Power Issues for a Small Business

[DanF]

Hi all, need your expertise with this one

One of my best clients has a small factory, around 10 manual workers, and an office with 2 PCs and a NAS.

They always had supply issues, but lately the issues exceeded the limit. Power is almost out around 5 - 8 times a day. Seems to happen when they turn on a certain amount of machines (huge machines). My guess is that they are exceeding the limit.

They have 2 850VA UPSs, one with each computer and one also has the 2-bay Synology NAS connected. For some reason, the UPSs are turning off (possibly due to old batteries). I've tested the UPSs offsite, and could hold power longer. I'll be honest, I've set up reporting and the batteries' health is not 100%, more like 50% - 60%.

In any case, I've informed them that the best way to sort this out is to tackle the issue at root cause, meaning getting an electrician to sort out the issue. However, they still asked me if I can somehow improve the system so at least computers and devices won't turn off so many times.

At this stage I am wondering if I should simply suggest brand new 1KVa (or so) UPSs for each PC + NAS, or if I should suggest they protect their whole office area with an even more powerful UPS. I am however not experienced with the latter, that's why your help is appreciated

Thank you all.

 

[DataMedics]

UPSs are only designed for the occasional power outage. If the power is going out 5-8 times each day it's going to destroy the batteries much faster.

I think your "call and electrician" advice is the way to go. Then replace the batteries after the cause of the problem is mitigated.

They might not even need to upgrade any major electrical equipment. Very often it's the inrush of current when large motors start that causes the breakers to trip. So just installing a hard start kit or run capacitor onto certain equipment might remedy the situation. (I was an electrician for 10 years before getting into data recovery - just FYI).

 

[fencepost]

The cost for power management designed for the environment you describe is likely to be higher than the cost of getting an electrician in to evaluate and remediate. At least with an electrician you have a better idea of what's actually at issue.

Otherwise, take a look at http://www.apc.com/us/en/faqs/FA157448/ to see if it gives you a better feel for what might be needed, and prepare to be shocked at the prices for recommendations.

 

[SAFCasper]

Keep in mind a higher VA doesn't necessarily = longer runtime. It just means it can handle more power draw without being overloaded and burning out.


Quick example
SMX750I
SMT750I

Two UPS devices from the same manufacturer with the same 750VA rating. Go have a look at the estimated runtime under tech specs - you see quite a difference

With an average power draw of 250W the SMX750I will run for 3x longer (48 mins vs 16 mins). With this unit you can also add additional battery packs to bring that all the way up to 868 mins. Starts to get very pricey though.

 

[MichaelBits]

Power is almost out around 5 - 8 times a day.

Could you clarify this?

Is it popping their main breaker for the whole plant? Does the power just go out with no breaker tripping? Are they in a brown out prone location?

I would agree with others that they need to pursue an electrician route. It could be less expensive and help prolong the life of their equipment (both for the office and the manufacturing) to solve the power issues. Most larger factory type machines I've worked with over the years don't like its power getting cut.
Improving the downtime in the office will just be a band-aid.

 

[allanc]

Hi all, need your expertise with this one

One of my best clients has a small factory, around 10 manual workers, and an office with 2 PCs and a NAS.

They always had supply issues, but lately the issues exceeded the limit. Power is almost out around 5 - 8 times a day. Seems to happen when they turn on a certain amount of machines (huge machines). My guess is that they are exceeding the limit.

They have 2 850VA UPSs, one with each computer and one also has the 2-bay Synology NAS connected. For some reason, the UPSs are turning off (possibly due to old batteries). I've tested the UPSs offsite, and could hold power longer. I'll be honest, I've set up reporting and the batteries' health is not 100%, more like 50% - 60%.

In any case, I've informed them that the best way to sort this out is to tackle the issue at root cause, meaning getting an electrician to sort out the issue. However, they still asked me if I can somehow improve the system so at least computers and devices won't turn off so many times.

At this stage I am wondering if I should simply suggest brand new 1KVa (or so) UPSs for each PC + NAS, or if I should suggest they protect their whole office area with an even more powerful UPS. I am however not experienced with the latter, that's why your help is appreciated

Thank you all.

Are the computers/monitors/NAS on the same circuit as any of the machinery?
They should be on their own circuit and ideally with an isolated ground.