Using UPS in data centers

Data centers often have central UPS systems. This ensures that the systems can continue to operate for a short period of time in the event of a power failure. This article explains some important questions on the USP topic in data centers.

Automatic shutdown in case of prolonged power failure

A lot of UPS systems offer the possibility for an automatic shutdown of a server during a prolonged power failure. Depending on UPS manufacturer, there are different software solutions. An example for this is the rccmd client. The article Rccmd USV Shutdown Client Installation under Linux provides further information.

In data centers, which, in addition to the UPS, also have diesel generators, there is often no necessity for an automatic shutdown, as the diesel generators can ensure the power supply for several days.

Kindly ask the operator of your data center for more information on the automatic shutdown.

Own UPS in server rack

Some operators of data centers prohibit the operation of own UPS in rented server racks in the server room. The background to this is as follows:

In many UPS systems, lead batteries are used. Towards the end of the charging process of a lead-acid battery, oxyhydrogen gas is produced.. A lot of modern data centers operate systems for early detection of smoking (very early smoke detection system VESDS, early fire detection system, very early smoke detection apparatus VESDA). Since the escaping oxyhydrogen gas in such systems can mistakenly trigger fire alarms, the operation of separate UPS systems in the rack is often prohibited.

Author: Werner Fischer Werner Fischer, working in the Knowledge Transfer team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his studies of Computer and Media Security at FH Hagenberg in Austria. He is a regular speaker at many conferences like LinuxTag, OSMC, OSDC, LinuxCon, and author for various IT magazines. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano and training for a good result at the annual Linz marathon relay.

Translator: Alina Ranzinger Alina has been working at Thomas-Krenn.AG since 2024. After her training as multilingual business assistant, she got her job as assistant of the Product Management and is responsible for the translation of texts and for the organisation of the department.