Data centres are critical business infrastructure, hosting essential IT equipment and data. As such, they require continuous operation with minimal downtime and high safety standards to prevent operational risks like system outage or fire hazards. Electrical systems within data centres are prone to faults such as insulation degradation, earth faults, or residual currents, which can lead to equipment failure, fire outbreaks, and costly operational disruptions.

The objective

Our client was upgrading their uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system in one of Europe’s largest data centres in Ireland. The UPS system was due for an upgrade, and our client wanted to add extra resilience by incorporating our residual current monitoring (RCM) systems.

The solution

Following consultation with the client, our LINETRAXX® RCMS460 residual current monitoring devices were selected and supplied as part of a bespoke monitoring panel. This bespoke offering allowed for ease of installation. Although the UPS systems within this data centre varied in rating and battery configuration, the versatility of our devices meant that we could supply uniform solutions across all of their systems.

The residual current monitoring systems were installed within the UPS battery system to continuously monitor residual and fault currents, which could indicate insulation breakdown or other electrical faults. Our monitoring systems alert function notifies operators as soon as residual currents exceed predefined thresholds, allowing for immediate intervention before any damage occurs.

Outcomes

The introduction of continuous residual current monitoring within the data centre UPS system offers several key advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: Continuous monitoring ensures that electrical faults, which can lead to overheating or fire, are detected and addressed early. The system’s ability to monitor AC and DC fault currents ensures comprehensive protection.
• Reduced Downtime: By catching electrical faults before they cause equipment failure, Bender’s solution helps to prevent unscheduled downtimes, ensuring smoother operations within the data centre.
• Regulatory Compliance: Bender monitoring solutions assist data centres in meeting fire protection and electrical safety regulations, reducing the burden of manual compliance checks and reporting.

Data centre solutions

In addition to residual current monitoring, we offer a wide range of solutions for data centres, including insulation monitoring, condition monitoring, and communication and alarm software.