An important part of data center implementation is disaster and recovery planning. For most businesses, this involves creating a plan for what will happen if there is an extended power outage. Depending on how their electricity is sourced, this may require finding an alternative for temporary operations, but for most, it requires the use of a backup generator.

What to Know About Backup Generator Operation

To be fully useful, a backup generator should be easy to access and use for your staff. It should be simple for your employees to implement the power that these optional standby systems offer, without extensive instruction. The systems should also be fast and efficient in their takeover of the responsibility of the electrical workload at your facility.

One way to ensure this ease of use is by choosing the right type of switch. An automatic switch is the most popular choice since it ensures that the generator will automatically start within seconds of a power failure. Manual generator switches are sometimes a more budget-friendly option, but these systems require a person to manually put them into operation. This can cost precious time and cause serious frustration when the lights are out.

Preparing Properly for Disaster

For most modern operations, an automatic transfer switch – or ATS is the right choice for a backup generator system. Choosing one of these streamlined models for your power provision is just one part of creating a solid disaster and recovery plan.

While it may cost more upfront to invest in one of these pricier systems, it can save you time, effort, and even money in the long-run. The system detects exactly how much of the backup source of electricity is needed and provides only that much, kicking back over to the primary source as soon as possible. That means fewer people you have to keep on the clock during a disaster to mind the switches and fewer worries about whether you’ll have the power you need to remain in operation. With an ATS system, you can count on your generator to jump in and get to work without having to be told!

To learn more about disaster planning – including sorting out seemingly small details like these – or for any other data center consulting services, contact the area experts at LDP. We can help you get the ball rolling on a plan that will keep the lights on – no matter what!