Power failures are a continual threat to events, potentially causing operations to freeze and causing damage to reputations. Temporary power supplies are a safety net that enables events to continue in the event of utility outage or a capacity overload. This article directly responds to some of the frequently asked questions on using temporary event power to plan business continuity.
The impact of temporary power for business continuity
What is business continuity planning for events?
Business continuity planning is preparation of backup systems in order to keep on running an event in case there is a power disruption. An effective plan recognizes key equipment, computes power requirements and procures backup generators in advance before failure has taken place. Organizers of events that leave this out will run the risk of loss of revenue, breakages with clients and legal suits being brought against them by the
Why does event power need redundancy?
Single points of failure are sources of unacceptable risk to any professional event production. Failure of a utility transformer, a tripped breaker or damaged cable can cause a sudden closure of a whole venue. Redundant power paths imply that in case of a failure of one source, another one instantly steps in without disruption of the sound, lights or video.
How does temporary power support business continuity?
Temporary generators are linked to event power distribution systems and are set-up on-site to load within just a few seconds of an event power outage. Automatic transfer switches make sense when the power earlier supplied in the main supply goes off and then to initiate the backup generator without any kind of remote control. This continuous flow keeps sound systems, lighting systems, point-of-sale terminals and security systems running during the downtime.
What events benefit most from temporary power backup?
Live broadcast events cannot tolerate any loss of signal; one second of the lost signal interrupts the production and can be a violation of contracts. Outdoor festivals are especially vulnerable since they do not have any building power whatsoever, everything is powered by a temporary generator. The conferences of corporations with prominent speakers require impeccable presentations; a disruption of the strengths of power in the course of a keynote negatively affects the professional credibility.
How does weather affect temporary power continuity planning?
Excessive heat in the environment causes lowered generation since engine deratings are higher at high ambient temperatures and lose capacity at a time when cooling loads are the greatest. Floods and rainfall may destroy uncovered electric interconnections, and weatherproofing covers and high cable ramps are needed. Strong winds can blow over loosely positioned generators or destroy power lines that are overhead the venue.
What is the return on investment for temporary power backup?
Backup generators are cheap to rent, when compared to the loss of revenue in case of cancelled or interrupted events. Even an outage of two hours that halts a festival may result in hundreds of thousands of ticket refunds, vendor credits and brand damage. Venues with solid business continuity planning having tested backup power systems can also reduce insurance premiums.
How do contracts affect business continuity planning?
Performance contracts tend to specify the level of service maintenance benchmarks, which include continuous service of important systems by the organizers of the event. Unfulfilling these duties may cause a meeting penalty, liquidated damages or terminating the contract outright. Adding power contingency to any contract with venues and vendors sharing power spreads the work and provides clarity.
Conclusion
Business continuity planning of professional events is based on the use of temporary power solutions. Production that is not impacted by utility failures includes redundant generators, appropriate calculations of the load, planning of fuel, and frequent testing. With backup power in place, event organizers safeguard their reputation, income, and connections with clients and attendees.
