Data center power monitoring system

What is power monitoring?

Power monitoring is part of data center monitoring, or the monitoring of all the critical systems in a data center. Data center monitoring can be broken down into three categories: Simply put, DCIM refers to the management of a data center’s infrastructure.

What is data center power monitoring?

The first step in data center power monitoring involves the establishment and management of redundant and uninterruptible power supplies. A power monitoring system or tool then monitors these supplies in the data center. Why is data center power monitoring important? Even the slightest fluctuation in a power supply can cause damage to an IT system.

What is data center infrastructure monitoring?

Data center infrastructure monitoring is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. There are many parameters you could monitor: power, energy, temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. There are also multiple levels in the power hierarchy that monitoring could be deployed at: main feeds, PDUs, cabinets, busways, servers, etc.

Why should data center managers monitor energy usage?

Data center managers can use energy usage data to help ensure the facility runs more smoothly. Monitoring can also save money by reducing costs and extending the life of critical equipment. Implementing power and environmental monitoring can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

What makes a good power monitoring system?

Flexibility, adaptability, accuracy, communications, and device functionality are important characteristics of a successful power monitoring system. Industry Perspectives is a content channel at Data Center Knowledge highlighting thought leadership in the data center arena. See our guidelines and submission process for information on participating.

Why should a data center monitor power usage?

Power usage in a data center fluctuates constantly. Managing it well extends the useful life of the facility. Monitoring information can help allocate operating costs, ensure power is used effectively, minimize cooling costs, avoid hot spots and outages, and track compliance with regulations and service level agreements.