Zinc Whiskers and White Rust

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.

About the Author

Ashraf Almuhtaseb is a Data Center Technical Cleaning Expert with over 9 years of specialized experience since 2017. He is the only independent professional in the MENA region — and one of very few globally — publishing dedicated, in-depth technical knowledge on data center cleaning standards, contamination control, and ISO 14644 compliance. Visit idata.center for more articles, guides, and resources.

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