Umair Gaines
Power outages can be costly for businesses, causing financial, data, and logistical issues. While the likelihood of a power outage varies depending on location, there is always the possibility of freak accidents, human error, or planned outages. As such, it is important to have a backup plan in place to ensure that work can continue and essential functions can be maintained. This involves safeguarding electronics with surge protection, having access to a backup generator, and keeping devices charged.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) | Provide temporary power to critical devices like computers and networking equipment during brief power outages |
| Backup Generators | Provide power for essential appliances and devices during a prolonged outage |
| Fully Charged Devices | Use smartphones, laptops, and tablets during a power cut to ensure access to important information |
| Minimal Power Usage | Use energy-saving devices and reduce reliance on power-hungry equipment to extend battery life during outages |
| Emergency Lighting | Use battery-operated lanterns or flashlights to navigate safely and continue working if the lights go out |
| Scheduled Backup Plans | Create a plan for critical work tasks and communications to know how to proceed during a power outage |
| Stay Informed | Monitor power failure notifications or local utility updates through a charged mobile device to adjust plans accordingly |
| Offline Resources | Utilize offline resources such as books, manuals, or physical documents for reference or research during an outage |
| Communication | Rely on mobile networks to stay in touch via phone calls or text messages and inform colleagues, clients, or friends about the situation |
| Relocation | Temporarily relocate to a place with power, such as a friend's house or a coffee shop, to continue working |
| Data Storage | Invest in cloud-based data backup and business-data management systems to prevent data loss during power outages |
| Perishable Inventory | Minimize perishable inventory to reduce losses in the event of an energy cut |
| Surge Protection | Safeguard electronics with surge protection to prevent damage during electrical surges caused by severe weather |
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What You'll Learn
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a continual power system that provides automated backup electric power when the input power source or mains power fails. A UPS is different from a traditional auxiliary/emergency power system or standby generator as it provides near-instantaneous protection from input power interruptions by switching to energy stored in battery packs, supercapacitors, or flywheels.
The on-battery run-times of most UPSs are short, usually only a few minutes, but this is often enough to initiate a standby power source or shut down protected equipment properly. UPSs are given a power rating in volt-amperes (VA) ranging from 300 VA to 5,000 kVA. UPSs below one kilovolt-ampere (1 kVA) are typically less expensive, while larger power units may use dynamic uninterruptible power supplies (DUPS). DUPS are sometimes combined with a diesel generator, forming a diesel rotary uninterruptible power supply (DRUPS).
An online UPS is ideal for environments where electrical isolation is necessary or for equipment that is very sensitive to power fluctuations. It is also useful when the power environment is "noisy", when utility power outages and other anomalies are frequent, or when protection of sensitive IT equipment loads is required. The online UPS typically costs much more due to its greater current AC-to-DC battery-charger/rectifier, and its rectifier and inverter are designed to run continuously with improved cooling systems.
A line-interactive UPS maintains the inverter in line and redirects the battery's DC current path from the normal charging mode to supplying current when power is lost. In a standby ("offline") system, the load is powered directly by the input power, and the backup power circuitry is only invoked when the utility power fails. The offline/standby UPS offers basic features, providing surge protection and battery backup. The UPS will be designed to power certain equipment, such as a personal computer, without any dip or brownout.
UPS systems are an important safeguard for electronics, helping to prevent damage to expensive equipment during electrical surges that can occur during severe weather. They can also reduce recovery time for first responders during natural disasters, providing lighting and power.
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Portable generators
It is important to size the generator correctly so that it meets the electrical loads you intend to power with some excess capacity. This is because undersizing the generator can produce insufficient voltage, potentially damaging appliances. It is also important to plan what you want to power and how you will use the generator to power those loads.
There are also portable power stations, which are large, portable battery systems. They must be charged prior to an electrical outage event, but some can connect to solar panels for electricity generation. They are more affordable than traditional generators and can be useful while camping or during power outages to charge mobile devices.
