Water Detection Monitoring

A Water Detection System Alerts You to Data Center Leaks Before They Damage Critical Equipment

A water detection system provides early warning of leaks that could threaten servers and other critical data center equipment. Water can come from burst pipes, malfunctioning sprinkler systems, or air conditioning and cooling systems with failed condensate pumps, broken supply lines or clogged drains. Detecting these problems early is critical because water near computer equipment and electrical systems can cause serious damage and downtime.

Leaks can develop beneath a raised floor or above a drop ceiling and remain unnoticed until significant damage occurs. A data center water detection system can alert personnel to the presence of water, providing valuable time to locate the source and take corrective action before the problem leads to equipment damage or a major shutdown.

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How Does a Water Detection System Work?

A water detection system uses strategically placed sensors to identify the presence of water in areas where leaks are most likely to occur. When water reaches a sensor, the monitoring system can alert designated personnel so they can investigate and respond quickly.

In data centers, water sensors are particularly important in areas that may be difficult to inspect regularly, such as beneath raised floors and around cooling equipment and water-carrying pipes.

Where Should Water Detection Sensors Be Placed?

Proper placement of water sensors is key to detecting leaks as early as possible. Water tends to puddle at the lowest point of the floor and underneath pipe junctions and air conditioning units. Placing a sensor too high can delay detection until water levels have risen significantly. 

Leak detection rope can be installed under raised floors and along pipes carrying fluids through the data center, with particular attention to valves, fittings and other potential leak points.

With a Sensaphone water detection system, sensors can monitor up to 100 square feet of floor space for the presence of water.

What Are Common Sources of Water Leaks in a Data Center?

  • Air conditioning and cooling-system leaks

  • Condensation

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    Water-cooled server racks

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    Natural water or groundwater intrusion

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    Local plumbing, including toilets, sinks and sewer lines

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    Pipes, valves and fittings

  • Sprinkler systems

 

Monitoring these potential leak areas with a water detection system can provide early warning of water intrusion, allowing personnel to respond before critical IT equipment is affected.

Suggested Products for Water Detection

Sensaphone IMS-1000
Sensaphone IMS-4000
Sensaphone IMS Zone Water Detection Sensor
Sensaphone IMS Room Humidity Sensor