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The importance of UPS for medical equipment
As the medical industry becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is a greater emphasis on the need for a dependable and consistent power supply. Healthcare facilities not only rely on such power for the everyday running of the infrastructure but also for their diagnostic and monitoring equipment, medical imaging equipment and life support.
Unfortunately, the detrimental effect a loss of electricity to medical equipment can have on a hospital is often overlooked. A loss of power could cause delays in patient recovery, diagnosis treatment and care and can cause the hospital costly delays and downtime.
MEDICAL IMAGING
As there isn’t always the immediate risk to human safety the obvious requirement of a power protection solution for MRI, X-Ray, CT and Ultrasound imaging equipment may be easy to dismiss.
However, in the event of a power failure, there is a danger of the imaging hardware (that can cost upwards of £1million) being damaged causing disruptions and delays to patients and staff. If a power failure should occur during a medical imaging procedure, the recorded data may be lost which could affect the diagnosis and/or treatment of a patient. Furthermore, the imaging computer systems can be corrupted. The hardware and software will need to be reset delaying, and in many cases cancelling procedures.
Further problems of a power outage may occur before a scan if a patient needs to be injected with a radionuclide, radioactive or other tracers. If during the scan power is lost then these tracers cannot be re-injected for a long time. This delays diagnosis and causes problems for the patient’s welfare. The patient could be delayed for weeks.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) ensures the loss of power will not result in a loss of productivity and will provide a cost efficient, reliable backup power source. In most cases, a standard UPS used for commercial and IT systems will not be suitable due to the dynamic load characteristics and voltage regulation requirements of most medical imaging equipment. The following special considerations are required for sizing a UPS.
CONSIDERATIONS
Line impedance
Many medical imaging scanners require an electrical supply with a very low impedance so as to provide a clear image. If the impedance is not within the requirement specified by the imaging manufacture then image could be distorted effecting an accurate diagnosis.
The electrical installation should be designed and installed in a way that provides a low impedance level hence the UPS has to be of special low impedance design meet the requirements.
Inrush currents
UPS products that are suited for data process applications might not work well for diagnostic imaging systems such as MRI, CT, or X-ray.
Medical scanners and imaging equipment demand high inrush currents (pulses) that can be 3-4 times higher than the nominal load. During this time frame, the voltage has to stay within 6% of the nominal line voltage value. While the electrical installations don’t always have to be updated for inrush currents, UPS systems need to be oversized correctly to cope. Otherwise, the UPS will not provide critical backup and could fail prematurely.
The UPS batteries don’t necessarily need to be sized for the inrush currents from imaging equipment. However special consideration is needed for the design of the batteries and DC installation to cope with the demands.
COMPLIANCE AND REGULATIONS
As a result of the increased reliance on electrical power, the regulations have become more stringent including specific guidelines outlining the integration of backup power supplies.
A UPS would ensure a healthcare facilities compliance with regulations highlighted in IEC bulletin 60364-7-710 that power should be resumed for life support equipment within a maximum of 0.5 seconds in all medical locations intended for purposes of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and care of the patient and where isolated power is installed.
UPS systems for supporting imaging equipment must be compliant with HTM regulations. As well a medical power, the HTM covers UPS design, battery design, and installation and isolation requirements.
Other regulations to consider:
- BS7671 (British Standard)
- BS6290-4 (British Standard)
- IEC90601 (International Electrotechnical Commission)
Identifying the correct UPS system for critical care units requires careful planning and an expertise. With over 25 years of experience in providing comprehensive back up power solutions within the healthcare market, you can rest assured that Power Control will provide the complete support a medical facility requires.
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How applicable are data centre tier ratings to UPS system reliability?
Established by the Uptime Institute (TUI) in the 1990s, data centre tiers are a convenient system to organise types of data centre infrastructure based on a set of operating criteria. The classification ranks facilities from 1 (l) to 4 (llll) with 1 being the lowest rank and 4 being the best performing level.
