I had a meeting recently with someone quite experienced in designing data centers, and he suggested we paint our new data center black because spiders won't make webs on black ceilings/walls.

is there any validity to this? Has anyone heard this fact/myth before??

That's a new one on me. Think he was pulling your leg?


Ken

Can't say I've ever heard of this one before either!

I'd also think black was a bad color to choose especially if there is any natural light entering your data centre (as this would absorb heat better than white)

i'm pretty sure he was serious, he was explaining the rationale for the black paint with our vice president.

Let me quote directly from the TIA-942 standard:

5.3.4.4 Treatment
"Floors, walls, and ceiling shall be sealed, painted, or constructed of a material to minimize dust.
Finishes should be light in color to enhance room lighting. Floors shall have anti-static properties
in accordance with IEC 61000-4-2."

Plus, I personally do not like spiders but they do serve a purpose in nature which is to kill other bugs.

That's good info Keith.

yeah, I questioned his comment at the time, but figured he must know what he was talking about...but apparently that's not the case.

Thanks for all the responses.

Wow, thats a cool tip, if it really works. I have never heard about this before. Everybody would appreciate if it really solves the problem of webs in the DCs.

I don’t think that the color really matters. I’ve seen spiders in black painted walls, and in darker areas. I think having a regular schedule of cleaning up the center is a better solution.

I'm not sure about spiders, I think is that dark colors anf black especially attract heat more compared to white, so I think white and light colors are preferrable on the contrary, to say nothing that dark might be depressing for people working there.

Yes i also heard this myth before but not sure is it correct or not. And also i havent seen black color in any data center.I think you will have to do more research on it.
Best thing is that you will have to visit more data centers and check yourself.