Critical Power

Managing Critical Power with a Remote Team

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Quality, reliable power is crucial for running your business, and right now it’s even more important than ever. As COVID-19 surged, organizations shifted their workspaces from the office to employees’ homes, and other remote locations, increasing the demand for power reliability that is more dispersed than ever. During this time, we’ve received numerous questions from customers regarding the future of the workplace environment, and although things remain uncertain right now, we know that power reliability to support remote partners is critical to helping your business be successful. Here are some of the actions we are taking to provide the best support possible for you during the pandemic.

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thermal image scanner, thermal imaging

Understanding Field Service Reports Part 4: Thermal Image Scanning

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Our fourth and final entry in our series on understanding field service reports looks at deciphering the results of thermal image scanning. The thermal image scan is important enough that QPS believes that every preventative maintenance check should have one performed. Thermal image scanning is one of the most reliable ways to predict impending UPS component failure, and if components, or the entire UPS, needs to be replaced.

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field service reporting

Understanding Field Service Reports Part 2: Capacitors and Fans

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In part 2 of our blog series on field service reports we will cover capacitors, what they do, and what to look for. The capacitor in a UPS is used to store an electric charge, as well as smoothing out and filtering voltage fluctuations. UPS systems vary significantly in design and technology, and as a result, the quantity and size of capacitors changes as well. In addition, because a capacitor replacement typically requires a shutdown of the UPS system for replacement, your UPS service provider likely will recommend and replace the cooling fans in the system at the same time. Both capacitors and fans are critical to keeping the UPS running, and both are just as susceptible to failure as the other components of a UPS. It is critical to understand how each component can be damaged, and what to look for in your field service report (FSR) regarding the health of your capacitors and fans. Continue reading “Understanding Field Service Reports Part 2: Capacitors and Fans” »

field service reporting

Understanding Field Service Reports Part 1: UPS Batteries

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We are all familiar with going to the doctor to get a check up on our health.  At the end of our visit, we typically receive a summary of what the doctor discussed with us, any tests they did, and recommendations they have for us related to those test results. A field service report (FSR) for your UPS system maintenance is similar to a health check for the unit, giving information on the condition and reliability of the UPS. Most UPS field service reports should include the unit information and location, a job description of what is being inspected, what actions were performed and their results, and the recommendations as the result of the job. In the coming weeks, we will break down a UPS service report and cover some of the main items that you should look for.

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External Maintenance Bypass

External Maintenance Bypass – What Is It and When Is It Necessary?

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Businesses use emergency back-up power systems to ensure availability of their most critical applications. What happens then, when the critical power system needs maintenance done, or if the UPS system has an issue itself? Like a vehicle, back-up power equipment needs regular maintenance or “tune-ups” to ensure it continues running correctly. However, there are times when back-up power equipment is so critical that it cannot be taken offline, even for maintenance. Having an External Maintenance Bypass is a way to allow critical power systems to have more flexibility while maintenance is done, keeping equipment online without interruption to loads. Continue reading “External Maintenance Bypass – What Is It and When Is It Necessary?” »

Battery testing and inspection

DC Power Plant Maintenance: Keeping Businesses Running

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In our last article, we discussed DC power plants, what they are, and how they are often used. Just like any back-up power system, DC power plants need regular service checks and maintenance performed to work optimally. It is important to state that DC plants, although similar to the function of UPS systems, have many functional differences and require unique training when performing annual maintenance. During a preventative maintenance visit a technician will usually isolate individual rectifiers and charging components to evaluate function and longevity. This practice helps to reduce the risk of a potential failure before it happens. Continue reading “DC Power Plant Maintenance: Keeping Businesses Running” »

generator, open, yellow

It’s Spring Cleaning Time: Tips to Spruce up Your Generator

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For many of us, the arrival of spring means spring cleaning. When dealing with critical power equipment, spring maintenance is especially important to make sure your generator systems are in top working order, and is a great time to see how your unit fared over the winter. Any time of the year has potential for utility outages and the 2017 Eaton Blackout Tracker  has shown that power outages in the US are on the rise. In fact, last year there were over 3,526 noted outages with an average outage duration of 81 minutes. To keep your facility online and  running smoothly, here are a few tips to keep your emergency power in great shape.

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Wet cell UPS batteries

Getting to Know Your UPS Batteries II- Wet Cell Batteries

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The second battery on our “get to know you” list is the Wet Cell, or Flooded Cell battery. UPS Systems are used in a variety of applications and, as a result, may require a wide variety of run time requirements or discharge characteristics. The battery cell is comprised of a hard plastic enclosure, typically Polycarbonate or Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) Plastic, lead plates and an electrolyte that allows the flow of current. A single wet cell battery Continue reading “Getting to Know Your UPS Batteries II- Wet Cell Batteries” »

problems in UPS maintenance

UPS Maintenance- What to Watch Out For

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We previously discussed what you should look for when reviewing a proper service contract for emergency back-up power systems maintenance. When you hire a qualified firm to perform maintenance inspections on your equipment, you need to have total confidence in that firm’s level of knowledge and level of execution of inspection and testing. But how do you know what is most important to look for when that firm shows up at your office, ready to perform maintenance? We will briefly discuss what you should be looking for, and also what to watch out for with these inspections. Please be aware that this is an abbreviated list and should not be considered comprehensive.

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Spring facility assessment

Spring Is Here…Time For A Comprehensive Facility Assessment

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For most organizations, spring means new fiscal budgets and capital projects on the calendar.  The beginning of a new year is always a great time to take a step back and look at the overall big picture of your emergency power infrastructure.  Understanding where your critical power equipment stands in its lifecycle can prevent downtime and headache from catastrophes that may have been easily avoidable.  For many organizations, a facility assessment is crucial when you are evaluating your critical power infrastructure.  Through an assessment, you can be armed with enough information to determine upcoming goals and requirements for your facility and specific company needs.  A comprehensive facility assessment will allow you to review challenges that your building, location, or infrastructure may have.  In this article we will discuss some of the items you may be investigating during your review of the critical power infrastructure in your facility.

 

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