The exact method of assigning tiers is kept a secret by the Uptime Institute however, the most important metrics are common knowledge: Service availability and uptime guarantees, redundancy levels, cooling capacity and power infrastructure, security, staff expertise and maintenance protocols to name a few.
Customers typically use the tiers to help them to decide which facility to trust for their critical data. However, the facility tier rating is not as applicable to the performance of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) in good working order. A UPS installation can be made to be as robust as necessary irrespective of the facility tier rating. It comes down to what is actually required.
One of the metrics, service availability refers to the five 9’s of uptime. Whilst the 99.9999% availability is a useful metric, it is irrelevant for power availability. A facility could see an outage every day of the year and still fulfil this metric or KPI. For UPS, the metric has got to be for it to fulfil its purpose irrespective of the overall facility tier rating.
The tier rating of the facility will determine what happens when there is an external failure outside of the control of the UPS, such as an issue resulting in no power to the UPS (the batteries only have a finite charge in them and once it’s gone, the load will lose power.) It does not determine what is within the control of the UPS and how the system is made as resilient as possible within the different design configurations.
A more appropriate way to measure and configure UPS is to limit the effects of any faults as far as possible, this is where the tier ratings do have a small impact – fault tolerance and concurrent maintainability.
A UPS will likely have a fault at some point, they are in constant 24/7 operation and are made up of consumable electrical components. The internal makeup of the UPS such as PCB’s, component ratings, airflow designs, etc, are ultimately what can affect the reliability of the single UPS.
Director at Power Control, Rob mather commented “The majority of UPS on the market today are relatively reliable compared to a decade ago. At that time there were some UPS where the reliability of the power would have been improved if the UPS was taken out of a circuit.
There are still differences, but the main commercial forces prevent poor units from gaining any market traction. For this reason, we will focus on how the overall UPS configuration and installation can be done to improve the reliability of achieving a supply to the load 100% of the time.”
A major cause of UPS faults is the batteries. Batteries are often an overlooked aspect of the overall UPS design, yet if they are done wrong, it has a huge impact on the ability of the UPS to support the load and potentially causes a fire risk.
Rob Mather commented “For this reason, I am always surprised when there is an installation with a common battery that has no redundancy but N+1 of UPS. Whilst this sort of installation makes maintenance easier, it does not really improve the reliability of the system considering that general batteries are more likely to be the cause of a fault than the UPS.”
How to increase UPS reliability
Design the UPS to be operated at a maximum 80% capacity. Constant operation higher than this will result in more wear and tear on components which mean the efficiency of the UPS will degrade sooner, and potentially result in needing to replace consumable items sooner. There are numerous reasons for doing this, and the only reason for not is cost. Furthermore, nearly all modern UPS will be more efficient at 80% load than 100% anyway.
Consider multiple battery strings with redundancy if having a single UPS system.
If only installing a single UPS system, consider a modular UPS with a redundant module, and redundant battery string. Or have an N+1 UPS system each having its own batteries, this means that maintenance can be carried out and in the event of a fault the load should remain protected.
Is it feasible to have a 2N installation from the UPS down?
Even if there is only a single main supply and LV panel available, splitting the supplies from the UPS will add an increased level of resilience. This will not be a full tier III infrastructure but is going to make the supply of UPS backed power more reliable without the full expense. This will enable concurrent maintainability for the UPS systems and provides redundancy in the event of a fault on the UPS.
Power Control ltd has been delivering UPS solutions into data centre facilities of all tier ratings for almost three decades. We work closely with our UPS manufacturing partners to design the most reliable configurations for all sizes and budgets. Our nationwide team of engineers are well experienced in installing, commissioning, and maintaining these solutions across all facility tiers. For more information, please contact us 01246 431431 or email info@powercontrol.co.uk
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Protect your Business Against Power Outages with a Standby Generator Contingency Plan
Next year the UK faces a bleak power outlook. The head of the National Grid has warned that ‘Planned’ outages are to be expected between 4 pm and 7 pm on “those deepest, darkest evenings in January and February”. He went on to warn that the situation could be worse if wind speeds are low, reducing the effectiveness of wind turbines1.
