[tech] State of the machine room

[Luke Williams]

Hi all,

UWA's Technical Coordination Group is doing a survey of all the server
rooms on campus and we have been asked to answer some questions about
the machine room by the 20th of this month. Most of the questions have
simple yes/no answers although there is room to provide some
explanation if necessary. [NTU] suggests that some of the questions
raised (and some of our answers) would serve as a useful reminder for
goals that we should be working towards in making a safer, friendlier
machine room.

Here is the checklist:

Power
---
A dedicated electrical power supply must be provided to the room. The
power supply must be connected to an essential supply generator if
provided.
The room's power utilisation should be measurable
The power supply must be sufficient for planned peak load, plus 25%
The power supply must be fitted with surge protection, which may be
provided by a UPS
There must be a review of the need for UPS and/or generator backup,
and those facilities provided where required
All electrical equipment must be maintained as specified in the
University Electrical Equipment Safety Policy

Lighting
---
The room must have sufficient lighting for visibility of the front and
rear of racks and cabinets
Lighting must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3084 ZB2.3.4.8

Fire
---
The room must be protected by a centrally monitored fire alarm system.
The room must have a CO2 type or vaporising liquid type fire extinguisher
There must be a review of the need for additional fire suppression or
fire detection equipment, and those facilities provided where required

Environmental Management
---
The room must have dedicated cooling, which may be a separate zone
cooled by the central plant
The room must have a redundant cooling system
The cooling system must be able to maintain a room temperature of 18-27° C
Relative humidity must be maintained within a range of 40-55%
The room must have environmental monitoring of temperature and
humidity, independent of building management system
There must be a review of air movement and ventilation, and the room
should be configured to cool equipment as efficiently as possible

Dimensions and Location
---
The room must be at least 15m2, with a minimum width of 3m.
The clear height (i.e. without obstructions) must be at least 2.4m.
The clearance in front of all cabinets and racks must be at least the
width of the cabinet or rack door, plus 400mm. The clearance behind
all cabinets and racks must be at least the width of the cabinet or
rack door, plus 150mm. Where possible, clearance should be 1.0m or
greater.
The door to the equipment room must open outwards and be a minimum of
900mm wide and 2000mm high
Entrance to the room must be secured, and egress must be possible
without a key or tool. Where possible, the University campus card
security system should be used.
All doors to the room must open into secured locations, and not into
public or external areas
If the room has an external window, it must be blanked out
No water pipes, water sprinklers, high voltage or power supply cables
shall be installed within the equipment room or in areas that impact
the room, except for those providing service to the room.
No air ducts, except for ducts that provide service to the room, shall
be installed or routed through the room.
Selection of the room location should take into account security,
access for delivery of goods, flood risk, and floor loadings. The room
should be located away from sources of dust, vibration, EMI or RFI.

Fittings
---
The room must have anti-static flooring
The room must have an operational telephone and GPO
Racks must be properly grounded, in accordance with manufacturers instructions
Where possible, only full-height racks should be installed, capable of
holding full-size servers
Where possible, the room should be fitted with a whiteboard



Luke Williams
UCC Wheel Member