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Temperature Standards for High-Performance Data Centers

6 min read

Did you know that, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), hot and humid data centers can have failure rates up to 260% higher than a properly cooled facility? High heat and a wide server room humidity range can wreak havoc on sensitive equipment, so maintaining the right temperature isn’t just a luxury — it's essential for keeping operations running smoothly. The challenges of managing temperature-related problems are constant. That’s why Brady offers heat-resistant identification solutions designed to safeguard data centers from the damaging effects of temperature extremes.

How temperature control impacts data centers

Uptime Institute found that over 65% of data center operators have experienced at least one temperature-related outage in the past year, with an average outage length of 7 hours. It’s clear that when it comes to data center temperature, high heat can have a direct negative impact on several aspects of a facility.

  • Equipment performance
    Overheating can accelerate wear and tear on hardware, causing components to malfunction or even fail.
  • Data integrity
    Extreme temperatures can lead to data corruption, cause system crashes and potentially expose data to security vulnerabilities.
  • Energy consumption
    Inconsistent temperatures can increase the need for additional cooling, driving up energy consumption and missing the mark for data center cooling standards.
  • Overall efficiency
    Increased energy use and equipment failures can hinder the overall performance of a data center.

To mitigate these risks, data center temperature standards and best practices — such as those set by ASHRAE(opens in a new tab) and the Uptime Institute(opens in a new tab) — offer guidelines for managing temperature in a way that promotes both equipment longevity and operational efficiency. ASHRAE recommends a temperature range of 64°F to 81°F (18°C to 27°C) for data centers. For humidity, they suggest a relative humidity range of 20% to 80%. Adhering to data center temperature and humidity standards helps maintain the ideal temperature range, which also supports a data center’s tier classification by improving redundancy and uptime reliability.

Why temperature matters for data center labeling

Extreme heat and a wide data center humidity range can significantly impact a label's performance over time. If labels aren’t designed to withstand these conditions, these harsh environments will ultimately compromise the effectiveness of the label.

  • Color fading and discoloration
    High heat can cause colors to fade or change, making it difficult to read important information. This deterioration occurs as the pigments in the label material break down over time due to temperature exposure.
  • Adhesive failure
    Heat can weaken or soften the adhesive used on traditional labels, leading to peeling or detachment. Cold temperatures or dry air can cause the adhesive to become brittle and lose its ability to stick properly, causing labels to shift positions or fall off completely.
  • Label distortion
    Exposure to high temperatures can cause labels to warp, curl or distort, making them shift out of place or difficult to read. Conversely, extremely cold conditions can cause labels to become stiff, leading to cracking or splitting.
  • Ink smudging
    Excessive heat can cause ink to run or smudge, especially if they’re printed with low-quality materials. This results in blurred or illegible text, rendering the label useless.
A data center technician uses a barcode scanner to identify server rack cables.

Consequences of illegible labels

Once labels have become illegible, significant operational challenges will start to arise. Troubleshooting will become difficult and the risk for downtime increases, leading to even more problems.

  • Troubleshooting difficulty
    Illegible or missing labels can significantly hinder the troubleshooting and maintenance processes. Technicians and operators rely on clear labeling to quickly identify equipment or systems, and without this, diagnosing issues becomes time-consuming and error-prone.
  • Increased downtime and repair costs
    When labels are illegible, the inability to quickly identify problems can lead to prolonged downtime. This not only impacts operations but also increases repair costs as more time and resources are needed to locate the right components or systems.
  • Higher potential for errors
    Incorrectly identifying equipment or systems due to faded or damaged labels can lead to serious mistakes, like using the wrong parts or following the wrong maintenance procedures.
  • Safety hazards
    Illegible labels can create safety risks, particularly in environments where specific warnings or handling instructions are crucial. If a safety label is unreadable, employees might not be aware of potential hazards, leading to accidents and unsafe working conditions.

The best way to mitigate these risks is to use temperature-resistant labels that will remain legible and stuck in place, even in extreme conditions. These consequences highlight the importance of choosing the right cable labels.

The importance of temperature-resistant labels

Temperature-resistant labels are designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions, including both high and low temperatures. These specialized labels are essential in ensuring that information remains clear, accurate and visible, even in harsh settings.

  • Durable adhesives: Designed to maintain strong adhesion even in high-heat environments, preventing labels from peeling or falling off.
  • High temperature label materials: Constructed to withstand extreme temperatures without warping or cracking, ensuring the label stays intact and functional.
  • Fade-resistant inks: Printed with inks that resist fading or discoloration, ensuring the label remains legible and readable even after prolonged exposure to heat.
  • Won’t degrade: Engineered to resist damage from both high and low temperatures, preventing issues like smudging, distortion or adhesive failure, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.

Thanks to their durability and reliable performance, heat-resistant labels help data centers maintain compliance with industry best practices while preventing unnecessary downtime.

A labeled server rack panel in a cooled data center environment.

Brady solutions for harsh temperatures

As technology continues to evolve, data centers are under increasing pressure to maintain optimal performance. Brady offers a comprehensive range of heat-resistant labeling solutions that keeps up with intense data center demands. Find labels for cables and wires like flags, wraps and sleeves; or durable labels for equipment, safety and other assets.

  • Specialized adhesives designed to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining a strong bond to various surfaces, even in high-heat environments.
  • Durable materials such as polyester and vinyl, offering durability and resistance to wear and tear in harsh conditions.
  • Print ribbons designed for high-temperatures ensure clear, legible labeling even under high heat, ensuring ink doesn’t fade or smudge.
  • Label printers for on-site label creation allowing for quick adjustments and labeling needs.
  • Maintain compliance with Brady’s heat-resistant labeling solutions, designed to meet ASHRAE data center standards for temperature control.
A server rack in a data center following proper cooling data center temperature guidelines.

Tips for using heat-resistant labels

  • Choose the right label material and adhesive:
    • Select materials like polyester or vinyl that are known for their durability in high-temperature environments.
    • Ensure the adhesive is specifically designed for high temperatures — look for options that can withstand both heat and cold without losing effectiveness.
  • Correct label placement and application:
    • Apply labels to clean, dry surfaces to ensure proper adhesion.
    • When possible, place labels in locations that are easily visible and accessible.
  • Inspections and label replacements:
    • Periodically inspect labels for signs of fading, peeling or damage and promptly replace labels if needed.
    • Conduct regular checks as part of routine maintenance schedules to ensure labels remain intact and up to date.

How Brady can help

Investing in durable labels is an effective way for data centers to achieve significant long-term cost savings by reducing downtime, minimizing errors and extending the lifespan of equipment.

If you’re unsure about the effectiveness of your labeling system or need guidance on selecting the right solutions, reach out to a Brady expert to help you find the best options tailored to your specific needs. Our products are rooted in materials science and engineered to be durable and reliable in even the most challenging conditions. With over 100 years of identification experience, Brady is committed to providing innovative and dependable labeling solutions designed to perform in data center environments.