Zinc Whiskers and White Rust

Tin or Zinc whiskers are precise electrically conductive pure - metal crystalline structures that grow on components and products having electroplated tin as a surface finish

Key takeaways

  • Zinc whiskers are electrically conductive pure-metal crystalline structures that grow on electroplated tin surfaces.
  • Disturbing data center floor panels or cables can dislodge zinc whiskers, making them airborne and hazardous to IT equipment.
  • Airborne zinc whiskers can enter IT hardware and cause electrical failures ranging from intermittent to permanent short circuits.
  • White rust forms when freshly galvanized steel reacts with atmospheric moisture in oxygen-deficient environments, consuming the coating.
Microscopic view of thin white zinc whiskers crisscrossing against a dark background.

Zinc Whiskers and White Rust

Tin or Zinc whiskers are precise electrically conductive pure - metal crystalline structures that grow on components and products having electroplated tin as a surface finish. Zinc whiskers can grow in abundance within data centers, causing bridging and shorting between electrical conductors and component terminations. While zinc whiskers remain attached to their source i.e. floor panels, pedestals, etc

They are basically dormant, however when the whiskers are disturbed and dislodged, they become airborne and circulate freely throughout the environment. Disturbance is likely to be caused by routine maintenance activities in the Data Centre, including for example, lifting, sliding, reinstalling of access floor tiles or overhead trays and installing of network cables.

Once inside IT equipment, zinc whiskers as electrically conductive structures, can cause various electrical failures, ranging from intermittent to permanent short circuits. Zinc whiskers can also become a physical impediment to moving parts or obscure optical surfaces and sensors within some equipment

White Rust

Atmospheric moisture contains a small amount of contaminates (salt or minerals) and zinc will react quickly with it to form zinc hydroxide, a chalky white and relatively unstable oxide of zinc. Where freshly galvanized steel is exposed to this type of moisture (rain, dew, condensation) in oxygen deficient environment, the moisture will continue to react with the zinc and aggressively consume the coating.

Frequently asked questions

What are tin or zinc whiskers?
Tin or zinc whiskers are precise electrically conductive pure-metal crystalline structures that grow on components and products with electroplated tin as a surface finish.
How do zinc whiskers cause electrical failures in data centers?
When disturbed, they become airborne and circulate into IT equipment, causing bridging and shorting between electrical conductors, leading to intermittent or permanent short circuits.
What activities typically disturb and dislodge zinc whiskers?
Routine maintenance activities such as lifting, sliding, or reinstalling access floor tiles or overhead trays, and installing network cables can dislodge them.
What problems can zinc whiskers cause besides electrical shorts?
Zinc whiskers can act as a physical impediment to moving parts or obscure optical surfaces and sensors within certain equipment.
What causes the formation of white rust on zinc?
When freshly galvanized steel is exposed to atmospheric moisture containing contaminants in an oxygen-deficient environment, it reacts quickly with the zinc to form zinc hydroxide.

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