Ya Gotta Have Power!
By Terry Burton
The Bureau of Information Services (BIS) Production Services has a wide range of power
and power protection needs. Both mainframe systems have very large standalone
Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems that can provide backup power to the mainframe
and all its peripheral devices. The UPS ensures
that the devices receive an even, constant power feed. In the event of a power outage or
fluctuation in power, the UPS may switch from feeding from the outside source to battery
backup. The amount of backup time is determined by the number of devices attached to the
UPS unit and the electrical draw of the attached equipment.
All of the supported servers that are housed at Edison Drive are covered by smaller UPS
systems supplied by BIS or built into the server/system itself. The smaller UPS systems
work the same as those for the mainframe. Additional recovery time can be provided by
adding more batteries to the UPS unit. Some employees elect to support their PCs with
small UPS units which usually sit on the floor near their work station. These units are
available in many sizes and are readily obtained from large vendors like APC or other
computer supply vendors. The state has contracts in place for the purchase of small PC UPS
units and uses a bidding process for larger system units.
The APC company has a free WEB based tool http://apc.com/sizing/
that can be helpful in determining the size of the UPS needed for any specific
application. A line monitor can be also be used to provide documentation of low voltage or
power fluctuations.
BIS has been able to work effectively with building engineers and electricians from the
Bureau of General Services, electrical engineering consultants, and commercial power
providers to design a power delivery system that assures maximum availability for the
computers that provide critical services to the citizens of the State of Maine.
Terry Burton is an Assistant Operations Manager in BIS’ Production Services
Division. He has worked for the Bureau for 30 years, and may be reached with questions by
e-mailing terry.burton@state.me.us.
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