possible cause for recent server failure... "zinc wisker contamination"

Have you guys heard about "zinc wisker contamination"? It sounds odd, and it is, but its real, the raised floors in server rooms can 'grow' zinc wisker crystals, they are just a micon or two thick, but up to 3 mm long, they will slip right through most air filters, and land on mainboards causing intermittant short circuits, most of the time they will destroy themselves in the process.

The source is the raised floor sections, if they are zinc plated (from the 80's or earlier), these 'wiskers' could have been forming for years, and gotten shaken loose when one or more sections of the floor where moved. they are light enough to float freely in the air.

The quantities of zinc involved are not a health hazard. If you search Google for "zinc wisker contamination" you will find more information. Including how to look for this stuff.

Peace,
Charles