DC5 Maidenhead Black Building Test 08/12/2021

As part of our annual testing process, we’ll be carrying out a black building test within the facility. This allows us to check the mains failover systems are working as they should.

This isn’t a test that should have any impact on your operations. But we want to let you know what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.

What will happen?

We’ll place the automatic transfer switches (ATS) on the data centre’s air conditioning units to manual. Once that’s done we’ll check that all the uninterruptible power source (UPS) units are running fault free.

Assuming everything is running smoothly at that point (which it should be) we’ll operate the changeover key switches on the three mains boards. This will switch the air conditioning units to generator power.

We’ll then check that all the generators started, and are running properly, with no faults. We’ll let the generators run for about an hour, while we check that all the UPS and building management systems (BMS) are operating fault free.

Once we know everything is working as it should, we’ll reverse the steps and revert to mains supply.

All of this should happen without you noticing any changes whatsoever.

When will the work be carried out?

The work will be carried out between at 8:00 and 17:00 on Wednesday the 8th of December 2021.

Who will be completing the work?

The test will be carried out by our mechanical and electrical team who will be working alongside specialist contractors from AVK, Riello and EMCOR

Will I experience downtime?

As with any upgrade or maintenance work there is an increased risk to services. However, the black building test is expected to be a non-service affecting test. In other words, you shouldn’t notice any difference
However, if, at any point, there is an increase in risk, we’ll stop the test and return to mains power immediately. So, even in the unlikely event that we run up against some issues, you shouldn’t see a significant impact on your service