Power Protection FEATURED ARTICLE

The data center plays a vital and central role within the organization. If the data center fails due to improper power protection, data could be lost, business processes may stop, websites go down and more. As a result, data center uptime is critical.

This recent Data Center Journal report shares a few steps to help the IT or data center manager develop a routine for inspecting the electrical distribution system and power protection to ensure all elements are running as they should to support the goals of the organization.

Safety – Your budget may be tight, but don’t make cuts where safety is concerned. Be respectful of the power surging through your electrical lines and ensure proper care and attention are always a priority.

Professional Help – While there’s a lot to be said for the efficiency and cost savings for doing things in-house, there’s a reason why professionals are available when it comes to power protection. If the task is beyond the expertise of your team, bring in someone qualified for the job.

The Procedure – If you put a clear schedule in place for examining your power protection, you’re much more likely to stay on track. This helps you avoid wasted time with procedures performed too frequently, and risks associated with failing to identify potential problems.

Detailed Records – Keeping detailed records is just as important as the procedure. If you identify the source of a problem and the proper resolution, you can eliminate wasted time and energy later when the same problem occurs.

Accurate Budgets – It’s important that your budgets focus on both checkups and maintenance for your power protection. Plan ahead and set your budget so you can enjoy the significant returns down the road.

You do need to design your checkup budget and schedule according to the unique design of your data center. Part of this process is identifying the proper power protection inspections and their appropriate frequencies. Even the professional you bring in should be a strategic decision, unless you can afford to have him on your payroll full-time.

When planning checkups, consider your uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) and check them often for necessary replacements. Backup generators are really just for backup, but you need to check them periodically to be sure their ready and waiting when a failure does occur. Also, check for hot spots to identify the source of the problem, and keep the overall area clean. Finally, check for proper labeling as it can make the difference between quick resolution and a problem that drags on for hours.