ISO 16890 for Server Rooms: Why ePM1 Matters Around IT Equipment

Server rooms and communications areas are unforgiving environments. Dust, lint and fine airborne particles can build up on electronic equipment, fans, filter media and cooling coils, so the filtration strategy needs to suit the space rather than just the building at large.

That is where ISO 16890 comes in. For many IT spaces, filters with strong ePM1 performance are preferred because they target finer particles that can travel deeper into the room and settle on sensitive equipment.

Why dust control matters in server rooms

Server rooms are usually designed around controlled airflow, heat removal and stable operation. Even a small build-up of dust can interfere with those goals by restricting airflow through racks, clogging filters sooner and coating coils and fan assemblies.

In practical terms, the main concerns are:

• •Dust settling on server components and within enclosures
• •Reduced airflow through cooling coils and fan systems
• •More frequent cleaning of equipment surfaces and room finishes
• •Added strain on the HVAC system when filters load up quickly
• •Contaminants being recirculated within the room if filtration is too coarse

Communications rooms, switch rooms and network closets can be just as sensitive, especially where spaces are compact and equipment is densely packed. These areas often benefit from filtration that captures finer particles before they have a chance to settle on critical surfaces.

What ISO 16890 means for IT environments

ISO 16890 classifies air filters by their ability to capture particles in different size ranges. For server rooms, the key category is often ePM1, which relates to the filter’s performance on finer particulate matter.

That matters because finer particles can stay airborne longer, move further through a space and pass through less effective filtration more easily. In a server room, the aim is not just to trap visible dust, but to control the smaller particulate load that tends to accumulate on electronics, cable trays and cooling components.

When selecting filters, it helps to consider:

• •The amount of dust introduced by outside air
• •Whether the space is in a busy commercial building, industrial area or near construction activity
• •The sensitivity of the IT equipment and cooling arrangement
• •The pressure drop limits of the air handling system
• •Access for inspection and filter servicing

ISO 16890 ratings do not convert directly from MERV or older EN 779 classes, so it is best to choose products based on the actual performance data for the application rather than trying to match labels across different standards.

Why ePM1 is often preferred around sensitive electronics

A coarser filter may catch larger debris, but server rooms often need a better balance between airflow and finer particulate control. ePM1-rated filters are commonly selected because they are better suited to capturing smaller airborne particles that can otherwise circulate around equipment.

Better protection for cooling components

Cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers are all affected by dust accumulation. When particles collect on coil surfaces, heat transfer can be reduced and cleaning becomes more frequent and more difficult. Fine particle control helps reduce the rate at which those surfaces foul up.

Cleaner airflow through the room

Server rooms often rely on carefully directed air paths. If the air is carrying a heavy dust load, particles can deposit inside racks, on floor grilles and on cable management points, which can make the room harder to maintain.

More stable maintenance planning

When filtration is matched more closely to the environment, maintenance teams can monitor pressure drop and inspect the system based on the actual loading conditions, rather than reacting only when issues become visible.

Choosing the right filter arrangement

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for every server room. The right solution depends on the HVAC design, the outdoor air strategy and the cleanliness level required by the site.

A good starting point is to review:

• •The air handling unit design and available filter space
• •Whether the system uses one stage or multiple stages of filtration
• •The dust load from outside air intake locations
• •The required airflow and any pressure constraints
• •Site access for routine inspection and replacement

In some systems, a pre-filter plus a finer final filter can be a practical approach. The pre-filter captures larger debris and extends the working life of the finer filter, while the ePM1 filter handles the finer particulate load that matters most around IT equipment.

If you are unsure what fits your system, how to measure an air filter can help with sizing, and our products shows the range of filters we supply.

Maintenance and monitoring in server rooms

Filter performance is only part of the picture. The way the system is monitored matters just as much.

Inspection frequency depends on the system, site conditions and dust load. Follow the filter and equipment manufacturer instructions, and monitor pressure drop where gauges are fitted so you can tell when a filter is approaching the end of its useful life.

It is also worth checking for:

• •Dust bypass around filter frames
• •Damage to seals or retaining hardware
• •Coil fouling and dust build-up in the plant room
• •Signs of reduced airflow or temperature imbalance
• •Changes in the surrounding site conditions, such as nearby construction or seasonal dust ingress

For larger sites, filter servicing or commercial filter servicing can help keep maintenance organised. Some filters are designed to be washable - check the product instructions.

Standards, site requirements and practical selection

AS 1668.2:2024 is often part of the conversation for ventilation in commercial buildings, but site requirements should always be confirmed with the mechanical services engineer or building owner. For server rooms, the filtration strategy should be aligned with the building design, the equipment load and the level of airborne contamination expected.

That means looking beyond the label on the filter and considering how the whole system works together:

• •Does the system have enough capacity for a finer final filter?
• •Is the room receiving more outdoor air than it needs?
• •Are the intake locations exposed to dust, smoke or urban pollution?
• •Would custom sizing or an alternative frame type improve sealing and fit?

Where standard sizes do not suit the installation, custom air filters can be a practical option.

Talk to Total Air Filtration

Total Air Filtration is a family-owned air filter manufacturer and supplier in Hillcrest, Brisbane QLD, established 2009. If you need help selecting a filter for a server room, communications area or other sensitive IT space, we can help supply or make the right filters for the job.

Call 07 3800 3448 or request a quote. You can also contact us if you want to discuss sizing, filter options or a maintenance setup for your site.