CDCP Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) Questions and Answers

Availability is the degree to which a system, product or component is operational and accessible when required for use. It is one of the attributes of reliability, which is the ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions for a specified period of time. Availability can be calculated as the ratio of the expected value of the uptime (the time when the system is functional) to the total time (uptime plus downtime) of a system or component. Availability can also be influenced by factors such as maintainability, fault tolerance, redundancy, diagnostics, and logistics.

References: EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Preparation Guide, page 8; Availability - Wikipedia; Reliability - ISO 25000.

Damaged brand perception is an example of an indirect cost because it is not directly related to a specific product or service, but rather to the overall reputation and image of the company. Damaged brand perception can result from various factors, such as poor quality, customer dissatisfaction, security breaches, or negative publicity. Damaged brandperception can affect the company’s ability to attract and retain customers, partners, and investors, and thus reduce its profitability and competitiveness.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, Indirect Cost: Definition and Example, What Is Indirect Cost? Definition, Types and Examples.

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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 last stage in stages of combustion is flaming fire, which occurs when the fuel vapors and oxygen are mixed in the right proportion and ignited by a flame or a spark. Flaming fire is characterized by visible flames, intense heat, and rapid oxidation. Flaming fire can cause severe damage to the data center equipment, personnel, and business continuity. Therefore, it is important to prevent or suppress flaming fire as soon as possible using appropriate fire detection and suppression systems.

References:

•EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Preparation Guide, page 31

•[Fire Detection and Suppression Systems for Data Centers]

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

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.

A steam canister humidifier is a type of humidifier that uses electricity to heat water in a canister containing electrodes. The water conductivity and the water level determine the amount of current and steam production. The steam canister humidifier is also known as an electrode boiler humidifier or an electrode steam humidifier123.

References: 1: EPI Data Centre Professional (CDCP®) Reference Materials, page 192: Electrode and resistive type humidifiers compared | steamovap technologies inc3: Know-How | Electrode Steam Humidifier - Condair Group.

IP protection grades are a way of showing the effectiveness of electrical enclosures in blocking foreign bodies such as dust, moisture, liquids, and accidental contact. IP stands for Ingress Protection or International Protection, and it is defined by the international standard IEC 60529. IP ratings consist of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. The first digit indicates the level of protection the enclosure provides against access to hazardous parts and the ingress of solid foreign objects. The second digit indicates the level of protection the enclosure provides against the ingress of water or fluids. The higher the number, the better the level of protection. For example, IP65 means the enclosure is dust-tight and can withstand water jets from any direction. IP68 means the enclosure is dust-tight and can be submerged in water under specified conditions.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, IP code - Wikipedia, [IP Ratings Explained | Ingress Protection Rating | IP Codes | Updated 2022]

Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment, such as computers, servers, switches, cables, and wiring. These fires require the use of non-conductive extinguishing agents, such as carbon dioxide, dry chemical, or clean agent, to prevent electrical shock and damage to the equipment. Water-based extinguishers, such as Class A or K, are not suitable for Class C fires, as water can conduct electricity and cause electrocution or short circuits.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, ABCs of Fire Extinguishers

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

According to the IBM document on temperature and humidity design criteria1, the temperature and humidity values indicated on the display of the computer room air conditioner unit are the values measured at the intake of the air conditioner. This is because the intake is where the air conditioner draws the air from the computer room and cools and dehumidifies it before sending it back to the computer room. The display shows the current conditions of the computer room air, which are used to adjust the cooling and dehumidifying operations of the air conditioner. The values measured at the exhaust (outlet) of the air conditioner are not displayed, as they are not relevant for the computer room environment. The values measured at the front of the rack of the aisle the air conditioner is situated are also not displayed, as they may vary depending on the distance and location of the rack. The average value between the intake and exhaust (outlet) of the air conditioner is not displayed, as it does not reflect the actual conditions of the computer room air or the air conditioner performance.

References: 1: Temperature and humidity design criteria - IBM

The main difference between an Environmental Monitoring System (EMS) and a Building Management System (BMS) is that an EMS monitors only, while a BMS monitors and controls. An EMS is a system that collects and records data from various sensors and devices that measure environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, power, and water. An EMS provides alerts and reports based on the data, but it does not control or adjust the environmental conditions. A BMS is a system that integrates and manages various building systems, such as HVAC, lighting, security, fire, and access. A BMS not only monitors the data from these systems, but also controls and optimizes them to achieve the desired performance and efficiency. A BMS can also communicate with an EMS to receive data and provide feedback.

