Server Room Monitoring: Security for Your Data Center

Didactum Small AC Current Transformer

Compact Hall Effect Probe for Smaller AC Circuits The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe is a simple open-loop Hall effect AC current transducer (open-loop ammeter) in a particularly compact design that measures current on a conductor contactlessly without disconnecting it. The cable to be measured is passed through the opening of the ring-shaped transducer; the probe converts the measured AC current into a proportional 0–5 V DC output signal. This article refers to the AC-50 model with a rated current of 50 A and a measuring range of 0–50 A — ideal for individual circuits, outgoing feeders, and smaller to medium-sized loads. ⚠️ Important note: The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe measures the current on the conductor, but it cannot transmit the measurement signal to a monitoring system on its own. You also need the Didactum AC Current Transformer, part no. DI14030-AC, which acts as a transceiver, receives the probe’s 0–5 V signal, and forwards it via an analog port (A1…A8) to the Didactum monitoring system. Without the DI14030-AC, no display, analysis, or alarm notification of the measured values is possible. Design Current Probe Design The current probe consists of a compact ring-shaped transducer head with a pass-through opening and a 3-pin connection terminal. 1 Pass-through opening The cable to be measured is routed through the opening in the ring-shaped compact transducer core. The probe measures the current contactlessly via the magnetic field that is generated. 2 Mounting tabs Two mounting tabs on the housing used to secure the probe with screws and nuts. 3 3-pin connection terminal (pitch 3.81 mm) Three-pin terminal for wiring to the Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC. Pin assignment: + (+12 V DC supply), G (Ground), M (0–5 V measurement signal). ℹ️ Note on confusion: The AC-50 probe has a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M). The larger K6A model for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). When connecting, make sure the wires are assigned correctly according to the terminal labeling. Installation Mounting and Connection The current probe and the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) are installed together. 1 Mount the probe Secure the current probe in a suitable location with screws and nuts. Route the cable to be measured through the probe’s pass-through opening. 2 Wiring to current transformer DI14030-AC Connect the 3 wires of the terminal (+, G, M) to the 3-pin input terminal of the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) according to the wiring assignment. 3 Connect to the monitoring system Connect the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) to a free analog port (A1…A8) of the Didactum monitoring system or an 8-port sensor expansion unit using an RJ11 cable. ⚠️ Safety instructions: The regulations applicable to installation in the respective country and the relevant accident prevention regulations must be observed, as well as internal company work, operating, and safety regulations. The specified technical limits, especially insulation voltage and ambient temperature range, must under no circumstances be exceeded. Before installation, check the maximum permissible conductor diameter and the maximum insulation voltage of the probe. Web interface Full Control over Thresholds, Trends, and Automation Via the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC), the probe integrates seamlessly into the Didactum web interface. Individual thresholds (Lower Critical, Lower Warning, Normal, Upper Warning, Upper Critical) for each measurement point Logic schemes for automated actions when limit values are exceeded, e.g. in case of overload Clear, individually configurable dashboard Graphical trend display and continuous logging of measured values Notifications via email, SMS, SNMP trap, and other channels Application examples Use Cases for the Current Probe Monitoring circuits and feeders in electrical distribution panels to detect overloads Monitoring motors, pumps, compressors, and production machines for load changes Automatic alarm notifications when defined current limits are exceeded to prevent equipment damage and power outages Monitoring the power consumption of smaller IT and facility devices in the data center Early detection of wear or defects based on changes in current consumption Complementing existing monitoring environments (Zabbix, PRTG, Nagios) Scope of delivery What Is Included Please check the delivery for completeness upon receipt and report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier immediately. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is not part of this scope of delivery and must be ordered separately. Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe AC-50 (50 A)1 piece Self-adhesive label1 piece Screw L18.5 M42 pieces Bolt L14 M42 pieces Nut M3.52 pieces Key benefits Why This Current Probe Is the Right Choice 50 A rated currentMeasuring range 0–50 A for circuits and smaller to medium-sized loads. Compact designEspecially space-saving, ideal for tight control cabinets and distribution panels. Contactless measurementCurrent detection without disconnecting the conductor. High accuracy0.5% accuracy and linearity error. Easy installationMounting via two tabs with screws and nuts. Robust insulationInsulation voltage AC 2.5 kV 50 Hz 1 min for safe operation. Wide operating rangeDesigned for ambient temperatures from -10 °C to +70 °C. Made in EUDeveloped and manufactured in the European Union. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions For which current range is this model suitable? This model (AC-50) has a rated current of 50 A and covers a measuring range of 0–60 Aac. Make sure the maximum expected operating current of the conductor being monitored stays safely within this range. How does this probe differ from the larger K6A probe? The AC-50 probe is more compact and uses a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M), while the K6A probe for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). Both probes require the Didactum current transformer (AC version) as the transceiver to the monitoring system. Can the current probe be connected directly to the monitoring system? No. The probe outputs a 0–5 V analog signal and absolutely requires the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) as a transceiver, which transfers this signal to an analog port of the monitoring system. Is the DI14030-AC included in the scope of delivery? No. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is a separate product and must be ordered additionally if not already available. Does the conductor have to be cut open for installation? No. The current probe measures contactlessly via the magnetic field of the conductor routed through the pass-through opening. Cutting the conductor is not necessary for the measurement itself. Can multiple current probes be used at the same time? Yes. Each circuit to be monitored requires its own AC-50 current probe with its own Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) connected to a free analog port. If the available ports are not sufficient, the number can be expanded using a VT408 expansion unit. Questions about the Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe? Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation, and configuration. Contact form (+49) 2501 92 90 160

