Having a reliable backup power system is essential for any large business, warehouse, or facility, and this is especially true for data centers. For businesses that rely on data processing to operate, even the shortest power outage can have disastrous consequences, making it paramount to have a backup system in place.
Data center redundancy helps protect businesses from lapses in power, which can happen at any time and for any reason. By investing in a passive system that kicks in as soon as there is a need, you can mitigate the risks and continue to operate as usual until your main power comes back online. With that in mind, here are several reasons to consider investing in a backup power system.
Why Data Centers Need Them
For many organizations and companies, data centers are critical infrastructures that are essential for every part of their day-to-day operations. Much in the same way that a restaurant will close if its kitchen is inoperable, data centers are the foundation by which many networks process information, distribute data, and store critical information, making uninterrupted operations essential.
While a backup power generator may not always see any use, it only takes one power outage for disastrous consequences for business operations. By keeping one in reserve, you can ensure continued operations in the event of an unexpected power outage and any negative outcomes.
Preventative Protection from Power Outages
While external sources can cause a power outage, the most common cause is power generator failure, which is why you should always have a spare system to kick in once your main generator fails. A backup generator ensures there is always power to maintain uptime and avoid any data loss.
Additionally, in the event of power surges that can damage data center equipment, a backup generator offers an additional layer of protection. While investing in a backup power generator can be costly, data center downtime from an outage can be even more so. That is why data center redundancy is a vital contingency plan and preventative measure that is well worth considering.
Proper Maintenance
In addition to the high cost of investment and installation, you must also ensure regular maintenance on your backup generator to ensure they remain reliable and fit for service when needed. For most industrial generators, you should aim to service them at least once a year, although this will ultimately depend on the make and model.
Doing so is essential for proper functioning and minimizing the risk of damage or costly repairs in the future. As any lag in power can have negative consequences, ensuring the backup generator remains in good condition and is ready for service at any time is paramount.
Other Considerations
Before you invest in a brand-new backup generator, there are a few other considerations worth noting. For one, you should identify your data center tier to determine the redundancy level you may need. On the lowest end of the spectrum, N redundancy is the minimum level necessary to power or cool a facility at maximum capacity, while on the opposite end, 2(N+10) redundancy offers the highest level of redundancy and protection.
Additionally, rental services for power generators can provide you with quick access to a backup power system. Not only can this be cost-effective in some cases, but many providers will offer maintenance services to ensure the generator is always ready—which can be ideal if you cannot do this yourself.
Cooling Power Equipment Rental
For reliable back power generator rentals, Cooling Powers offers a variety of equipment that can power your data center and maintain uptime in the event of main generator failure. To learn more about our services or to get your quote, give us a call today!