What to Do If Your Power Goes Out? A Guide from ENLAKE Commercial Refrigeration
Introduction
Experiencing a power outage can be a worrisome situation, especially when it affects the functionality of your commercial refrigeration equipment. At ENLAKE, we understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of your perishable items. This blog post provides essential steps to follow during and after a power outage, ensuring the safety of your stored products.
During Normal Business Hours
Check Your Switchboard: Start by inspecting your switchboard for any tripped circuit breakers or RCDs (Residual Current Devices). If you identify a tripped switch, attempt to reset it. If the issue persists, you should contact an electrician for assistance.
Contact Your Electricity Provider: If the problem does not stem from the switchboard, contact your electricity provider to inquire about the expected duration of the power outage. Having an estimated timeline can help you make informed decisions regarding the storage of your perishable items.
Preserve Temperature: To minimize temperature fluctuations and prevent spoilage, make sure to keep the doors of your fridge or freezer closed during the power outage. This will help retain the cool air inside.
Outside Business Hours
It can be problematic when a power outage occurs outside of normal business hours as you won’t usually be aware of the situation until the next working day. Fortunately, there are proactive measures you can take:
Purchase a power failure monitor: A power failure monitor will send you an email and/or as SMS when the power goes out and a second alert when the power returns.
Consider Temperature Data Loggers: Investing in a temperature data logger with alert capabilities can provide valuable insights during power outages. These devices can send SMS or email notifications, allowing you to stay informed about problematic temperature variations within your fridge and/or freezers.
Additional Recommendations
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): If you frequently store a significant quantity of perishable items or the items that you store are valuable, it’s worth considering an Uninterruptible Power Supply. This device, also known as a UPS, allows your fridge or other refrigeration equipment to operate on battery power during a powere outage. A UPS typically provides a fridge around one hour of power on its own, but by adding extra battery packs, you can significantly extend the run time. Freezers are much more power hngry than fridges which means that they have shorter run time.
Conclusion
Facing a power outage doesn’t have to be a cause for panic. By following the steps outlined above and considering additional measures like temperature data loggers or UPS systems, you can safeguard your stored perishable items and ensure their integrity even during unexpected power interruptions. At ENLAKE, we are dedicated to supporting our customers with reliable solutions for their commercial refrigeration needs.
Should you require further assistance or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team. We are here to provide the guidance and expertise you need to navigate power outages and maintain optimal conditions for your valuable stock.