Product number: DI14033

€89.00

Comprehensive Protection Solutions for Server Room and Data Center – Server Room Monitoring

The security of server room and data center environments must be guaranteed around the clock. This applies to threats from both outside and inside. As is well known, an IT outage costs money and can even damage a company’s reputation. Therefore, comprehensive server room monitoring is essential to minimize downtime and ensure the availability of the IT infrastructure.

Environmental Monitoring

Important physical environmental conditions, such as temperature, relative humidity, or airflow, must be measured around the clock as part of server room infrastructure monitoring, and (operational) disruptions must be reported immediately. Precise temperature monitoring and humidity sensors are essential to detect critical thresholds early and prevent damage. Monitoring airflow and air quality also contributes to optimal climate control and protects the hardware.

The mission-critical server room must also be effectively protected against risks such as fire or water (leakage). Even small amounts of moisture or water can trigger a short circuit and cause unwanted downtime. Therefore, water sensors and fire detectors are integral parts of comprehensive server room monitoring. The recorded measurement data must always be available to IT managers for creating trend analyses or reports.

Monitoring of Building and Facility Technology in the Data Center and Server Room

The climate, security, and building technology installed in IT infrastructures must also be integrated into holistic server room monitoring. Important events, such as failure of the heat pump, (split) air conditioning unit, or activation of backup power by UPS system or diesel generator, must also be reported immediately to IT managers and administrators. The integration of SNMP monitoring enables seamless inclusion into existing network management systems.

The same applies to the physical security of technical and server rooms. Important aspects such as protection against burglary, data theft, or unauthorized access must also be considered in IT emergency planning. Modern access control and video surveillance provide effective protection against unauthorized access and increase the security of sensitive infrastructure.

The proven Didactum server room monitoring systems are web-based monitoring appliances. As the term “appliance” suggests, the monitoring systems from Didactum offer a tailor-made solution consisting of hardware and software. No additional software installation is required to operate these TCP/IP-based measurement and alarm systems.

The optional Didactum LTE modem enables alarm notifications via SMS directly from the server room—ideal in case of network failure. Each Didactum IT monitoring system can be equipped with individually selectable IP-enabled sensors. With full support for SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3, the networked Didactum monitoring device can be integrated into leading NMS solutions (such as Nagios, Icinga, OpenNMS, PRTG, WhatsUp Gold, etc.).

Critical events, status changes, and current measurement values such as temperature, humidity, or voltage can be integrated into SNMP-compatible automation and building monitoring software if required. This creates comprehensive monitoring that covers all relevant parameters in the server room and data center.

All Didactum monitoring systems are manufactured in the EU according to strict quality standards and impress with their excellent price/performance ratio. When developing the innovative Didactum IT monitoring devices, requirements such as reliability and future viability were the focus. Developed as a 24x7x365 alarm system for monitoring highly critical (IT) infrastructures, the engineers at Didactum IT security technology deliberately omitted fans and hard drives.

Users of Didactum monitoring solutions do not have to do without competent support based in Germany, which is always available for questions regarding server room monitoring.

Thus, Didactum offers a holistic solution for the security and monitoring of server rooms and data centers – from temperature monitoring, humidity sensors, access control, and video surveillance to fire detectors and SNMP monitoring.

Didactum Monitoring

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