Schneider Electric announces the release of a new whitepaper, titled Power System Equipment Maintenance and Long-Term Servicing Requirements for Data Centers, written by Ken Agent, P.E., of Schneider Electric Engineering Services. The paper is now available as part of the ever-growing online, technical library housed at Schneider Electric’s Data Center Solutions Web site: www.criticalpowernow.com.

The paper discusses how no engineered system — especially those found in data centers — can run indefinitely without proper maintenance.  It also talks about how equipment servicing and maintenance is crucial to the long-term operation of a data center power system, typical maintenance intervals and servicing activities for different types of equipment, and how the consideration of maintenance in the initial design of a data center enhances reliability in the long-term.

“An effective electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) program is critical to any power system,” says Agent.  “Without such a program, those with a vested interest in the operation of the facility may be unaware of potential problems and cannot prevent them.  In addition, the risk of failures greatly decreases with the frequency and quality of an EPM program.”

The paper details the importance a good design plays in electrical preventative maintenance. Things like dual feeds, draw-out equipment, and standardized equipment can all make maintenance much easier during the normal operation of a facility. In addition, if the equipment is excessively complex or unique, repairs can be more expensive.

Another section discusses the need to tailor a maintenance program to the types of equipment found in a facility, the availability of downtimes, and the critical nature of the loads. Hostile environments, overloads, and severe duty cycles can increase the need for regular maintenance. In addition, if equipment feeds critical loads, it should be maintained regularly to decrease the likelihood of failure.

The white paper is the latest in a series of online educational white papers and videos being offered by Schneider Electric Data Center Solutions in its Critical Power Technical Reference Repository. To view the resources found in the Repository, click here.