While there is a list of businesses exempt from the outages, it’s very limited and only includes air traffic control centres, major hospital facilities with accident and emergency departments and military bases. All other businesses will be expected to have their own plans in place.
The ENA spokesperson advised that “it will not be business as usual”
What this means for businesses
The bottom line is that businesses will be even more reliant on their critical power infrastructure. Those who already have backup power provisions in place such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), diesel generator, or both will need to review their infrastructure to ensure it is still working in optimum condition showing no precursors to an imminent failure.
For those without it is recommended to contact a UPS/standby diesel generator specialist and arrange a site survey to determine the most suitable solution for your premises.
Common reasons for generator failure
Although modern diesel generators are generally extremely dependable and robust, as with any equipment containing consumables, issues can inevitably arise. During a time when businesses will rely on backup power provisions more than ever, it is important to look out for some of the most common issues.
- Clogged filtration system
Modern diesel generators contain a built-in air filtration system designed to ensure the carburettor receives the correct amount of oxygen to mix with the fuel. The series of pipes that form the filtration system is one of the most important elements of the internal combustion engine.
Regular inspections and cleaning of the air filtration are required to avoid clogs or damage.
- Broken block heater
A block heater is designed to keep the engine block at an optimum temperature to prevent the thickening of oil. It runs all day every day, even when the diesel generator is idle, and so will eventually wear out and fail.
Block heaters are an essential generator component and should be replaced when needed to avoid generator failure.
- Generator leaks
Generators can suffer from oil, fuel or coolant leaks. If a leak is found, the generator supplier should be notified so they can send out an engineer to patch or replace the necessary component.
- Empty or old fuel
Whether it’s due to a leak, generator gauge error or human error, an empty fuel tank is one of the most common reasons for generator failure. Without fuel, the generator simply won’t start.
- End of life battery
Maintaining the generator battery is key for keeping the battery ready to go in case of a prolonged power outage. As a generator can stand idle for prolonged periods, it’s not uncommon for the battery to drain. If this happens the generator will not start up when needed.
Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent many of the issues that can cause generator failure. It’s also important to use the proper coolant and lubricant and to make sure that the electrical control system is functioning properly. Other factors that can contribute to generator failure include old age, poor design, and manufacturing defects, but these factors are often less controllable.
What is a diesel generator contingency plan?
A standby diesel generator contingency plan outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an unexpected situation or emergency such as that of a generator failure during a period of planned blackouts. It is developed in order to minimize the potential negative effects of the failure and to ensure that businesses are able to continue to operate as smoothly as possible.
With powerful industry partners, Power Control offers a comprehensive standby diesel generator contingency plan in which a site survey will have already been carried out and a replacement rental generator kept in stock and ready for deployment the second there is an issue reported. This means we can have the new equipment on-site within 4 hours.
In the meantime, the site’s UPS system will provide the critical power source.
Combining a UPS with a standby diesel generator provides a more robust and reliable backup power solution. The UPS provides power for a short time while the diesel generator provides a longer-term power source until the main power supply is restored. This can help prevent data loss and other problems that can occur when a power outage occurs.
Contact Power Control
The contingency plan service we offer is in partnership with Vital Power. Our long-standing relationship with Vital Power spans many years during which time we have supplied numerous diesel generator solutions. Their over 30 years of experience allow them to focus purely on their customers and provide unparalleled services like the power contingency plan.
1 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/national-grid-blackouts-uk-winter-2022-b2232080.html
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IPS and UPS stronger together
The principle role of an Isolated Power Supply (IPS) is to protect electrical loads from high voltage exposure. This is achieved by transferring power from one circuit to another without directly linking the two. The IPS identifies any ground faults at their earliest point enabling vital equipment to remain online.
