CDCP Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) Question and Answers

Back-up generators are essential for providing power to the data centre in case of a utility outage. However, back-up generators also generate a lot of heat, which needs to be dissipated by a cooling system. The cooling system may rely on water supply, either from the municipal network or from a dedicated tank. If the water supply fails, the cooling system may not function properly, leading to overheating and potential damage to the generators. This could compromise the reliability and availability of the data centre power supply and cause downtime or data loss.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 18, section 2.3.2 2: Data Center Generator Cooling Systems3, page 1, section 1 4: Data Center Cooling Systems5, page 1, section 1

A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) that is categorized as VFD class is not a fit for your mission-critical data centre, because it does not provide adequate protection against voltage and frequency variations. VFD stands for Voltage and Frequency Dependent, which means that the output voltage and frequency of the UPS depend on the input voltage and frequency. VFD UPSs are also known as offline, standby, or line-interactive UPSs. They typically switch to battery power only when the input power fails or goes beyond a certain threshold. However, this switching may cause a brief interruption or a transient in the output power, which can affect the performance and reliability of the ICT equipment. Moreover, VFD UPSs do not filter or regulate the input power, which means that they pass on any voltage or frequency fluctuations, harmonics, or noise to the output power. These power quality issues can also damage or degrade the ICT equipment and the data.

For your mission-critical data centre, you need a UPS that is categorized as VFI class, which stands for Voltage and Frequency Independent. VFI UPSs are also known as online, continuous, or double-conversion UPSs. They provide a constant and clean output power that is independent of the input power. VFI UPSs convert the input AC power to DC power, and then convert it back to AC power with the desired voltage and frequency. This double conversion process isolates the output power from the input power, and eliminates any power quality issues. VFI UPSs also have zero switching time, which means that they do not cause any interruption or transient in the output power when switching to battery power. VFI UPSs are designed to protect the ICT equipment and the data from any adverse effects of voltage and frequency variations, and to ensure the highest level of availability and reliability.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 17, section 2.3.1 2: Understanding UPS Classification: Fuji Electric’s Technical Guide3, page 1, section 1 4: Uninterruptible Power Supplies Key Product Criteria5, page 1, section 1 6: UPS Function: Reduced Input Voltage for VFDs - KEB7, page 1, section 1

According to the EPI Data Centre Training Framework, an isolation transformer is a device that transfers electrical power from one circuit to another without changing the voltage or frequency, but providing galvanic isolation1. Galvanic isolation means that there is no direct electrical connection between the input and output circuits, which can prevent ground loops, reduce noise, and improve safety2. An isolation transformer can also provide voltage stepdown or stepup, create a local ground-bonded neutral, reduce harmonic currents, and provide taps for abnormal mains voltage3.

The location of the isolation transformer in relation to the ICT equipment depends on the purpose and design of the transformer. In general, the isolation transformer should be as close as possible to the ICT equipment, but taking into account potential EMF4. EMF is a form of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can affect the performance and reliability of the ICT equipment5. The closer the isolation transformer is to the ICT equipment, the shorter the cable length and the lower the voltage drop and power loss4. However, the isolation transformer should also be far enough from the ICT equipment to avoid EMF, which can be reduced by using proper shielding, grounding, and spacing5.

The isolation transformer should not be installed as far away as possible to the ICT equipment, as option B suggests, because this would increase the cable length and the voltage drop and power loss4. The isolation transformer does not have to be installed within the power entry point of the building, as option C suggests, because this is not a requirement of the electrical code or regulation, and it may not be optimal for the data centre power system. The isolation transformer should not be installed within the rack in which the ICT equipment has been installed, as option D suggests, because this would increase the heat load and the noise level in the rack, and it may not fit in the rack space.

References: 1: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, Module 5: Power, Section 5.4.3: Isolation Transformers, Page 5-38 2: Guidelines for using isolation transformers in data center UPS systems - EEP1, Page 1 3: The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems2, Page 2 4: Data Center Transformer | Power Distribution - FGC Construction3, Page 1 5: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, Module 5: Power, Section 5.4.1: Electromagnetic Interference, Page 5-34 : Data centre transformers manufacturers - TMC Transformers4, Page 1 : The Role of Isolation Transformers in Data Center UPS Systems2, Page 25

According to the EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Preparation Guide, Class K fires involve cooking appliances that use combustible cooking media such as vegetable or animal oils and fats (page 28). Class K fires require special extinguishing agents that can suppress the high-temperature flames and prevent re-ignition. Class K fires are different from Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or paint.

