Data Center Power Monitoring System Provides Early Warning of Power and Equipment Failures

A data center power monitoring system provides early warning of power failures and problems with the equipment that supplies power to critical servers and IT infrastructure. Monitoring power distribution units (PDUs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and automatic transfer switches (ATS) can help data center personnel identify problems and respond before they lead to equipment downtime.

Each server rack typically has an outlet strip powered by the PDU, and each strip’s load is monitored by the PDU itself. The PDU has a built-in alarm panel that will trigger can trigger an output relay when a power issue is detected in any of these strips or the main PDU.

How Does a Data Center Power Monitoring System Monitor PDUs?

Any A Sensaphone data center power monitoring system can easily be integrated into this a PDU alarm panel to provide immediate notification when a power problem is detected. For redundant monitoring, an external power sensor can be plugged into each strip to monitor for voltage loss. This provides an independent way to verify that each strip has power. If the PDU fails to trip its relay or generate an alarm, the external sensor provides an additional layer of power-failure detection.

Any Sensaphone data center power monitoring system can easily be integrated into this alarm panel for instant alarm notifications. For redundant monitoring, an external power sensor can be plugged into each strip to monitor for voltage drops. This backup will give you the assurance that each strip has power. And if the PDU ever fails to trip its relay or send an alert, you can instantly get the information you need from the monitoring system.

Monitor UPS Backup Power Systems

Inevitably, power failures will occur. During a utility power failure, the uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in your data center maintain power to the servers until the automatic transfer switch (ATS) calls for generator power. That’s why it’s important to maintain and routinely test UPS backup systems to ensure they are ready when needed.

A self-test is integrated into each UPS. The self-test provides diagnostics on battery capacity, AC/DC load, and the charging system. It can also provide a power failure simulation. If any of these internal tests fail, an alarm panel will display the fault and activate a relay output.

A data center power monitoring system connected to the UPS general alarm output can immediately notify designated personnel when a fault occurs, providing time to investigate and take corrective action before an actual power outage puts the backup system to the test.

Monitor Automatic Transfer Switches

Another key component of your backup power system is the automatic transfer switch or ATS. The ATS transfers the load to your backup generator and can also signal the generator to start. Typically, there is a delay during the transfer, and during this time the UPS units provide power for your data center.

Most transfer switches include auxiliary dry contacts specifically for alarming purposes. A Sensaphone data center power monitoring system can integrate with this alarm output to notify personnel of ATS conditions that require attention.

Why Is Redundant Data Center Power Monitoring Important?

Redundant monitoring provides an additional layer of protection for critical data center infrastructure. By monitoring power at multiple points, personnel can receive early warning of failures involving PDUs, UPS systems and other components of the backup power infrastructure.

The same Sensaphone environmental monitoring system can also monitor for smoke or fire within the data center, IDF or PBX rooms and notify designated personnel when a problem is detected. In addition, many fire alarm panels have auxiliary contact outputs that can be connected to your monitoring system for backup alarm notifications.

Combining power and environmental monitoring gives data center personnel greater visibility into conditions that can threaten critical IT equipment and provides immediate notification when action is required.

Suggested Products for Data Center Power Monitoring

Sensaphone IMS-4000
Sensaphone IMS Dry Contact Interface
Sensaphone IMS External Power Failure Sensor