IPS solutions form part of many critical power protection policies especially in healthcare facilities where they are a prerequisite for medical life-support systems, wet procedure settings and for equipment that falls in the ‘clinical 4 or 5 category’ or within ‘group 2’.
In order to meet industry standards, where power is required to be available within 0.5 seconds of a mains failure, as set out in HTM 06-01 and IEC60364-7-710, further resilience is provided with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system. A combined N+1 UPS with an IPS is regarded as the most resilient configuration that can be adopted.
The added layer of reliability that is provided by a UPS solution, is essential for healthcare facilities and can be supplied just as a standalone solution. However, an N+1 configuration is recommended within HTM 06-01 to ensure that a secondary and tertiary power source is always available.
Both IPS and UPS systems play a crucial role in the safe deployment of continuous power. That being said, very careful attention must be paid to their internal components. HTM 06-01 advises that UPS batteries need to have 10 year design life expectancy, which means that regular servicing of these is vital to ensure they are operating under optimum conditions and have not been damaged in any way. Other key components such as bypass switches, transformers and alarm monitors require routine maintenance checks. Identifying any potential failures of components will save avoidable system failures.
Power Control has provided emergency power for the healthcare market for nearly 30 years and is trusted by leading institutions across the country. The company’s nationwide team of engineers deliver all regular servicing and maintenance works, following strict site restrictions and out of hours protocols.
At present, Power Control understands that in some circumstances postponing routine service is unavoidable but the company has taken all the necessary safety precautions and is strictly following Government guidelines to be able to continue to carry out these essential IPS and UPS works.
Power Control Ltd works with businesses across the country and supplies, installs, commissions and maintains backup power solutions for all applications. For more information please visit www.powercontrol.co.uk, email info@powercontrol.co.uk or call the office on 01246 431431
#ignoranceisnotbliss
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Power Control takes resilience to the max
The data centre market has been under increasing pressure to achieve lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), where critical equipment such as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) have come under the spotlight. As the leading European manufacturer of UPS systems, Borri Italy has now released a large 3-level transformer free power protection solution with very high efficiency up to 97% and one of the smallest footprints in the market, which will be supplied in the UK by its specialist UPS partner Power Control Ltd.
Extending the Borri Ingenio Max range, also offered by Power Control, the latest 400kW units will be available for delivery in the summer. The most recently released Ingenio 200kW, 250kW and 300kW units are already available and the first orders are already being installed and commissioned.
Manufactured using the same high quality components as other power protection equipment from Borri, the Ingenio Max 400kW is a testament to the company’s commitment to the development of power protection technologies. Drawing on centuries of manufacturing excellence, Borri continues to invest over 4% of its annual turnover to R&D, enabling it to drive UPS innovation and carve the future for reliable, compact and cost efficient solutions.
Unlike many other UPS manufacturers, Borri has retained all of its manufacturing from its European headquarters in Italy. The company has full control over its firmware, software, PCB, mechanical and thermal design, which makes the Borri UPS range one of the most highly sought after in the world.
Ideal for supporting critical facilities and data centre infrastructures, the Ingenio Max range is 2N and N+1 ready and can be paralleled up to 2.4MVA. It comes with three level Green Conversion and Green Conversion Battery Care as standard, the Borri Ingenio Max series offers 97% efficiency, extended battery life and the lowest TCO on the market.
Commenting on the Ingenio Max 400kW release, Borri Spa’s product specialist Stefania Ceccarini said: “The rise of large data centres has brought a significant demand for lower TCO. Borri anticipated this shift and released its patented Green Conversion technology, which is now found within all our new UPS product releases. It has enabled us to offer reduced footprints and full front access reducing space and associated rental costs. Thanks to Borri Green Conversion technology our UPS systems achieve much greater efficiencies – reducing energy and cooling costs.”
