Electrical data security

Data center data security reliability depends on many different factors. For example, from the energy supply and operational reliability of the power supply. This is what we refer to in this blog as electrical data security. Electrical data security conditions must be constantly monitored to achieve Tier 1 – 4 levels. It is advisable for you to monitor parameters of power quality, energy and fault current detection as well as cyber security together.

Figure 1: https://www.hpe.com/ch/de/what-is/data-center-tiers.html (31.1.2020); Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG (own design)

Electrical data security and the problem

Various studies have shown that poor network quality causes costs. These run into the billions every year. As early as 2007, the Pan-European LPQI Power Quality Survey estimated that the damage amounts to the equivalent of $150 billion annually. In the meantime, the challenges this poses for everyone have steadily increased. And that’s especially true for data centers.

The basic requirements for a data center

There are many requirements to consider when planning the power supply for a data center:

• Secure location in terms of energy supply and environmental conditions
• High energy efficiency to minimize operating costs
• Maximum availability due to redundancies (UPS, generators)
• High security (fire protection, access, defense against cyberattacks)
• System stability and reliability of the devices used
• Possibility for later expansion
• Compatibility with the standard e.g. according to DIN EN 50600,etc.
• etc.

Possible solutions for electrical data security

1. investment protection through good power quality (PQ)

Figure 2: Power quality simplified; Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG

2. system protection by residual current and fault current monitoring

The risk

Residual current monitoring (RCM) in low-voltage networks (e.g. data centers) that is not detected or is detected too late represents a significant safety risk:

• Fault currents and insulation decay are caused by defective / bad components (e.g. switching power supplies, LEDs, server systems, PV, etc.)
• In the data center should / must not be switched off in the event of a fault!
• Overheated cable insulation causes a fire risk!

The solution

Detection of risky fault currents by means of permanent residual current measurement, thereby increasing the safe operation of electrical systems.

Figure 3: Residual current monitoring Source: Camille Bauer Metrawatt AG

Advantages

• Time-consuming manual checks are no longer required (shutdown issue)
• Continuous monitoring instead of status quo
• Legal security with regard to the law, auditors (asset protection) and insurance companies
• Permanent damage prevention to people and equipment

3. electrical data security through cyber security

Figure 4: Threat of cyber attacks

The topic of cyber security is becoming increasingly important due to the constantly growing level of networking. Especially in the areas of critical infrastructure. Due to the threat situation, effective cyber security is essential there. Thus also very specific in data centers and considered under the topic of “electrical data security”.

You can find the complete blog post on cyber security here

Find complete solutions for your data center here