Data Centers | Informative | Telecommunication Spaces Have You Heard of Zinc Whiskers and Their Potential Risks in Data Centers? Zinc whiskers are microscopic, hair-like filaments that can grow on electroplated zinc surfaces—often found on raised floor panels or metal hardware in data centers. Though tiny, they pose a serious threat to sensitive electronic equipment. When disturbed—by actions like lifting floor tiles, installing racks, or moving equipment—zinc whiskers can break off and become airborne. These conductive particles may then infiltrate servers and network hardware, potentially causing: ⚠ Short circuits ⚠ Voltage fluctuations ⚠ System crashes or data corruption ⚠ Unexpected power supply failures ⛔ Preventive Steps to Safeguard Your Data Center Regular Inspections Routinely inspect raised floors, brackets, and other zinc-coated components for whisker formation. Material Replacement Use stainless steel, aluminum, or powder-coated finishes instead of zinc-plated materials. Containment Measures Deploy HEPA filters and air containment systems to prevent airborne spread. Environmental Control Control humidity and temperature to reduce conditions favorable for whisker growth. Staff Training Educate maintenance and IT personnel to recognize and safely manage whisker-prone materials. Summary Zinc whiskers may be invisible to the naked eye, but their impact can be costly and disruptive. Implementing proper inspection, containment, and replacement protocols can help ensure the continued reliability and integrity of your data center infrastructure. Protect your uptime—be zinc whisker aware!