Power is the lifeblood of data centers, and anything that threatens the steady flow of electricity is a risk. Downtime, no matter what causes it, results in lost revenue and a tarnished reputation.

Data center operations require power 24/7, but it’s not as simple as connecting to the power grid, turning on the servers and HVAC system, and walking away. Owners and operators must pay close attention to the electrical system. Understanding the power requirements — access from the utility, the load and how much power is needed to maintain the data center, and uninterruptible backup power supplies — is critical information for those building a new facility or retrofitting an existing one.