References:

•EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Preparation Guide, page 28

•Fire Classes and Extinguishing Agents | The Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association

A service corridor is a dedicated space within or adjacent to a data centre that allows access to the supporting facilities, such as power, cooling, fire suppression, security, and cabling systems, without interfering with the computer room operations. A service corridor helps to isolate the noise, vibration, heat, and dust generated by the supporting facilities from the sensitive equipment in the computer room. A service corridor also enhances the safety and efficiency of the maintenance and monitoring activities, as well as the flexibility and scalability of the data centre design.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, Service Corridors Definition | Law Insider

Mean time between failures (MTBF) is a measure of the reliability of a system or component. It represents the average time that a system or component will operate before it fails. The higher the MTBF, the more reliable the system or component is. MTBF is calculated by dividing the total time of operation by the number of failures that occur during that time. MTBF is used to compare the reliability of similar systems or components, and to help with maintenance planning, inventory management, and system design.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, Reliability Metrics 101: Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)

According to the CDCP® Preparation Guide, Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood and cloth. These materials leave behind ash or embers when they burn. Class A fires can be extinguished by water or other cooling agents that reduce the temperature of the fuel below its ignition point.

References: CDCP® Preparation Guide, page 30. Basics of Fire Protection in a Data Center. 3 Levels of Data Center Fire Protection Standards. Three Levels of Data Center Fire Protection.

The minimum clearance space required below water sprinkler heads and nozzles of gas-based fire suppression systems is 46 cm / 18 inches, according to the CDCP Preparation Guide1 and OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.159 © (10)2. This clearance space is necessary to ensure that the sprinkler spray or gas discharge can reach the fire and cover the protected area effectively. Any material or obstruction below this clearance space can interfere with the sprinkler or gas distribution and reduce the fire suppression performance. Therefore, building owners and managers should ensure that all storage and objects in the data centre are kept below this clearance space, and that the clearance space is maintained at all times.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 24, section 2.4.3 2: Clarification of OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.159©(10), Sprinkler …3, page 1, section 1

A physical infrastructure in a Data Center consists of racks, which are metal frames used to store and organize server and other IT equipment. The racks are usually arranged in rows and columns, and they can be used to hold servers, storage devices, and other pieces of IT equipment. The racks can also be used to organize cables and other components to ensure that the Data Center is kept organized and efficient.

According to the CDCP® Preparation Guide, smoke detectors are the most common type of fire detection devices used in data centers, as they can detect a fire in its early stages and provide early warning to the occupants and authorities. Smoke detectors can be either spot-type or air-aspirating, depending on the design and goals of the data center. Spot-type detectors are inexpensive and simple, but may cause activation delay and false alarms. Air-aspirating detectors are more sensitive and reliable, but may require more maintenance and installation costs. Both types of detectors should be installed in accordance with the relevant standards and codes, such as NFPA 72 and EN 54.

References: CDCP® Preparation Guide, page 30-31. Evaluating Fire Detection Options For Data Centers. Fire Detection and Suppression Systems in a Data Center.

Optical fiber cables are composed of a core, a cladding, and a coating. The core is the central part of the fiber that carries the light signal. The cladding is the layer surrounding the core that reflects the light back into the core and prevents signal loss. The coating is the protective layer that covers the cladding and provides mechanical strength and environmental protection. The specifications of an optical fiber cable indicate the dimensions of the core and the cladding in microns (μm), which are one millionth of a meter. For example, a 50/125 μm cable has a core diameter of 50 μm and a cladding diameter of 125 μm. The coating diameter is usually 250 μm, but it is not part of the specifications.

References: Multimode Optical Fiber Selection & Specification - Corning, Optical Fiber OM3 (50/125µm Multimode Fiber), 50/125 Graded-Index OM2 Optical Fiber - OFS

Measuring business value is the process of assessing the benefits and costs of IT investments and initiatives in relation to the strategic objectives and priorities of the organization. One of the factors that can be used to measure business value is scalability, which is the ability of a system or component to handle increasing workloads or demands without compromising performance, quality, or functionality. Scalability is important for business value because it enables the organization to adapt to changing market conditions, customer expectations, and growth opportunities. Scalability can also reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. Therefore, scalability is one of the factors that can be used in measuring business value.

