In a data centre, the UPS acts as the first line of defence, protecting against a range of power problems – from voltage spikes to blackouts. Leo Craig, general manager of Riello UPS, has warned that keeping this critical equipment in working order is crucial and the reason a solid maintenance plan should be put in place. He has developed key guidance outlining the four steps to getting a maintenance plan in place:
- Know your supplier – and provision for spares
Reputation is key when choosing a supplier – pick either a trusted manufacturer or an approved third party provider. Do your research, look online, speak to others and make sure you pick a provider you feel comfortable with. In an emergency, it is also important to know that your supplier has quick acce
Unlike other manufacturers, Riello UPS stocks all spare parts/components in various strategically placed warehouses across the UK combined with a multimillion pound stock holding at its headquarters where UPS up to 500kVA are ready for immediate dispatch.
- Make sure your provider is fully trained
Your UPS is a key component in your power protection plan – there is no room for error when it comes to repairing it and getting it back up and running as quickly as possible. If you choose to use a third-party maintenance provider, make sure to check that whoever maintains your equipment is fully trained.
To give customers access to fully trained engineers, Riello UPS runs a Certified Engineer Programme which clearly lists fully qualified engineers who have complete access to spare parts. To achieve this status, engineers must successfully complete thorough training on the commissioning, maintenance and servicing of Riello UPS products with regular re- assessment.
- Get the cover you need
When agreeing a maintenance plan, make sure you know what it includes. Most maintenance plans cover regular preventative engineer visits, firmware updates and fully comprehensive cover as standard, as well as remote monitoring and diagnosis. But it is always best to check the terms and conditions. Never be afraid to question your maintenance provider – realising down the line that that your cover does not include a battery replacement for example, can be both costly and inconvenient. Agreements are available either in or out of warranty, although be aware that the ‘out of warranty’ costs can rise. Best practice would be to request a price from your UPS supplier for a fixed price maintenance plan.
4. Timing is everything…
UPS maintenance plans are designed to provide more comprehensive cover than a warranty and a guaranteed emergency response time; defined in either working or clock hours. With Riello UPS for example you can choose between silver (12 working hours), gold (8 working hours) or platinum (same day, 4 clock hours) maintenance plans. These are guaranteed response times – not best endeavours. Having these in place means you will negate the cost and inconvenience of unplanned downtime, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from emergency call out, free on-site repair or swap out and planned battery replacements.
