Thousands of companies utilize emergency power equipment to protect against power outages. But some of them depend on it more than others. For example, in the event of a blackout, a retail store without emergency power equipment might lose a few hours of sales, but a data center could lose its very reason for existing: its stored data. In this entry, we look at considerations for emergency power back-up for data centers, particularly the equipment used to protect their data in the event of outages.
Emergency Power Equipment for Data Centers
Because they require constant electricity, data centers may use different types of back-up power equipment than other companies. Below, we look at the standard options for protecting a data center against power outages and other dangerous scenarios involving electrical power.
Diesel Generators
Due to their ability to be re-fueled easily, diesel generators are ideal for protecting against power outages that last longer than a few hours. Recommended for medium to large data centers are generators that provide at least 48 hours of support, with arrangements for refueling during power outages also set in place.
Closed Transition Transfer Switch
For businesses that require uninterrupted electrical supply, generators are equipped with closed transition transfer switches that operate on a "make before break" basis. That is, they connect a building to generator power shortly before disconnecting it from utility power. Businesses that don't require uninterrupted electricity may use open transition ("break before make") switches, which disconnect from utility power before connecting to generator power.
Uninterruptible Power System (UPS)
Uninterruptible power systems immediately sustain a building's electrical needs in the event of a power outage. For buildings with a critically low load a UPS may be the primary form of emergency power. However, buildings with critically high loads are often equipped with both UPS and emergency generators. Although debates exist about the value of using a UPS instead of a generator and vice versa, data centers with critical loads can profit from incorporating both.
Additional Safety Measures
Blackouts aren't the only happenings that threaten the function of data centers. Such occurrences as spikes, surges, sags, voltage fluctuation, and brownouts can also compromise a center's operation, necessitating the implementation of line filters, surge suppressors, power conditioners, and other equipment.
Consulting for Emergency Power Back-up
Whether your building needs new emergency power solutions, or its present solutions need better servicing, the best place to start is by contacting a generator services company that specializes in emergency power equipment installation and maintenance. By consulting with the company, you'll arrive at the proper solutions for your building's unique emergency power support needs, which may include refurbishing and/or retrofitting your current equipment instead of replacing it.
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