What are the primary sources of Data Centre downtime?

The primary source of data centre downtime is a failure within the critical power supply. Critical power is the pathway that connects the building incomer to the IT load (servers, storage, and networking devices) and will consist of LV switchboards, sub-distribution switchgear, standby power generators, uninterruptible power supplies and power distribution units. Failure can occur within any of these systems if they are not regularly inspected and maintained as part of data centre maintenance contract. The most common cause of UPS failure are the batteries maintaining sufficient charge to provide long enough for the generator to start. The second most common cause of downtime in a data centre is failure of the generator to start (open circuit-breakers, failed starter battery or fuel contamination). Regular testing, inspection (including thermal imaging), and maintenance will help to prevent failures and ensure system resilience.