Most Popular Data Center Environmental Sensors
Data center environmental sensors helps data center managers maintain uptime, increase energy efficiency, and remotely manage their data centers.
From temperature and humidity to other parameters like airflow, these sensors can be paired with modern data center management software to provide real-time insights and alerts, enabling proactive management and rapid response to potential issues.
There are many types of sensors and vendors on the market. If you are researching or planning to deploy data center environmental sensors, start by familiarizing yourself with this alphabetical list of some of the most popular sensors available.
Data Center Temperature Sensors
Constantly monitoring the temperature across your data center is vital for identifying the formation of hot spots that can damage infrastructure or understanding if you are overcooling racks and wasting money and energy.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that the temperature range at the server intake is between 18°-27°C / 65°-80°F and the exhaust temperature should be no less than 20°C / 35°F higher compared to the intake.
Some organizations make the costly mistake of only monitoring temperature at the room level, but ASHRAE suggests placing no less than six temperature sensors in each rack: one mounted at the top, middle, and bottom of both the front and back of the rack.
Popular data center temperature sensor vendors include:
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Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
| AKCP | Single Port Temperature Humidity Sensor | “Combining temperature and humidity into the one sensor frees up an additional intelligent sensor port on your base unit.” | |
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APC |
NetShelter Rack PDU Advanced Temperature Sensor |
“Best in class intelligent rack power distribution (PDU) with up to 50% more power, twice as many outlets, and a 4-in-1 combination outlet design for fast, flexible deployment in modern data centers.” |
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Aten |
Temperature Sensor – TAA Compliant EA1140 |
“For environmental monitoring and management, ATEN provides sensor probes that work in tandem with the Power Distribution Units, which enable you to get readings of temperature.” |
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AVTECH RoomAlert |
Digital Temperature Sensor |
“Provides real-time temperature values from -67 to 257° Fahrenheit or -55 to 125° Celsius when used with any Room Alert environment monitoring device.” |
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CPI |
60111-007 Temperature and Humidity Sensor with Display 3% Accuracy RH |
“Wall-mount temperature and humidity sensor with 3% accuracy for relative humidity accuracy, a three-digit LCD display, switch selectable temperature monitoring range and switchable relative humidity or dew point measurement.” |
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Monnit |
Wireless Temperature Sensors |
“Automated remote monitoring system to keep assets like food, vaccines, equipment, and environments at safe and comfortable temperatures 24/7.” |
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Panduit |
SmartZone™ G5 Temperature Environmental Sensor |
“Includes a 6.6-foot (2m) cable. The sensor measures 1.23 inches x 0.70 inches x .040 inches (44m x 21mm x 11mm).” |
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Raritan |
(DX2-T1) Temperature SmartSensor |
“Monitors and records temperature data.” |
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| RLE | Wing-T | "A complete system of sensors, gateway manager, and range extenders, RLE’s budget friendly, feature rich WiNG products are the new standard for wireless monitoring." | |
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Sensaphone |
IMS Solution Indoor Temperature Sensor |
“The line of IMS room temperature sensors will connect to any Sensaphone IMS series product to measure indoor temperatures. The electrical connection between the sensor and IMS unit is made via RJ-45 patch cable (not included).” |
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Trippe Lite by Eaton |
EnviroSense2 (E2) Environmental Sensor Module with Temperature, Humidity and Digital Inputs |
“Monitor ambient temperature and humidity, as well as contact closure status of alarm, security and telecom products.” |
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Vertiv |
Geist™ Temperature Sensor |
“Temperature sensor used to monitor temperature in critical environments.” |
Data Center Humidity Sensors
Humidity plays an important role in data centers and can have a negative impact on your infrastructure if not monitored properly. When the inside of a data center is too dry, a buildup of static electricity can occur.
Humidity monitoring also helps you correctly adjust set points to avoid wasting energy.
ASHRAE guidelines suggest that the relative humidity in a data center should measure between 40%-60%. Unlike temperature, humidity does not vary as fast, therefore needing fewer sensors. The standard ratio is one humidity sensor deployed for every five racks and placed in the front of the rack.
