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Regardless of whether you run a healthcare centre, telecommunications business or data centre, one simple fact rings true: you need dependable power supply to function effectively. Powering key equipment, allowing customers to get in touch, and maintaining data protection are all business functions that require power. So what would you do if the power went out due to a power sag, power surge, undervoltage or another one of the common 9 power problems? Panic? Worry? Apologise profusely to your team, clients and customers? Having an uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) to kick in, and provide the power you need it sounds much better.
Learn more about the 9 power problems and how we can help.
In a perfect world, your wall socket would provide a continuous power supply, a constant voltage and cycling exactly the same number of times per second. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and there are 9 power problems that you should be aware of, and suitably prepare for.
Power Failure: Also known as a blackout, this unexpected interruption of the electrical supply can be caused by a range of sources including utility equipment failures, storms, objects striking lines or poles, fire, grid over-demands and even human error.
Power Surge: These super fast voltage variations are often caused by lightning, line or capacitor switching and disconnection of heavy loads. They demolish electronic components and can cause data processing mistakes, data loss and electromagnetic interference.
Overvoltage: Data loss, flickering of screens, and equipment damage are just some of the issues that overvoltage can cause and is typically due to starting/stopping of heavy loads, poorly dimensioned power sources, and poorly regulated transformers, as well as lightning strikes, which can send line voltages to levels in excess of 6,000 volts.
Line Noise: Electromagnetic interference or irregular grounding produce these high frequency signals on the waveform, causing issues with sensitive electronic equipment, as well as data loss and data processing errors.
Reduced line voltage for periods ranging from a few minutes to a few days can be caused by an intentional utility voltage reduction to conserve power during peak demand periods or other heavy loads that exceed supply capacity.
Increased line voltage for periods ranging from a few minutes to a few days however is triggered by a rapid reduction in power loads, heavy equipment being turned off, or by utility switching.
Frequency Variation: The loss of stability in a power supply’s normal frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz results from heavy loaded generators. The problem can cause motors to run faster or slower, leading to inefficiency and degradation. Frequency variation can also cause erratic operation, system crashes and damage to equipment.
Switching Transient: These changes in voltage or current can damage equipment come from lightning, switching of loads and capacitor banks, and disconnects on energised lines.
Harmonic Distortion: This distortion of the normal power wave is usually transmitted by uneven loads and can cause resonance, overload, and overheating of cables and equipment.
So what can you do about these 9 power problems? Well, having power equipment with the right level of power protection is a good place to start.
To determine the level of protection you need, and which UPS power supply system is most suitable for your site, facility or business, you need to firstly consider the following:
How critical is the application you need to protect?
Do you need complete or partial protection?
There are several types of UPS systems to choose from and these include:
Standby UPS Power Supply Systems: These systems allow equipment to run off utility power until the UPS detects a problem, at which point it switches to battery power to protect against sags, surges or outages. These are best suited for applications requiring simple backup power supply such as offices and point-of-sale equipment.
Line Interactive UPS Power Supply Systems: These systems actively regulate voltage by either boosting or reducing utility power as necessary before allowing it to pass to the protected equipment or resorting to battery power. Line interactive systems are great for applications where power protection from anomalies is required, but the utility power is clean. MDF and IDF communication closets, non-centralised servers and network rooms, and general IT enclosures are best suited for this technology.
Online UPS Power Supply Systems: These systems provide the highest level of power protection by isolating equipment from raw utility power – converting power from AC to DC and back to AC. Unlike other topologies, double conversion systems provide zero transfer time to battery for sensitive equipment, and these online systems are best suited to mission-critical equipment and locations where power isn’t as accessible.
At Dale, we have a great range of UPS power supply systems that can help mitigate the 9 power problems, and these include both modular UPS and monolithic UPS systems. These include:
Dale E700 Series
A great aid to businesses wanting the ultimate in power protection, our Dale E700 Series can aid with power supply issues too.
Our Dale E700 Series Includes:
Dale E73340 Range
Dale E73340 is a 40kVA three phase UPS system offering online double conversion technology and an overload capacity of variable: <110% 60min/<125% 10min/<150% 1min dependent on version.
Key Features Of Dale E73340
High frequency, double conversion online technology
Wide input voltage range (184-276VAC)
Cold start and programmable auto restart functions
Selectable ECO mode for high efficiency operation
Lightning and surge protection
Short circuit and overload protection
Automatic fan speed control with load variation
Emergency Power Off facility
Smart RS232 and USB comms with monitoring software
Optional relay or SNMP communications card
Up to 4 units can be operated in parallel
Along with choosing the correct UPS system, incorporating the right UPS maintenance programme into your operations is imperative to success. UPS maintenance is carried out by system specialists, and includes call outs, visits, fault fixes and maintenance information reports through to the provision of UPS spare parts, remote monitoring, load bank testing and control system management. With UPS service options too, we have everything you need for efficient power supply and effective business continuity.
Be aware of the problems which face your business in the event of an unexpected power outage and speak to a specialist who will be able to help and advise on the appropriate products. Ensure you have a comprehensive maintenance programme in place and be prepared for every eventuality.
Don’t power problems be your problems. For more information on how on our UPS power supply systems and UPS maintenance contracts can help your business, please contact us today on 0330 999 3000. We help businesses across the UK, in areas including London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and with a team of 100+ strong technical experts, we’re never too far away to help resolve any power issues.