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5 ways to show your UPS you care
Your UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is the silent protector of your critical operations. It works tirelessly to keep your business running during power disruptions, often without recognition. But just like any relationship, it needs a little care and attention to stay healthy.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Consistency is key for any relationship, the same goes for your UPS. Regular UP and battery maintenance ensures it’s always operating at peak performance. Having your UPS serviced by a professional UPS engineer can identify potential issues before they turn into costly problems, prolonging the life of your system and reducing the risk of unexpected downtime.2. Perform a Health Check
When was the last time you checked on your UPS? A UPS health check provides a thorough assessment of its condition, including battery performance, internal components, and system efficiency. Think of it as a check up for the heart of your operation.3. A Perfect Ambiance
Your UPS thrives in a clean and temperature-controlled environment. Most UPS and battery manufacturers recommend a room temperature of between 20-25°C but always check with the manufacturer guidelines to be sure. Dust buildup, excessive heat, or poor ventilation can reduce its efficiency and shorten its lifespan4. Test it Regularly
A little gesture goes a long way to a healthy relationship. Regularly performing tests on your UPS and batteries will ensure your system can handle the power demands of your critical equipment. Testing also verifies all backup systems are functioning correctly. For best practice, schedule annual or bi-annual testing with a UPS service provider to catch any hidden issues.5. Upgrade when needed
Sometimes love means letting go of the old and embracing the new. If your UPS is outdated or struggling to meet the demands of your growing business, it might be time to upgrade.Take a moment to appreciate the vital role your UPS plays in protecting your business. By showing a little love with regular maintenance, health checks, and care, you can ensure it stays dependable for years to come.
Ready to give your UPS the attention it deserves? Contact Power Control to schedule a health check or discuss UPS maintenance plans.
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Casting light on emergency luminaire compliance
The FIA has recently released information on developments to the standards for emergency lighting, BS 5266-1. As a result, companies are readdressing their emergency evacuation procedures and equipment. How can companies ensure they are compliant and where do Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) fit in?
Emergency escape lighting and exit signage are required by law in all commercial buildings to indicate and illuminate exit routes during a mains power failure or emergency situation. In some circumstances an emergency light operates as a normal light from a mains supply, continuing to operate at a lower light level from a central battery source during a mains failure. Otherwise, the emergency light only switches on during a mains failure using battery backup and lasts for a minimum of one to three hours depending on evacuation time and premises type.
In each circumstance, there is a choice of backup power supply. Self-contained (single point) or a central battery source such as a BS EN 50171 compliant UPS. A number of considerations such as; budget, facility type, project size, longevity and building age should be factored in when making the decision.
Typically installed into smaller projects, the self-contained power supplies for emergency lighting offer a fast and cheap option with a lower initial investment required. These systems can easily be extended with additional luminaires and do not require any special sub-circuit monitoring. However, the battery life is limited to between 2 and 4 years depending on the application and in order to test the batteries, the luminaires require isolation and observation on an individual basis. Furthermore, the batteries may be adversely affected by a relatively high or low ambient temperature which varies throughout the system.
On the other hand, a UPS is ideal for larger sites with longevity and low maintenance as priorities. A UPS allows for easier maintenance and routine testing with only one location to consider and the batteries have a lifespan of between 5 and 25 years. This method also benefits from larger batteries being cheaper per unit of power and so luminaires are usually less expensive. Additionally, the high capital equipment costs are offset with the Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Power Control is a well-known supplier, installer, commissioner and maintainer of Borri Spa and Legrand UPS systems. These manufacturers have designed high efficiency, small footprint central battery sources in compliance with EN 50171 and IEC/EN 62040.
The E8031 – E8033 ECS and Ingenio ECS from Borri Spa are available from 10 to 160kVA and supply uninterrupted quality power to emergency lighting systems with a 120% permanent power overload capacity and deep discharge protection. The ECS units also contain batteries with a 10-year life expectancy.
