Avoid Disaster! 🤯 The Truth about Power Outages in your Data Center

Did you know that UPS system failure is the number 1 cause of unplanned outages in data centers? 😱 That’s right! A report confirms it, and the most discouraging part is that the average cost of an outage can be more than $740,000 dollars. A huge sum!

But don’t worry, preventing these failures is simpler than you imagine! An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a power solution that allows your devices to keep running during an outage or a surge, avoiding the loss of crucial data. When a UPS fails, whether because it malfunctions or the outage lasts longer than the battery can support, your business can suffer significant losses.

The key to protecting your investment and your data is regular preventive maintenance (PM). Research shows that UPSs that receive maintenance twice a year have a reliability more than 20 times higher than those that do not. Prevention really pays off! 💪

Here we present the 7 most common culprits of UPS failures that you should check:

• Batteries: They are the heart of any UPS system and need semi-annual checks to ensure their good condition. If you detect low voltage readings, low battery alarms, or early discharges, it is time for a replacement.

• Capacitors: These devices store and release electrical energy. Generally they must be replaced every five to seven years and must be inspected annually to prolong their useful life.

• Fans: UPS overheating due to fans that lock up or fail is a common problem. Electrical, mechanical limitations or dry bearings are the main culprits.

• Filters: Dust and debris can block air filters, causing the UPS to overheat and shut down 🌬️. Replacing filters is inexpensive and they should be inspected monthly.

• Connections: Loose internal connections are a frequent cause of failures, often due to nearby machinery or building vibrations. Regular inspections can catch these problems in time. An annual preventive maintenance visit allows a trained service technician to inspect the UPS and battery cabinets for loose internal connections.

• Power supplies: Surges can stress and overheat power supplies, even redundant ones. If your UPS frequently runs hot, it could be a sign that they are aging. Here, it is best to contact a professional for an inspection and restore the system as soon as possible to prevent downtime.

• Contactors: Also susceptible to dust, contactors must be inspected and cleaned regularly. Dust on them can cause other components to fail, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Investing in preventive maintenance with a professional service provider will significantly reduce the risk of downtime and potential disasters for your business. Don’t wait until it’s too late! 🚀

Sources: “7 Common Causes of UPS Shut Downs & Power Outages”