Popular data center humidity sensor vendors include:
|
Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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ACI |
Relative Humidity Room Thermistor |
“Relative Humidity, RH Outputs: 0-5, 0-10 VDC & 4-20mA (Default), Room (R2), ± 2% Accuracy, 20,000 Ohm Thermistor.” |
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AKCP |
Single Port Temperature and Humidity Sensor |
“Combining temperature and humidity into the one sensor frees up an additional intelligent sensor port on your base unit.”
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APC |
Temperature & Humidity Sensor |
“This Temperature & Humidity Sensor is a Universal sensor that monitors temperature and humidity in your Data Center or Network Closet. IT has an RJ-45 connector. The cord length is 3.9m.” |
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Aten |
Temperature & Humidity Sensor – TAA Compliant EA1240 |
“The PDU supports external, environment sensors that allow administrators to monitor temperature and humidity remotely. IT administrators can set environment thresholds to identify critical value and take preventive action before a system failure occurs – thereby helping to obtain the highest degree of availability for all mission-critical equipment.” |
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AVTECH RoomAlert |
Digital Temperature & Humidity Sensor |
“Monitor temperature, humidity, heat index (feels like temperature), and dew point. This sensor provides real-time temperature values from -40 to 185° Fahrenheit or -40 to 85° Celsius when used with any Room Alert environment monitoring device.” |
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CPI |
60111-007 Temperature and Humidity Sensor with Display 3% Accuracy RH |
“Wall-mount temperature and humidity sensor with 3% accuracy for relative humidity accuracy, a three-digit LCD display, switch selectable temperature monitoring range and switchable relative humidity or dew point measurement.” |
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Monnit |
Wireless Humidity and Temperature Sensors |
“Monnit ALTA® Humidity Sensors remotely monitor RH with a +/- 3% accuracy (between 10–90% RH), temperature, and dew point in facilities or enclosures. If the humidity exceeds your specified limits, these scientific-grade sensors instantly alert you via text, email, or call for swift correction.” |
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Packet Power |
E302 Environmental Monitoring Sensor |
“Packet Power Environmental Monitors allow you to map relative humidity by combining a precise measurement of the dew point and up to 6 distinct temperature points per monitor and an unlimited number of monitors, providing a 3D map of temperature and relative humidity distribution within your cabinets.” |
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Panduit |
SmartZone™ G5 3 Temperature and Humidity Sensor |
“The SmartZone™ G5 Three Temperature and One Humidity Sensor includes a 6.6 foot (2m) cable. The sensor measures 1.23 inches x 0.70 inches x 0.40 inches (44mm x 21mm x 11mm).” |
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Raritan |
Temperature and Humidity SmartSensor |
“(DS2-T1H1) Monitors and records temperature and humidity data.” |
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| RLE | WiNG-TH | "A complete system of sensors, gateway manager, and range extenders, RLE’s budget friendly, feature rich WiNG products are the new standard for wireless monitoring." |
Website Datasheet |
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Sensaphone |
IMS Solution Room Humidity Sensor |
“The IMS humidity sensors are designed to connect to the Sensaphone IMS series product line and monitor indoor humidity levels. The sensor is available with or without a local display. The electrical connection between the sensor and IMS unit is made via RJ-45 patch cable (not included).” |
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Tripp Lite by Eaton |
EnviroSense Rack Environment Sensor, Temperature, Humidity, Contact-Closure Inputs |
“ENVIROSENSE module (when used with SNMP/Web Cards or Intelligent PDUs) provides remote temperature/humidity monitoring and a dry-contact interface to monitor alarm, security and telecom devices.” |
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Vertiv |
Geist™ Temperature x3, Humidity, Dew Point Sensor
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“Temperature, humidity, and dew point sensor with dual inputs for included 3ft / .9m and 6ft / 1.8m temperature sensors for monitoring top, middle, and bottom of a rack or cabinet.” |
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Data Center Airflow Sensors
Ensuring ideal airflow within a data center is vital for preventing overheating and maintaining consistent temperature. However, the accumulation of cabling and other obstacles over time can impede airflow. It is important to continuously monitor airflow to guarantee efficient cooling and to identify any necessary adjustments.
