Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

D

Daniel Postilnik

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Jan 14, 2011
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Is there a rack-mounted UPS solution that also has a delayed outlet feature? Basically a combination of a middle atlantic ups and the Furman PS-8R, which isn't being made any more.

http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=PS-8R_II

We would like there to be an easy, safe way for non-technical staff to power cycle a system that includes an open architecture DSP processor and 3-5 amps. Technically only the processor really needs to be on the UPS to be protected from voltage fluctations etc., but I would like the whole system to be sequenced to avoid "pops" when things are turned off incorrectly.

EDIT: The amps we use (QSC RMX4050HD) each are rated for 11.9A current draw @ 120V, so no power sequencer is going to be able to support three of them. I would need a sequencer that can shut the amps off even when they are powered by their respective isolated 20A circuits. Is this done with a relay or something similar? The amps don't seem to have any auxiliary power control.
 
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Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

While not an answer to your question...Most open architecture DSP's are designed to run 24/7/365. In talking with a major DSP manufacture, they replied to my question by saying "we don't put a power switch on them for a reason"
 
Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

David Sturzenbecher said:
While not an answer to your question...Most open architecture DSP's are designed to run 24/7/365. In talking with a major DSP manufacture, they replied to my question by saying "we don't put a power switch on them for a reason"
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David, I know that's how they're designed. But what they seem to ignore is that sometimes there's a scheduled power outage. Or a flood in a different part of the building. I think really they were designed to run 24/7/365 under the assumption that conditions will always be ideal. When they are not ideal, things start getting wonky very quickly. One particular manufacturer's processors decide to go into protect mode whenever there is a power loss, requiring a remote login by the integrator to get things running again - but it doesn't happen with all processors by that manufacturer, so it's kind of a crapshoot.

We have processors at 27 locations, and I administer all of them remotely, which is maybe a slightly different application than was intended.
 
Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

Daniel Postilnik said:
Is there a rack-mounted UPS solution that also has a delayed outlet feature? Basically a combination of a middle atlantic ups and the Furman PS-8R, which isn't being made any more.

http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=PS-8R_II

We would like there to be an easy, safe way for non-technical staff to power cycle a system that includes an open architecture DSP processor and 3-5 amps. Technically only the processor really needs to be on the UPS to be protected from voltage fluctations etc., but I would like the whole system to be sequenced to avoid "pops" when things are turned off incorrectly.

EDIT: The amps we use (QSC RMX4050HD) each are rated for 11.9A current draw @ 120V, so no power sequencer is going to be able to support three of them. I would need a sequencer that can shut the amps off even when they are powered by their respective isolated 20A circuits. Is this done with a relay or something similar? The amps don't seem to have any auxiliary power control.
Click to expand...
Look at it differently. Since you're familiar with Middle Atlantic, I'm guessing you know about their MPR raceways and RLM stand-alone units. If not:
MPR Raceway stuff:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/produ.../mpr-series-modular-power-raceway-system.aspx
RLM Stand-alone:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/produ.../rlm-series-remote-power-control-modules.aspx
(note: the standalone sequencer is the RLM-SEQ-1CA, and is found on the MPR page, rather than the RLM page)

So what you really want is a UPS that can be controlled via Relay. Eaton has a relay interface module for any X-Slot compatible UPS. I'm sure APC does as well, and others.
 
Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

Jonathan Kok said:
Look at it differently. Since you're familiar with Middle Atlantic, I'm guessing you know about their MPR raceways and RLM stand-alone units. If not:
MPR Raceway stuff:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/produ.../mpr-series-modular-power-raceway-system.aspx
RLM Stand-alone:
http://www.middleatlantic.com/produ.../rlm-series-remote-power-control-modules.aspx
(note: the standalone sequencer is the RLM-SEQ-1CA, and is found on the MPR page, rather than the RLM page)

So what you really want is a UPS that can be controlled via Relay. Eaton has a relay interface module for any X-Slot compatible UPS. I'm sure APC does as well, and others.
Click to expand...
Yep, I was just on the phone with Middle Atlantic.

I realize I don't actually need the UPS to be relay-controlled, I just need to be able to selectively shut off power to one device that's plugged into the UPS (the processor) as part of the same sequence as the amps, without affecting other devices plugged into the UPS (IT equipment, for example).

The way to do that is to have the UPS power one of the modules, and have the processor plugged into that module. In the event of totally unexpected power failure, the UPS is still able to supply power to the processor through the module.
 
Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

Daniel Postilnik said:
Yep, I was just on the phone with Middle Atlantic.

I realize I don't actually need the UPS to be relay-controlled, I just need to be able to selectively shut off power to one device that's plugged into the UPS (the processor) as part of the same sequence as the amps, without affecting other devices plugged into the UPS (IT equipment, for example).

The way to do that is to have the UPS power one of the modules, and have the processor plugged into that module. In the event of totally unexpected power failure, the UPS is still able to supply power to the processor through the module.
Click to expand...
Keep in mind, you've now likely voided the protection guarantee of the UPS. I seem to remember that being the problem with plugging power strips into UPS's. Or perhaps it was the other way around (UPS's into power strips)?

EDIT: One thing occurs to me. I assume you're not using the I/O on the processor to control the relays? 'Cause that would be something I would do...
 
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Re: Rack UPS with basic power sequencing

The new Furman sequencer models are CN1800S and CN2400S. For big load separate circuits they make remote modules CN-15MP and CN20MP. For sequencing control of remote modules or anything needing contact closures the Furman Powerlink sequencer controller does that. All of these pieces can be combined to form one complete sequencing system and can start the system with turn of one keyed switch or multiple switches in different locations.
 
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