Hitachi F700 Hardware Reference Manual page 58

Noise Level
State
Operating (Recommended)
Note:
*
Fire suppression systems and acoustic noise:
Some data center inert gas fire suppression systems when activated release gas from
pressurized cylinders that moves through the pipes at very high velocity. The gas exits
through multiple nozzles in the data center. The release through the nozzles could
generate high-level acoustic noise. Similarly, pneumatic sirens could also generate
high-level acoustic noise. These acoustic noises may cause vibrations to the hard disk
drives in the storage systems resulting in I/O errors, performance degradation in and
to some extent damage to the hard disk drives. Hard disk drives (HDD) noise level
tolerance may vary among different models, designs, capacities and manufactures. The
acoustic noise level of 90 dB or less in the operating environment table represents the
current operating environment guidelines in which Hitachi storage systems are
designed and manufactured for reliable operation when placed 2 meters from the
source of the noise.
Hitachi does not test storage systems and data drives (includes HDDs, SSDs, and FMDs)
for compatibility with fire suppression systems and pneumatic sirens. Hitachi also does
not provide recommendations or claim compatibility with any fire suppression systems
and pneumatic sirens. The customer is responsible to follow their local or national
regulations.
To prevent unnecessary I/O error or damages to the hard disk drives in the storage
systems, Hitachi recommends the following options:
1. Install noise-reducing baffles to mitigate the noise to the hard disk drives in the
storage systems.
2. Consult the fire suppression system manufacturers on noise reduction nozzles to
reduce the acoustic noise to protect the hard disk drives in the storage systems.
3. Locate the storage system as far as possible from noise sources such as
emergency sirens.
4. If it can be safely done without risk of personal injury, shut down the storage
systems to avoid data loss and damages to the hard disk drives in the storage
systems.
Damage to the hard disk drives from fire suppression systems or pneumatic sirens will
void the hard disk drive warranty.
Appendix B: System specifications
Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform F700 Hardware Reference Guide
Environmental specifications
Condition
*
90 dB or less
58