To optimize airflow sensor placement, you should install sensors at each cold air supply and hot air return to accurately gauge airflow distribution throughout the environment.
Popular data center airflow sensor vendors include:
|
Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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AKCP |
Airflow Sensor AFS00 |
“Designed for systems that generate heat in the course of their operation and a steady flow of air is necessary to dissipate this heat generated.” |
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AVTECH RoomAlert |
Digital Temperature & Air Flow |
“This digital sensor monitors the air flow from vents, ducts and more in real-time to notify of changes or variables in air flow to help detect HVAC or ventilation problems and help you prevent costly downtime.” |
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Degree Controls |
Embedded Airflow Sensor |
“Measure air velocity, temperature, and humidity with best-in-class sensor accuracy, maximum versatility, and ease of use. Our embedded airflow sensors are designed with a wide range of configuration options and both analog and digital outputs.” |
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Raritan |
Airflow Management SmartSensor |
“(DS2-AF1) Monitors indoor airflow, measuring the increase and decrease of air movement and flow velocity.” |
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Sensaphone |
IMS Solution Air Flow Sensor |
“The air flow sensor is designed to monitor for the presence or absence of cool moving air. The sensor is compatible with both the IMS-1000E and IMS-4000E devices. The air flow sensor connects to the IMS via an RJ-45 cable (e.g. CAT5 cable).” |
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Vertiv |
Geist™ Temperature, Humidity, Dew Point, Airflow Sensor
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“Temperature, humidity, dew point, and airflow sensor used to monitor critical environments. Various sensor lengths available. Compatible with Vertiv™ Geist™ rPDUs and Environmental Monitors.” |
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Data Center Pressure Differential Sensors
In data centers with hot aisle/cold aisle setups employing variable speed fans, variations in airflow between aisles may inadvertently draw certain partitions, such as plastic curtains, into an aisle, resulting in air leaks. These leaks can compromise cooling efficiency and contribute to the formation of hot spots. Likewise, a chimney positioned above a rack generating high heat and air pressure may release hot air into an adjacent chimney situated above a rack with lower heat and air pressure.
Pressure differential sensors are typically positioned at both the upper and lower sections of racks, between aisles, beneath perforated floor tiles, and within vents and air plenums.
Popular data center pressure differential sensor vendors include:
|
Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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ACI |
Differential Low Pressure Sensor (DLP) |
“Differential Pressure, (0.5% Acc), 1, 2, 5, 10 inWC (Default), LCD, Unidirectional (Default), Bidirectional (Selectable), Pitot Tube & DIN Rail Clip.” |
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AKCP |
Cabinet Analysis Sensor |
“The Cabinet Analysis Sensor (CAS) features a cabinet thermal map for detecting hot spots and a differential pressure sensor for analysis of airflow.” |
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Ashcroft |
CXLdp Differential Pressure Transducer |
“The Ashcroft® CXLdp differential pressure transducer is designed for air handling applications including HVAC building systems, airflow metering and room pressurization control. It utilizes Ashcroft’s SiGlas™ technology that enables unrivaled measurement sensitivity and long term repeatability.” |
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Aten |
Differential Pressure & Temperature EA1340 |
“For environmental monitoring and management, ATEN provides sensor probes that work in tandem with the Power Distribution Units, which enable you to get readings of Differential Pressure & Temperature.” |
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InfraSensing |
Differential Air Pressure & Temperature Sensor |
“Designed in the USA for monitoring differential air pressure and air temperature in data centers, server rooms, healthcare facilities and other critical facilities.” |
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Packet Power |
E306 Environmental Monitoring Sensor |
“Using Packet Power's environmental monitor with a differential pressure sensor, you get comprehensive, real-time data on temperature, humidity and differential pressure.” |
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Raritan |
Temperature and Differential Air Pressure SmartSensor |
(DS2-T1DP1) Monitors temperature and differential air pressure data.” |
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| RLE | WiNG-DAP | "The WiNG-DAP monitors air pressure to help you better understand how air flows around your environment and validate infrastructure and airflow changes." |
Website Datasheet |
Data Center Water Leak Sensors
Water and electricity never mix, and you never want it to happen in your data center. Early detection of a water leak in the facility can give you enough time to prevent a serious catastrophe.
