Ways to Protect Critical Building Systems to Keep The Lights on During Power Outages

From residential to commercial construction, every building shares certain things in common.

The three biggest systems pulling electricity from your utility are:

·        Lighting

·        HVAC

·        Phone and data communications

Naturally, the specifics vary. Lights are often the biggest single user of power in a building, but your local grocery store may use hundreds of refrigeration compressors and rely on an advanced HVAC system that can never go far below full load. Losing power for minutes can cause millions in spoilage.

Likewise, your business may have certain mission-critical equipment pieces that use substantial power. This is especially the case in medical establishments. The sophistication and precision of critical equipment are a big part of the reason why these businesses are so sensitive to power outages.

In an unprotected building, unexpected power outages will take out all major building systems at once.

With Bay Area power outages becoming so common, a UPS power supply is a crucial investment.

Even if you cannot afford an enterprise-class system intended to run all your major systems for a long period of time, you can still make a vital difference in your building’s readiness to withstand weather and other unexpected events. A UPS power system can be designed with your priorities in mind.

What are 5 Ways a UPS Power System Can Provides Strategic Protection from Power Outages?

During power outages, your UPS system takes over, switching connected systems to battery backup power. Larger setups can run for many hours, generally the duration of the whole incident. Smaller ones are designed to maintain service for key equipment pieces or building systems.

Let’s take a look at how battery backup can affect critical business systems:

1.) Lighting

"Keeping the lights on” is the biggest concern that comes to mind when most people think of power outages. This is one key use of your UPS power system. Your system can be designed to maintain all of your lighting or it can focus on areas that are accessible to the public.

2.) HVAC

If you wish to continue operations as usual during a power outage, the HVAC system will usually be the next system to get attention. Even though the Bay Area is normally temperate, it can be quite warm in the summer. Temperatures may rise 10-15 degrees in just an hour or two.

3.) Data and Computing

If your business can operate effectively without online connectivity, you may need only enough battery backup power to ensure that your computers do not crash. On the other hand, if you use servers or other sensitive on-site equipment, you may need a longer period of time to gently power down.

4.) Other Major Equipment Pieces

Other equipment pieces can be strategically vital. They may benefit from being on their own circuit with their own UPS power system in place. When equipment is vital to human safety, it should receive some form of redundancy, although it means expanding your own UPS system capability and footprint.

5.) Fire Protection & Sprinkler Systems

In the Bay Area, many fire protection systems come with their own onboard battery power. However, this can still fail if it has not received adequate maintenance. The second layer of protection is a sound investment, as fires can be caused by utility irregularities that put stress on your wiring.

Nite & Day Power Will Develop the Ideal Bay Area UPS Battery Backup for You

No matter what your needs are, Nite & Day Power is the expert team that can help you. We have worked with businesses of all sizes throughout the Bay Area. To find out more or get started with reliable and safe UPS power, contact us today.