E+C August 2018

round up

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION + SAFETY

Protecting data centres from lightning and surges

Data centres rely on the optimal perfor- mance of equipment, and surges can crip- ple operations. Data centre operators need to be able to effectively manage these energy spikes, as it can cost a significant amount of money to recover from the re- sultant downtime or hardware damage. Across the continent, DEHN AFRICA’s ex- pertise provides surge protection for data centres against various potential causes. According to Julienne Puttkammer, a member of the Technical Team at DEHN AFRICA, there are two main types of risk when it comes to data centres and electrical power surges. “The leading causes of pow- er surges in data centres are direct or indi- rect lightning strikes and internal or external switching surges," says Puttkammer. “In Africa, the foremost causes of surg- es to data centre systems largely depend on the area. For example, in regions with a sta- ble power supply, power surges could most commonly be caused by lightning strikes, while in areas with an unstable supply the most frequent cause may be from on-off switching. Even a nearby lightning strike, and not necessarily a direct hit, can cause a surge to flow on conductors and electrical lines. The factors to look at are whether one is in a lightning-prone area, and the stability of the power grid.” Puttkammer says that because there can be catastrophic consequences for a direct lightning hit, it is common, in DEHN AFRI- Schneider Electric makes selecting a UPS easy. Most homes and small office in South Africa need to have power running continuously, particularly when it comes to computers, security devices or essential electrical equipment. When the power goes out, work can be lost, alarms can start beeping and lights are not available. The answer to this can be an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that allows you to save your work, power down your computer, run a light and charge a phone. Small UPS systems provide power for a few minutes; enough to power down the computer properly without losing informa- tion, while larger systems have enough

CA’s experience, for data centre designers to opt for lightning protection installation, regardless of whether the normal risk pro- cedure requires it or not. He notes, “Data centres contain sensitive operations, for which all kinds of back-up power need to be implemented to secure a constant stream of power, and no down-time. Even within the data centre itself, one can find on and off switching. For example, a cool- ing system can cause switching surges, which are also a danger to the electronics. On and off switching is the main cause of non-lightning-related surges.” Puttkammer says the main challenges in implementing surge protection measures in- volve coordinating how to implement all the aspects of lightning and surge protection from the beginning of the project. “Ideally, the most comprehensive solution would in- clude all the interlinking systems of lightning and surge protection from the design stage, to have all the components optimised. We need to think about issues such as cable routing or embedding bonding conductors in concrete – these need to be very well coor- dinated from the beginning of the planning and construction phases,” he explains. “To come in once a rollout has been completed or is already underway means that you need to find the space to install and implement surge protection systems, which then requires some sort of compro- mise in most cases. While it is not impos- battery for several hours and can run more than one electrical item. A UPS is also use- ful as a buffer between the main electrical supply and one's computer, protecting it against surges or lightning. APC by Schneider Electric offers many products to power and safeguard critical electronics. This includes access to news and weather updates, important files stored in the Cloud, streaming services and email access. Schneider Electric is so confident in the performance of its products that it stands behind them with a guarantee. Back-UPS and SurgeArrest models include a lifetime Equipment Protection Policy that ensures customers get the peace of mind that only

sible to have a very good system installed later, retrofitting is not ideal. At DEHN AF- RICA we are, however, seeing an encour- aging move towards including lightning and surge protection for data centres from the beginning of projects.” With regards to DEHN's products and solutions for data centres and surge pro- tection, Puttkammer reiterates that it all starts with the planning phase. “We offer all the services required a risk assessment, soil testing if necessary, a detailed design, an earth electrode design for AC system faults, and an inspection and sign off on a lightning safety report. Thereafter we offer all the necessary tested products as well, including the lightning protection, earthing and bonding components as well as the electrical and electronic surge protection devices.” Enquiries: Hano Oelofse.

Tel. +27 (0) 11 704 1487 or email hano.oelofse@dehn-africa.com

Selecting a UPS for your home or office

the market leader can provide. Schneider Electric makes selecting an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) for one's home or small office very simple. Go to select a device and the website will offer you two ways to choose – either by the number of devices you want to protect or the load you want it to carry. Schneider Electric’s worry-free UPS backup and APC surge protectors deliver industrial-strength protection and reliability for your most important electronics. To find a supplier near you, go to Schneider Electric South Africa’s locator web page S A locator. Enquiries: Prisca Mashanda. Tel. +27 (0) 11 254 6400 or email prisca.mashanda@schneider-electric.com

12 Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2018