8 Solutions warns of dangers of Zinc Whiskers

The warning follows an analysis of 90,000 projects worldwide to highlight the problems caused by millions of tiny zinc particles that can cause short cuts to power supplies and sensitive circuitry, ultimately leading to critical infrastructure meltdown.

Of those data centres inspected specifically for Zinc Whiskers, more than a third (34 percent) were liable to Zinc Whisker infestation as a result of ageing infrastructure, a reduction in circuit voltages and currents, and the continued miniaturisation of electronic components.

Zinc Whiskers measure only a micron in diameter and originate from ageing galvanised floor tiles and metallic objects. Forming over time, the particles, when disturbed, can penetrate electronic hardware through vents or fans.

Although industry-wide the number of data centres affected is comparatively small, perhaps as little as one percent, David Hogg, Managing Director at 8 Solutions, says that part of the problem is knowing what to look for:

“When particles enter a data centre’s hardware, they form conductive structures that cause circuit trips and electrical failures,” he says. “However, the particles disintegrate when a short circuit occurs, and unless a technician is aware of this phenomenon, it may go undetected as the source of the problem.”

David says that because the whiskers are difficult to see with the naked eye, operators are sometimes oblivious to the problems they can cause: “It is hugely important for data centres to have a regular and thorough decontamination and deep clean of these environments, even though system operators may not believe there is a problem,” he continues.

“8 Solutions uses specialised scientific analysis to quickly identify whether Zinc Whiskers have formed, and if so, their stage of development, so that efficient and thorough cleaning can take place, helping to protect data centres and the critical infrastructure they support.”