For a modular solution, the Legrand TRIMOD MCS central power supply is available from 3 to 80kW and also complies with EN 50171 standards with a 120% permanent power overload capacity. As a modular solution, the TRIMOD MCS is scalable from day one requirement with easy to install modules.
With over 25 years’ experience of delivering UPS solutions to all applications and industries, Power Control will establish the exact power protection needs of any premises.
For more information and to arrange a free site survey please visit our services page, email info@powercontrol.co.uk or call the office on 01246 431431
Alternatively please visit our product pages for specific product information.
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Maintaining power continuity for the NHS Trust
The NHS celebrated turning 73 on Monday 5th July, with numerous landmarks up and down the UK lighting up blue ahead of the anniversary to show their support. The momentous day was an opportunity to celebrate all its achievements as well as reflect upon an extremely challenging year.
The challenges placed an unparalleled reliance on NHS services and with that comes a greater emphasis on the need for a dependable and consistent supply of power. Equipment failure due to a loss of power is not tolerated in such a critical environment where it could jeopardise patient and staff safety.
Helping the industry meet its power protection responsibilities is leading UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) solutions provider Power Control Ltd. Power Control has worked with the NHS for nearly three decades in supplying, installing, commissioning and maintaining tertiary power systems.
During this time, Power Control has been granted approved supplier status and features on the NHS SBS (Hard Facilities Agreement) and NoE CPC (North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative). To feature on this list, Power Control underwent a rigorous set of quality and commercial assessments to ensure its products and services were fit for purpose for the NHS.
As a Multivendor maintenance provider, Power Control has been awarded a maintenance contract with United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, Lincoln County Hospital and Grantham and District Hospital. The NHS Trust wanted a provider that could offer an encompassing service which included the maintenance of 13 UPS systems of 5 different manufacturers, 27 IPS (Isolated Power Supply) systems and 5 generators across their sites.
Power Control’s National Contracts Manager, Sam Rea, commented: “In an industry where critical power equipment failure could result in serious life-threatening consequences, ensuring the secondary and tertiary power supply systems are on a regular maintenance schedule is paramount”.
“A regular and thorough maintenance schedule plays a vital role in ensuring critical power systems will work when they’re really needed. Our maintenance contacts can be tailored to suit the exact needs of the site and to accommodate all budgetary requirements. For this site, Power Control provides 24/7/365 emergency call outs with a 4 hour SLA. This is in addition to 24/7 telephone technical support for all contracted equipment, a dedicated account manager with over 10 years experience and experienced maintenance engineers to advise of potential recommendations following a service visit, plus a range of other aspects.
“Following a routine maintenance visit, Power Control’s engineers noticed the urgent requirement to replace some UPS batteries to ensure power continuity. This was booked in and undertaken quickly with no interruption to power.”
All of Power Control’s engineers are provided with factory training and are backed by a company that has almost 30 years of experience in providing maintenance and servicing for emergency power solutions. The nationwide engineers are available to provide immediate assistance 24/7 and work across all industry sectors.
For more information about UPS solutions, Power Control supplies, or maintenance contracts, please contact 01246431431 or to find out more about Power Control’s other emergency backup products and services, please visit www.powercontrol.co.uk
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Power Control Reappointed NoE CPC Specialist Estates Engineering & Maintenance Services (Hard FM) Framework
Power Control is thrilled to announce our reappointment to the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NoE CPC) Specialist Estates Engineering & Maintenance Services (Hard FM) Framework. This marks the second consecutive time we have been awarded a place within Lot 13 – Standby Power (UPS and Generators) on this prestigious framework, which runs on a four-year cycle.
