How Backup Generators Can Do Better on Their Tests

Every Data Center has to have backup power generators, which run on natural gas or diesel, and these generators must be tested on a regular basis to make sure they're fully functional should a catastrophic power outage occur. But until recently, all the electricity created by the generators was wasted. We test our backup generators "under load," meaning we actually run our Data Center on the power they generate. This not only saves electricity but give us a better idea of how they perform in a real power emergency. The generator manufacturers recommend testing them under load but few Data Centers choose to do this. We save 250 gallons of diesel per month from needless exhaust into the environment – or 3000 gallons per year.