Water detection subassemblies and method of forming same, for use in computer processing centers

Claim 1

Method of forming a series of water detection subassemblies in association with a water detection system for use in a digital computing center, said center including a computing room having a raised floor above a non-trafficked sub-floor but said raise floor also supporting computer equipment and the like, comprising: (i) forming a plurality of perforated plastic shields each of substantially semi-circular cross-section, wherein the perforations of each shield are formed into first and second series of openings therealong, said first series comprising sets of arcuate openings coincident with the apex of the shield and periodically spaced therealong, each opening having a common arcuate length L, a width W and internal spacing S and being of sufficient dimension to allow easy entry of aerosol mixtures of air and water droplets originating from above said each shield but in combination with neighboring openings, not to unduly weaken said each shield and allow collapse thereof during repair, replacement or renovation of said computing equipment, and the second series of openings comprising sets of openings along terminating longitudinal edges of the shield to allow easy entry of water at sub-floor level interior thereof; (ii) positioning a fabric mesh formed of an electrically non-conducting material and physically supporting a pair of conductors, upon the sub-floor in a predetermined pattern; (iii) attaching said shields to said sub-floor along the terminating longitudinal edges thereof about said fabric mesh; (iv) electrically connecting said pair of conductors supported by the fabric mesh to a voltage source means of said detection system whereby water gaining entry through either first or said second series of openings and contacting said conductors adjacent said sub-floor establishes a low-resistance bridge shunting said pair of conductors and permits current flow therethrough for use in warning operators of said water invasion, but wherein said mesh and conductors are completely protected against physical abuse as from contact with workmen's shoes and the like during repair, replacement or renovation of said computing equipment.