The selection process for this framework is rigorous and highly competitive. Companies must first complete mandatory questions to verify their credentials, followed by a series of technical capability assessments. These include demonstrating excellence in customer care, adherence to service standards, commitment to fighting climate change, and prioritising wellbeing. Additionally, companies must submit a detailed pricing structure for basic engineering costs. The NoE CPC’s internal evaluation team then assesses all submissions to identify those that offer the best value and possess the requisite knowledge and expertise to serve the NHS.
Our reappointment to the framework is a testament to our proven track record and expertise in providing specialised UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) services. As the only UPS-specific company on the framework, we offer a unique and indispensable service to public sector clients.
Being pre-approved on the framework means that our company is immediately ready to respond to emergency works from the initial contact, bypassing the often lengthy and complex system setup process. This is particularly beneficial for customers in urgent need of our services.
For customers and prospects within the framework, this reappointment offers significant advantages. They can make direct awards to pre-approved suppliers, thereby avoiding the extensive and costly tender process. This pre-approval provides customers with peace of mind, knowing that all listed suppliers have been thoroughly vetted and are capable of delivering the required services.
Customers seeking to ensure that suppliers meet their specific standards can opt to conduct bespoke competitions. These involve additional questionnaires and exacting requirements tailored to their unique needs, allowing them to select the supplier that best fits their project specifications.
Over the years, Power Control has successfully collaborated with numerous public sector organisations through various frameworks. Our continued presence on the NoE CPC framework reaffirms our commitment to excellence and our capability to support the public sector with high-quality, reliable engineering and maintenance services.
Allan Jackson, Healthcare Manager at Power Control commented;
"We are proud to be reappointed to the North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NoE CPC) Specialist Estates Engineering & Maintenance Services (Hard FM) Framework for the second consecutive time. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing top-notch UPS services to the public sector, ensuring reliable and efficient solutions for our healthcare partners.
In addition to this, we hold an IHEEM company affiliation and are on the SBS Hard Facilities Framework Agreement, making our services easily accessible to the NHS and public sector.
We are very proud of the status we have achieved in the industry and take pride in the quality of service we deliver.
With its headquarters in Sheffield, Power Control operates all over the country and has been delivering life safety systems and clinical power solutions for 30 years. The company has vast experience across the entire healthcare market and understands the stringent regulations and operating recommendations required for UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), Medical IT, batteries, and switchgear."
Our range of equipment complies with HTM 06-01 (Health and Safety Memorandum), British Standards BS7671, BS6290-4 and IEC60601 (International Electrotechnical Commission).
Please contact us to arrange a free site survey or for more information at info@powercontrol.co.uk, 01246 431 431
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The Power to Vaccinate: UPS Solutions for Vaccine Refrigerators
A medical refrigerator is a specialised type of refrigerator designed to store medical supplies, including vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medications, at a specific temperature range. This is necessary to ensure the safety and efficacy of the stored medication. Medical refrigerators may also be referred to as vaccine refrigerators or pharmacy refrigerators and are typically used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, as well as in laboratories and research centres.
UPS systems for vaccine refrigerators are critical components in the storage and transportation of vaccines. These systems ensure that the vaccines are kept at the correct temperature, which is crucial for their efficacy. This article will discuss the importance of UPS systems for vaccine refrigerators, the different types of systems available, and the key factors to consider when selecting the right UPS system for your needs.
The Cold Chain, The NHS and Wasted Vaccinations
The “cold chain” refers to the process of maintaining the cold temperature of vaccines from the time of manufacture to the point of administration. This includes storage and transportation. The cold chain is essential to ensuring the efficacy and safety of vaccines, as they are highly sensitive to temperature changes. A break in the cold chain can result in spoiled or ineffective vaccines, rendering them useless.
Wasting vaccines can have significant consequences for the NHS and the patients it serves. Not only does it slow down the immunisation of people against preventable diseases, but it also leads to financial losses for the NHS. Wasted vaccines represent a significant investment of public funds.