To make sure your data center is fully protected, manages should place a water sensor under each AC unit, around the perimeter of the room (50cm from the outer walls), and under the raised floor, or any water pipe running through the room.
Popular data center water leak sensor vendors include:
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Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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AKCP |
Spot Water Sensor |
“Designed to protect your electronic equipment from water damage. The Spot Water Sensor is an advanced microprocessor-based design capable of detecting distilled water.” |
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AVTECH RoomAlert |
Flood Sensor |
“Once liquid is detected the Flood Sensor triggers an alarm condition allowing other alert systems to take automatic corrective action.” |
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CPI |
Leak Detection Sensor Rope |
“The Sensor Rope detects the presence of water. The Sensor Rope is constructed of a strong, durable, non-conductive polymer to reduce false alarms, while remaining highly flexible for easy placement around equipment.” |
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Panduit |
G5 IPDU Water Sensor Spot Type |
“Includes a cable from PDU to sensor box measuring 16.4 feet (5m). The sensor measures 2.36 inches x 2.36 inches x 0.86 inches (60mm x 60mm x 22mm).” |
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Raritan |
Water/Lead Floor SmartSensor |
“(DX2-WSF-35-KIT, DX2-WSF-70-KIT, DX2-WSF-100-KIT) Detects the presence of water/glycol leaks.” |
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| RLE | WiNG-LD | "Wireless Leak Detection Paired with WiNG Technology." |
Website Datasheet |
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Tripp Lite by Eaton |
EnviroSense2 (E2) Water Leak Detection Sensor |
“Leak detection sensor works with compatible UPS or PDU to detect leakage of water or other electrically conductive fluid.” |
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Vertiv |
Geist™ Flood Sensor |
“0-5VDC conductivity based flood sensor used to detect the presence of water.” |
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Data Center Contact Closure Sensors
Installing contact closure sensors can be beneficial for data centers as they monitor physical states or conditions by detecting changes in electrical circuits.
Contact closure sensors can be used for monitoring the status (open or closed) of doors and cabinets. These sensors provide you with an added level of physical security by alerting if unauthorized access occurs and triggering an automated response. Often times contact sensors are connected to a third-party sensor like a smoke detector or a webcam that captures an image upon detecting the opening of a cabinet door.
Popular data center contact closure vendors include:
|
Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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AKCP |
Security Sensor |
“The Security sensor is a magnetic on/off switch for monitoring doors and windows. When the door, or window, opens the input signal is detected by the sensorProbe or securityProbe base unit.” |
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Aten |
Reed Door Sensor EA1442 |
“For the security of your data center, ATEN provides Reed Door sensor probes that work in tandem with the Power Distribution Units, which allows the monitoring of a rack mounted enclosure’s door access, notifying users when a door has been opened. Various conditions can be monitored with alarms according to customizable minimum/maximum settings.” |
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CPI |
36652-001 Door Sensor Kit for eConnect Electronic Access Control |
“Door Sensor Kit for eConnect Electronic Access Control with 4 door sensors; 4 conductor cables; 4 2-pin connectors. Use eConnect EAC Door Sensor Kit to generate output signals for remote access monitoring.” |
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InfraSensing |
Security Sensor Door Contact |
“The security door contact is a sensor that is mounted inside racks, cabinets or server room doors. It triggers an alert when the rack door is opened. The sensor directly plugs into the SensorGateway or the Sensorhub. The door contact sensor is a magnetic sensor with a self-adhesive or screw mount.” |
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Raritan |
Contact Closure SmartSensor |
“(DX2-CC2) Is an actuator that detects and controls a signal to/from connected third-party dry contacts.” |
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Vertiv |
Geist™ RDPS Door Position Sensor |
“Magnetic normally-closed dry-contact sensor used to monitor remote door position. Includes 30ft / 9.1m cable.” |
Data Center Vibration Sensors
Over time, vibrations within the data center may lead to disk drive damage and subsequent downtime. By charting vibration sensor data using DCIM software equipped with a Parts Management feature, organizations can readily pinpoint disk drives makes and models with heightened risk of failure across their global infrastructure.
