Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/809568
THE DATA CENTER JOURNAL | 19 www.datacenterjournal.com Another concern is the custom- er's long-term strategy for controlling HVAC infrastructure. Specifically, will a single vendor provide enough options and have enough longevity to support the customer's needs for a long enough time to amortize the investment? Kaler said, "I do think proprietary controls can limit what you can use, and they will almost certainly make it more difficult to use other vendor's products if a transla- tor doesn't exist." To an extent, the presence of translators mitigates this concern in some cases, but they also involve another layer of technology— and the issues that can arise as a result. More important, however, is the need for consistency. "With regard to pro- prietary or nonproprietary controls, I think it's a case where you have to go 'all in.' Doing so can trap you if you go down the proprietary route, but once you make a choice you should stick with it," Kaler added. So, perhaps more important than finer points related to the capabilities of this or that technology is whether a company believes it can sustain one overall approach or the other (i.e., proprietary versus nonproprietary controls). If it's willing to stick with a particular vendor over the long term, taking on all the concomitant risks, then the proprietary route is a legiti- mate option. But considering the costs of switching, and if greater flexibility is important, a standard route may be the only acceptable choice. Such con- siderations are likely the main reason why the industry largely uses non- proprietary controls—and why many proprietary controls have translators to standard protocols. concluSIonS Given the relative rarity of proprietary HVAC controls, custom- ers are more likely to be considering primarily (if not exclusively) standard protocols for their data centers. As a result, the question of proprietary controls may not even arise. But in some cases, it will be a concern, and in those cases the customer must make a decision with long-term im- plications. In particular, choosing the proprietary route could, even though it may offer some immediate benefits, cause a number of problems later on. And if switching from proprietary to nonproprietary (or vice versa) is costly, difficult or both, making the right choice now is all the more crucial. n A few simple changes to wiring and grounding can make a big impact. Let CDA help you protect your facility from a serious hit to productivity and more. If your facility isn't properly wired and grounded, you can experience some major consequences from lightning or other power fluctuations. Visit copper.org/pq to learn tips and suggestions that others have applied in a cost-effective manner. Getting the wiring and grounding right is fundamental to reliability. Our white papers and videos help you figure it out. And we can present an informative group seminar to your staff or organization. Together, we can help shield your facility from power quality issues. *Check with your board for approval guidelines. No charge for non-profits; for-profit companies only pay for CDA's travel expenses. Please see our web site for available topics. Free in-house seminars that may lead to PDHs*! Visit copper.org/pq to set one up today!