In order to reduce the wastage of vaccines, the NHS ‘Green Book’ was developed which provides guidance for the NHS on the safe and effective use of vaccines. It includes recommendations on the storage, handling, and administration of vaccines, as well as referencing the cold chain and the importance of maintaining the correct temperature of vaccines.
One of the key recommendations in the NHS Green Book is the need for a reliable power supply system to ensure that vaccines can still be accessed during a power outage. Without a UPS provision in place, during a power outage, the refrigerator cannot be opened. Keeping the door closed, the fridge should hold the temperature for up to 4 hours. If an outage lasts longer than 4 hours the vaccines will be wasted.
UPS systems for vaccine refrigerators play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the cold chain. They ensure the vaccines are kept at the correct temperature, even during power outages, surges, or other electrical disturbances. The refrigeration system remains operational, keeping the vaccines at the appropriate temperature even when no mains power exists. Using a UPS system will also minimise waste and ensure that the vaccines are safe and effective.
Type of UPS systems for Vaccine Refrigerators
There are several different types of UPS systems for vaccine refrigerators, each with their own set of features and benefits. The most common types of system include:
Offline UPS: An offline UPS system provides basic protection against power outages and surges. It is the most cost-effective option, but it does not provide as much protection as other types of systems.
Line interactive UPS: A line interactive UPS system provides a high level of protection than an offline UPS. It used a voltage regulator to stabilise the voltage and provide protection against power outages and surges.
Online double conversion UPS: An online UPS system provides the highest level of protection against power outages and surges. It uses double conversion to provide a clean and stable power supply to the refrigeration system.
The CertaUPS range of UPS systems from Power Control is a popular choice for backing up vaccine refrigerators. Available as line interactive or online double conversion and starting at 800VA, the range is ideal for supporting all sizes of vaccine fridges and budgets. Their high efficiency, small footprint and expandable design also contribute to their appeal in the sector.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a UPS System
Whether it’s simply backing up the contact alarm and acting as an alert to the practice owner or backing up the vaccine fridge, providing 8-10+ hours of autonomy, there are a number of considerations to be made before the correct UPS can be determined.
- Power capacity: The UPS should be capable of providing enough power to keep the refrigerator running during the expected power outage. It should handle the refrigerator’s power consumption and be compatible with the voltage requirements.
- Runtime: The runtime of the UPS system should be sufficient to provide power for the duration of a power outage. The runtime required will depend on the outage's duration and the vaccine refrigerator's size.
- Temperature settings: Medical refrigerators are typically set to a specific temperature range to ensure that the stored items are kept at safe temperatures. The UPS should be able to maintain this temperature range during a power outage.
- Surge protection: Medical refrigerators are sensitive equipment and should be protected from power surges and voltage spikes. The UP should have built-in surge protection to protect the refrigerator from damage.
- Alarm and monitoring: Medical refrigerators should have alarms and monitoring systems that can alert the user if the temperature inside the fridge rises above safe levels. The UPS should be able to integrate with these alarms and monitoring systems.
- Battery replacement: The UPS batteries will degrade over time and will need to be replaced. The UPS should be designed for easy battery replacement to minimise downtime and ensure continuity of power.
- Size and weight: The size and weight of the UPS system should be appropriate for the space in which it will be installed.
- Budget: The price of the UPS system should be reasonable and within your budget.
Next Steps…
UPS systems for vaccine refrigerators are critical components in the storage and transportation of vaccines. They ensure that the vaccines are kept at the correct temperature, which is crucial for their efficacy. When selecting a UPS system, it is important to consider the power capacity, run time, battery life, size and weight, and price. An online double conversion UPS system provides the highest level of protection against power outages and surges and is considered the best option for vaccine refrigerators.
It is highly recommended to work with a UPS professional and the manufacturer of the refrigerator to determine the specific requirements and ensure the UPS will meet all specifications and regulations. For more information, please visit powercontrol.co.uk, email info@powercontrol.co.uk or call the office on 01246 431431