Server Room Temperature Monitoring: IT Security & Monitoring

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

Temperature Monitoring: Never Leave Climate Control in IT and Server Rooms Unattended

A reliable server room temperature monitoring system is indispensable for modern companies to ensure the security and availability of their IT infrastructure.

Even a simple technical malfunction in the climate control system can cause the IT systems installed in the IT or server room to overheat.

A failure of the ventilation and air conditioning systems required to cool network, server, and storage components often leads to hardware damage, data loss, and significant financial losses.

Since almost all business processes are IT-supported, a professional server room monitoring solution is essential.

With a temperature sensor and a temperature data logger, critical temperature values can be continuously monitored and documented. Ideally, temperature monitoring in the server room is performed with an IP-based temperature monitoring system that also functions as an IP thermometer.

This allows you to set individual server room temperature thresholds and automatically trigger alarms if they are exceeded. In addition to temperature monitoring, humidity should also be controlled using a humidity sensor to prevent mold growth and corrosion.

Integration into IT environmental monitoring makes it possible to include air conditioning and ventilation technology in 24/7 network monitoring. Malfunction notifications from the air conditioning unit can be reported to the monitoring devices via signal cable to the potential-free input contacts. This ensures that a failure of the air conditioning system does not go unnoticed and that countermeasures can be taken in time.

For larger server rooms and data centers, scalable solutions such as the Didactum 500 series system are recommended, which can monitor up to 128 sensors in real time. With SNMP monitoring, all temperature values can be directly integrated into network management software such as Nagios, Icinga, PRTG, WhatsUp Gold, or Zabbix.

Support for SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, and SNMPv3, as well as the provision of SNMP MIB files and plugins, enables seamless integration into existing management environments.

If defined thresholds are exceeded, the system automatically sends temperature alarm notifications via email or SMS (using an optional GSM modem). SMS alarms are especially practical in the event of network or DSL modem failure, as responsible parties can still be notified on the go.

Temperature monitoring in the server room not only protects against overheating but also against consequential damage such as smoldering fires or water ingress, by reporting such events as SNMP traps to central monitoring.

Through continuous recording and visualization of temperature data in the web interface, administrators can track the status of the server room at any time and analyze trends. This sustainably strengthens server room security and minimizes downtime risks. Modern temperature monitoring systems are thus a central building block for the protection and availability of business-critical IT infrastructures.

To further increase security, it is advisable to combine server room temperature monitoring with additional monitoring solutions. For example, water sensors can be installed to detect leaks or water ingress at an early stage.

Integrating video surveillance also helps protect the server room from unauthorized access or tampering. Modern alarm management systems make it possible to centrally manage all incoming warnings and fault messages and forward them specifically to the responsible IT staff.

The combination of temperature monitoring, humidity sensors, access control, and SNMP monitoring creates a holistic solution that keeps all critical environmental factors in view. Thanks to the ability to evaluate temperature data as a temperature data logger in long-term trends, potential weak points and optimization opportunities can be identified early.

This allows maintenance intervals to be better planned and the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system to be specifically improved.

Ultimately, professional temperature monitoring helps to sustainably ensure server room security and the availability of the entire IT infrastructure – a decisive competitive advantage for any company.

Didactum Monitoring

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