Datacenter migration: update electrical equipment switch in time

Datacenter migration，switchgear is the backbone of the electrical system of every data center facility, providing power to ensure the success of business. As technology continues to update, in order to improve operational efficiency, promote better results, improve performance and security, it is a critical competitive advantage to maintain the best state of switching devices (in data center facilities, maintaining business continuity is very important).

While the expected use cycle of the switchgear is about 15 to 20 years, its maintenance or modernization requirements are relatively predictable, and budget and staff constraints often cause data center facilities managers to delay their modernization process, thereby increasing the risk of power failures, such as unplanned outages to expensive downtime. . In the field of data center, this may cause significant financial losses and reputation impact. Data center facilities managers must follow the pace of modern best practice to ensure that their facilities run efficiently and reliably, and comply with the latest safety regulations.
Why need to be reformed?
The power systems in some countries are rapidly aging, reducing the reliability of existing switching devices, making risks normal, and increasing the possibility of high cost blackouts. However, if electrical workers implement appropriate modernization processes and solutions, these aging systems can be as reliable and safe as new power systems. A problem encountered by data center facilities managers is that it often involves the problem of device mismatch in data centers. The electrical system of the data center is often made up of devices from different operating device managers (OEM), which may challenge maintenance, standardization, and vendor management. In addition, the replacement of obsolete equipment can be very tricky, which will lead to the decline of usability of old equipment and the rise in price of new components.
Another consideration for the modernization of switchgear is to improve the safety of electrical workers and reduce the risk of casualties at the scene. Daily work on electrical equipment can be very dangerous, especially when using expired equipment that does not meet the latest standard safety criteria.
The occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses the standards set by NFPA to manage electrical facilities. As new switchgear enters the market, it is constantly updated to include the latest security features that meet the latest protocols and procedures. With the standardization of electrical safety through specific organizations and items, data center equipment managers must integrate existing equipment into their electrical systems to avoid casualties in the workplace or to be fined for violations.
One of the most common safety concerns in electrical installations is arc flash, which is an electrical hazard experienced by almost all electrical workers during their careers. In fact, according to the OSHA survey, there are about 30000 arc flash events per year, many of which lead to potentially fatal injuries. People must bear in mind the commonality of these events. Managers should actively seek ways to reduce arc risk events and ensure employee safety. Long time low voltage and medium voltage circuit breakers have shorter disconnection and are most likely to lead to arc flash events if they are sold in other channels. Modern switchgear can mitigate this risk by adding additional circuit to the existing switchgear.
How to modernize
Once the data center managers realize the need for modernization, there are several ways to do this. If the equipment is getting old, replacing the whole electrical system may take a lot of time and resources. Find all the equipment that needs updating in the entire electrical system, and even allow the most accurate data center facilities managers to spend several months. If managers actively seek ways to correct system failures, it will be easier to identify equipment with failure and real time performance, thus reducing the overall replacement time.
Electrical and equipment workers have two main ways to modernize switchgear.
• direct replacement of circuit breakers: the upgrade solution uses a new type of low-voltage or medium voltage circuit breaker designed to be installed in the existing original equipment manufacturer's cabinet without requiring little modification to the switchgear. Since the interruption of power buses on the device is very small, upgrading the solution directly can reduce downtime. All direct substitutions have been designed and tested to meet or exceed the IEEE / ANSI C37.59 standard.
Refit: when the direct replacement circuit breaker is not available or impossible, the existing low voltage or medium voltage switchgear and bus can be retrofitted to accept the new circuit breaker. This option requires a longer bus power outage (compared to the direct replacement option), during which the internal circuit breaker battery is modified to accept a new circuit breaker. A modified refurbishment solution is usually used to replace direct replacement of large equipment, such as main circuit breaker and repeater circuit breaker.
Managers may not be aware of the problems in the data center facilities until it is too late, which is critical to their regular assessment of the electrical systems in the data center facilities. The evaluation can indicate the location of the fault in the electrical system, and inform the data center manager of the possible expired area of the switchgear. In addition, inventory management should be carried out regularly, because the data center facilities may use different equipment from the original equipment manufacturer and need to follow the available spare parts.
Constantly update the switchgear