To get the most out of vibration sensors, you should strategically place them near critical equipment, in server racks, under raised floor, close to HVAC systems, or on structural elements. These locations allow managers to properly monitor for vibrations and take proactive measures to avoid equipment damage and downtime.
Popular data center vibration vendors include:
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Vendor |
Sensor |
Description |
Links to Learn More |
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AKCP |
Vibration Sensor |
“Designed for protecting against forced entry and can be connected to both the sensorProbe or secutiryProbe base units.” |
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APC |
NetBotz Vibration Sensor |
“Universal Sensor that detects vibration in racks that may indicate movement of IT assets.” |
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Raritan |
Vibration Sensor |
“(DX2-VBR) Detects shock and vibrations over a range of frequencies.” |
Key Considerations When Selecting Data Center Environmental Sensors
When choosing which environmental sensors are right for your data center, consider these factors:
- Wired vs. wireless. Wired sensors are more reliable with consistent data transmission but can be complex and costly to install due to the need for physical cabling. Wireless sensors are easier and less expensive to install but may face interface and power issues.
- Accuracy and precision. High accuracy ensures the sensor’s readings closely match the truth value, while high precision ensures consistent readings under the same conditions. Both are needed for reliable data.
- Compatibility. Choose sensors that are compatible with the data center’s existing infrastructure, monitoring systems, network connectivity, and power sources for easy integration and scalability.
- Durability. Look for sensors that can withstand the demanding conditions of a data center including temperature spikes and humidity from brands with proven records of reliability and durability.
- Power requirements. Consider the power source and consumption of the sensors, especially for wireless ones, to ensure they can operate efficiently and require minimal maintenance.
- Maintenance. Assess the frequency and ease of maintenance and calibration required to keep the sensors functioning accurately over time.
- Vendor support and warranty. Evaluate the availability of customer support, technical assistance, and the warranty coverage to ensure long-term operation and support.
- Cost-effectiveness. Look at factors such as initial investment, installation fees, maintenance, and total cost of ownership to help evaluate the overall cost-effectiveness of the sensors.
Simplify Data Center Environment Monitoring with DCIM Software
Learning about and deploying environmental sensors are only the first steps in comprehensive data center environment monitoring.
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software should be leveraged to centrally monitor your data center environment. By collecting, storing, alerting, and reporting on the data from your environmental sensors, DCIM software can help you proactively manage your data center to maintain uptime and increase the energy efficiency of your data center.
With modern DCIM software, you can get:
- Enterprise-class polling. Collect over 10 billion points a day from temperature, humidity, water, air flow, pressure differential, contact closure, smoke, and door lock sensors.
- Better uptime. Set temperature and humidity thresholds and receive alerts when thresholds are crossed to address and resolve issues before they potentially damage equipment or cause downtime.
- Increased energy efficiency. Plot real-time temperature and humidity data automatically against ASHRAE standards or customized thermal boundaries to correctly adjust set points. Read the Vodafone case study to learn how they achieved this.
- Augmented reality views. Visualize real-time environmental sensor readings on top of your data center digital twin for an at-a-glance understanding of environmental health.
- Fast identification of hot spots. See thermal map time-lapse videos in vertical or horizontal views of your data center to analyze hot spots and identify the root cause.
- Multi-vendor support. Modern DCIM software will work with the third-party hardware and software you already have.
Bringing It All Together
It can be a challenge for data center managers to understand where their remote data center environmental monitoring journey begins. When you're unsure of what you need to be tracking in the first place, it is hard to know what to buy that can get you there.
That is why environmental sensors are a great tool to leverage in your data center. There are a wide variety of environmental sensors readily available for data center operators to purchase and deploy so they can monitor conditions and maintain an optimal environment.
The data points and trends collected from the sensors in combination with a strong DCIM solution can push performance to the next level. Data center management will always present a new obstacle, but the goals of maintaining uptime, increasing productivity, and having clear insight into what’s happening in the data center remains unchanged.
Want to see why the best data center managers leverage Sunbird’s DCIM software to monitor their environmental sensors? Get you free test drive today.