computers and cold temperatures[OT]

[Doug]

On 11/12/2011 07:30 AM, Gilles Gravier wrote:
> And of course, if your environment is TOO DRY, then you have the risk of
> generating static electricity with moving parts (fans). So your humidity
> should be normal "house" type (70%). Not extra dry (20%). A datacenter
> is set for humidity between 45% and 55%. This is way too dry for a house
> with people in it. A desktop machine that isn't designed to be in a
> datacenter in controled environment, is actually designed to work with
> home type of environmental conditions.
>
> That said, I've seen at Morrocan ministry of education, years ago, a
> Data General Aviion server (runing UNIX), in a room, with holes in the
> wall instead of windows, no doors, and sand on the floor. The room was
> all but air conditionned. We were in Rabat, the political capital of
> Morroco... and the machine was rock stable... so your mileage may vary.
>
> Make sure, though, that whatever humidity level you have, you don't have
> condensation (which will generate short circuits).
>
> Gilles.
>
I think you'll find that 70% is too high for home comfort. Aprilaire, 
the manufacturer of humidifiers, says that a number between 45% and 55%
is ideal.  They could specify something higher and sell bigger 
humidifiers, but they don't.

--doug