References:

1: Environmental Monitoring Systems vs Building Management Systems2, page 1, section 1 3: Building Monitoring System vs Environmental Monitoring System4, page 1, section 1 5: BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND HOW THEY MEET GMP …6, page 1, section 1 7: Environmental Monitoring System vs. Building Management System8, page 1, section 1

According to the Raised Floor Installation Manual, the best practice for cutting holes in the raised floor tile is to draw a cross on the tile and when making a cut-out do not touch a line and avoid the corners1. This ensures that the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the tile are not compromised. Cutting holes anywhere, touching the line, or cutting the corners can weaken the tile and cause it to crack or collapse1. Additionally, the manual recommends using a drill press or a reciprocating saw with a metal or bi-metal cutting blade, and deburring all sharp edges1.

References: 1: Raised Floor Installation Manual, E. Recommended Cutting Tools, Page 1

The current recommended temperature for ICT equipment as described in the ASHRAE TC 9.9 guideline is 18-27 C (64.4 - 80.6°F). This is the recommended range for the dry-bulb temperature at the inlet of the servers, which is the most critical parameter for ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of the ICT equipment. The recommended range is based on the thermal specifications of the majority of the ICT equipment in the market, as well as the energy efficiency and environmental considerations of the data centre cooling systems. The recommended range is suitable for Classes A1 to A4 of the ASHRAE thermal guideline classes, which cover different types and generations of ICT equipment.

References:

1: 2021 Equipment Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments - ASHRAE2, page 1, Table 2.1 3: ASHRAE TC9.9 Data Center Power Equipment Thermal Guidelines and Best Practices4, page 10, section 2.1 5: Does your Data Center Follow ASHRAE TC 9.9 Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments?6, page 1, section 1

According to the CDCP Preparation Guide1, magnetic fields of the type ‘H’ or ‘B’ are created when an electric current flows through a conductor, such as a wire or a coil. The magnetic field strength ‘H’ is proportional to the current ‘I’ and the number of turns ‘N’ of the coil, and inversely proportional to the length ‘l’ of the coil. The magnetic flux density ‘B’ is proportional to the magnetic field strength ‘H’ and the permeability ‘μ’ of the medium in which the magnetic field exists. The greater the current, the stronger the magnetic field and the magnetic flux density. The relationship between ‘H’, ‘B’, ‘I’, ‘N’, ‘l’, and ‘μ’ can be expressed by the following equations:

H = N I / l

B =μH

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 23, section 2.4.2.1 2: Difference between B and H in magnetic fields?3, page 1, section 1 4: Magnetic field | Definition & Facts5, page 1, section 1

The four main components of a refrigeration circuit are the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, and the expansion valve, according to the CDCP Preparation Guide1 and various web sources234. A refrigeration circuit is a system that transfers heat from a low-temperature region to a high-temperature region, using a working fluid called refrigerant. The refrigeration circuit operates in a closed loop, where the refrigerant changes its state from liquid to vapor and back to liquid, while absorbing and releasing heat. The four main components of the refrigeration circuit perform the following functions:

•The evaporator is a heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the low-temperature region, such as the data centre room, and transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant enters the evaporator as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, and leaves the evaporator as a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor.

•The compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant vapor. The refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor, and leaves the compressor as a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor.

•The condenser is another heat exchanger that releases heat from the refrigerant to the high-temperature region, such as the outside air or water. The refrigerant enters the condenser as a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor, and leaves the condenser as a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid.

•The expansion valve is a device that reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant liquid. The refrigerant enters the expansion valve as a high-pressure, low-temperature liquid, and leaves the expansion valve as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. The expansion valve also controls the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator, depending on the cooling load.

References:

1: CDCP Preparation Guide, page 19, section 2.3.3 2: The Refrigeration Cycle5, page 1, section 1 3: Fundamentals of Cooling in Data Center6, page 1, section 1 4: The Refrigeration System, Its Four Main Components, And Their Functions7, page 1, section 1

According to the EPI Data Centre Training Framework, lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular in data centres due to their higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lower maintenance costs compared to lead-acid batteries1. However, lithium-ion batteries also have some drawbacks, such as higher initial cost, stricter safety requirements, and potential thermal runaway risks1. Therefore, a battery management system (BMS) is essential to monitor and control the voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge of each battery cell or module, and to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, or overheating23. A BMS can also communicate with the UPS system and provide information on the battery status, performance, and health2.

References: 1: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, Module 5: Power, Section 5.3.2: Battery Technologies, Page 5-19 2: Benefits of Lithium-ion batteries for data centers at the edge,Data Center Knowledge, Page 1 3: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Data Centers, Data Center Systems, Inc, Page 1

Infrared humidifiers are a type of humidifier that use quartz lamps to heat water in an open pool and evaporate it into the air. They are energy-intensive and require frequent maintenance and cleaning. They are not recommended for data centers, as they can introduce contaminants and bacteria into the air, and increase the risk of fire and electrical hazards.

References: EPI Data Centre Training Framework, CDCP Preparation Guide, Make Humidification Adjustments | ENERGY STAR