computer room environm ent.
HP recommends that you follow these general guidelines:
• Locate the computer room away from exterior walls of the building to avoid the heat gain from
windows and exterior wall surfaces.
• When exterior windows are unavoidable, use windows that are double or tripled glazed and
shaded to prevent direct sunlight from entering the computer room.
• Maintain the computer room at a positive pressure relative to the su rrounding spaces to reduce
introduction of contaminants.
• Install a vapor barrier around the entire computer room envelope (floors/walls/ceiling) to help
keep moisture out of the room. This is especially important if your computer room is located
underground.
• Caulk a nd vapor-seal all pipes and cables that penetrate the computer room envelope.
Preventin
g
electrostatic discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can cause component damage, especially during servicing operations.
Static charges occur when objects are separated or rubbed together. The voltage level of a static charge
is
determined by the following factors:
• Types of m aterials
• Relative
humidity — low humidity tends to increase ESD voltage.
• Rate of change — a standard air conditioner cools the air and lowers humidity. The faster the air
is cooled and dried, the greater the likelihood of ESD.
• Separation — refers to the static discharge that can be generated when two objects are
separated. For example, printer paper i s often stored in cool dry conditions. If opened an d used
immedi
ately, the act of removing the paper from its box generates static.
Follow
these precautions to minimize possible ESD-induced failures in your computer room:
• Install conductive flooring (conductiveadhesivemust beusedwhenlayingtiles).
• Useconductivewax if waxed floors are installed.
• Ensur
e
that all equipment and flooring are properly grounded and are at the same ground
potential.
• Use conductive tables and chairs.
• Stor
e
spare electric parts in antistatic containers.
• Use proper cooling equipment to reduce the risk of ESD by m a intaining recommended humidity
level and airflow rates.
• Leave boxes of paper open in the computer room for several hours b efore use to allow static
to
d
ischarge gradually over time.
Safety requirements
When making decisions concerning site safety, your first conc ern should be the safety of your personnel
and
then the safety of your equipment.
Fundamental safeguards for disk arrays should include a site well away from any sources of potential
damage.
If you have any questions on s ite safety, consult your HP representative, your insurance carrier, and local
building inspectors for safety recommendations.
Fire safety
Co
nsult
your insurance carrier and local fire department for fire safety suggestions. They can analyze
yo
ur
existing fire control systems and advise you on any required changes. If you are building a new site
XP20000 Disk Array Site Preparation Guide
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