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Minimise perishable inventory
Minimising perishable inventory is a key consideration when creating an electricity backup plan. Power outages can have serious consequences for businesses, including financial losses, data loss, and damage to computer systems. Therefore, it is important to minimise the risks associated with power outages, especially for businesses dealing with perishable goods.
To minimise perishable inventory, businesses should keep a reduced inventory of highly perishable products. This will help to minimise losses in the event of an unexpected power outage and reduce the risk of financial losses. It is also important to regularly assess critical installations and equipment and apply the necessary maintenance solutions. By being proactive with maintenance, businesses can reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and minimise the impact on perishable inventory.
In addition to proactive maintenance, businesses should establish protocols for immediate action during a power outage. This includes training employees on their roles and responsibilities, ensuring they know the safety precautions, and setting up a communication plan for stakeholders and employees during prolonged outages. Having a well-trained and informed team can help minimise the impact of a power outage on perishable inventory.
Another way to minimise perishable inventory is to invest in backup power sources. Businesses can secure industrial emergency backup generators to provide power during outages. When choosing a generator, it is important to consider the necessary wattage to meet the energy demands at the company's peak usage. Additionally, businesses can explore renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, and microgrids to complement their main power source and reduce the risk of complete power loss.
Finally, businesses should consider the impact of external factors on their perishable inventory. For example, during severe weather, additional measures may be necessary to secure property and inventory that cannot be relocated. By being prepared for various scenarios, businesses can minimise the risk of losses and maintain the integrity of their perishable goods.
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Offline resources
In the event of a power outage, it is important to have a backup plan that includes offline resources. Here are some strategies to consider:
Firstly, identify the tasks that can be performed offline. These could include working on locally stored documents, referring to physical manuals or books, or engaging in activities that do not require digital tools.
Secondly, ensure you have physical copies of important resources, such as books, manuals, and physical documents. These can be extremely useful when digital devices are not an option.
Thirdly, consider investing in a compact portable generator that can be kept on standby. These are widely available in hardware stores and can supply electricity for extended periods. It is important to buy and set up the generator before an outage occurs, as they tend to sell out quickly during emergencies. Regular maintenance and safety checks are crucial, and fuel should be stored safely and kept ready for use.
Additionally, for those working in a business context, it is essential to minimise risks by reducing the inventory of highly perishable products that require constant electricity to stay fresh. Investing in cloud-based data backup systems is also a good idea, as it allows for rapid relocation of business functions to areas with electricity.
Lastly, for those working remotely or as virtual assistants, having a backup mobile internet connection is crucial. This could be in the form of a prepaid USB internet stick or mobile data, which can be used as a temporary solution until regular service is restored.
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Emergency lighting
Emergency LED Lights
Rechargeable Emergency LED lights, such as those offered by Orient Electric, are an excellent option for emergency lighting. These LED bulbs and battens have an in-built battery that automatically charges during regular power supply. When a power outage occurs, they seamlessly switch to emergency backup mode, providing up to 4 hours of lighting. These LED lights are easy to use, as they automatically switch between normal and emergency modes, and they can also serve as portable light sources.
Emergency Flashlights and Lanterns
Having reliable flashlights or lanterns with LED lights is essential for emergency lighting. These flashlights should be durable, robust, waterproof, and easy to store. Look for flashlights with different brightness levels and a mode that illuminates a larger area. Some flashlights with emergency light functions automatically turn on during a blackout, providing convenience and peace of mind. Additionally, consider lanterns with LED lights for homogeneous radiation in larger rooms.
Portable Generators
For a more comprehensive solution, investing in a compact portable generator is advisable. These generators can be purchased from hardware stores and can supply electricity for several days. It is important to have them ready before a power outage, regularly inspected, and fully fuelled.
Alternative Power Sources
In addition to dedicated emergency lighting solutions, it is beneficial to have alternative power sources available. This could include power banks or generators that can be used to charge devices and provide electricity during an outage.
By implementing these measures, you can ensure that emergency lighting is a key component of your electricity backup plan, mitigating the disruptions caused by power outages.
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