References:

•EPI Data Centre Training Framework1

•EPI Data Centre Competence Framework2

•Measuring the Business Value of IT3

•How to Measure the Business Value with Effective Data Quality Governance

•7 Rules for Demonstrating the Business Value of IT

MTBF stands for Mean Time Between Failures, and it is the arithmetic mean of time between the failing and the subsequent running of the system in a particular time period. MTBF is a measure of reliability that indicates how often a system or component fails during its operation. MTBF can be calculated by dividing the total operating time by the number of failures over a given period. For example, if a system operates for 1000 hours and experiences 5 failures, the MTBF is 1000/5 = 200 hours.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, MTBF, MTTR, MTTF, MTTA: Understanding incident metrics - Atlassian

A design consideration that should be implemented with an Inergen-based fire suppression system is to install pressure relief valves in the room that needs protection. Inergen is a clean agent fire suppression system that uses a mixture of inert gases (nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide) to displace the oxygen in the room and extinguish the fire. However, when Inergen is released into the room, it creates a sudden increase in pressure, which can damage the walls, doors, windows, and ceilings of the room. To prevent this, pressure relief valves are required to vent the excess pressure to the outside and maintain a safe pressure level inside the room. Pressure relief valves should be designed and installed in accordance with the relevant standards and codes, such as NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 24, section 2.4.3 2: Data Center Fire Suppression Systems Bring Unexpected Risk3, page 1, section 1 4: Inergen from Fire Eater - CSC Datacenter5, page 1, section 1 6: Inergen Fire Suppression System7, page 1, section 1

According to the IEEE definition, reliability is the ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. Reliability is a measure of how often a system or component fails, and how long it takes to recover from a failure. Reliability is closely related to availability, which is the degree to which a system or component is operational and accessible when required for use. Reliability and availability are both affected by factors such as design, maintenance, testing, and environmental conditions.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, Reliability engineering - Wikipedia

The most damaging type of floor load for raised floor tiles in a data centre is the rolling load (RL), according to the CDCP Preparation Guide1 and various web sources234. A rolling load is the load that is applied by a moving object, such as a pallet jack, a forklift, or a rack on wheels. A rolling load can cause more stress and fatigue on the raised floor tiles than a static load, such as a concentrated load (CP) or a uniformly distributed load (UDL), because it creates dynamic forces and impacts that can crack, dent, or deform the tiles. Moreover, a rolling load can also damage the pedestals and stringers that support the tiles, and cause the tiles to become loose or misaligned. Therefore, when designing and installing a raised floor system, it is important to consider the maximum rolling load that the tiles can withstand, and to use appropriate materials and methods to enhance the strength and durability of the tiles. For example, some possible solutions include using steel or concrete-filled tiles, reinforcing the edges and corners of the tiles, and using locking or gravity-held systems to secure the tiles.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 23, section 2.4.2 2: Top 5 Considerations - Selecting a Data Center Raised Floor Tile5, page 1, section 1 3: Raised Floor Systems: Explained, Improved and Reinvented6, page 1, section 1 4: Raised Floor Systems: Common Problems and Solutions7, page 1, section 1

According to the EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Reference Materials, the recommended number of monitoring points for temperature measurement in a data centre is 3 per rack: one at the top, one at the middle, and one at the bottom1. This is to ensure that the temperature distribution within the rack is uniform and within the acceptable range for the equipment. The temperature sensors should be placed at the front of the rack, where the air enters the equipment, and not at the back, where the hot air exits1.

References: 1: EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Reference Materials, page 23.

An ultrasonic humidifier is a type of cool mist humidifier that uses a metallic diaphragm that vibrates at high frequencies to create water droplets that are added to the air. A fan projects these droplets into the air as mist, which then evaporates and humidifies the room. This type of humidifier rapidly vibrates the water to create a fog or mist.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, How Humidifiers Can Help Allergies, Humidifier Buying Guide: Pros and Cons of Different Types.