On Mon, 14 Oct 1996, Patrick J. Chicas wrote:
Greetings,
I don't understand how they could have 3 different power systems fail without a serious operations procedural error.
They did not, the transfer switch did.
Yep this happens all the time, the transfer switch dies and then you are screwed because you don't switch to backup power.
In 18 years of telecom management I have never seen a "Transfer Switch" as a component failure. I have seen quite a few overloaded battery strings, and UPS's backed by rusty generators.
Well this is one, and I have only been on this planet 20 years and have seen 2 be the failure.
Your UPS system then run out of power and you are dead. That is why we are building a manual maintenance wraparound around the UPS AND the transfer switch so that if they switch does die you can manually have some guy bypass the switch.
All quality Transfer Switches should have manual activation as a root function. Even a relatively small 15kw transfer switches automatic functions work to move a manual switch.
True, all things can break.
As a rule, power system maintenance for critical equipment should comprise the following:
UPS- Never exceed 80% load. Replace batteries (good or not) per manufactures guidlines. Initiate load transfer tests once per quarter.
Batteries- Preform cell maintenance quarterly, to include individual cell voltage and gravity tests and, the surface cleaning of all terminal hardware.
Also keep keep at or around 75^
Generators- Find a good generator maintenance contractor for routine maintenace needs. Exercise the unit under load each month.
Nathan Stratton CEO, NetRail, Inc. Tracking the future today! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone (703)524-4800 NetRail, Inc. Fax (703)534-5033 2007 N. 15 St. Suite 5 Email sales@netrail.net Arlington, Va. 22201 WWW http://www.netrail.net/ Access: (703) 524-4802 guest --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34