DC7 – Manchester – Black building Test
As part of our commitment to quality and continual improvement, iomart will be
conducting a Black Building test. The proposed activity will be conducted on the 17th
March 2026 and this work is required to ensure that the power back up systems are
operating correctly and to carry out dynamic and functional testing of the switchgear
breakers to confirm operation.
What will happen?
There will be a series of checks and inspections completed by the combined
personnel carrying out the work:
Prior to commencement of work, all systems will be checked and serviced to
make sure they are running correctly, with no issues
Mains power to the site will be isolated by Opening the Main Incomer breaker
Site infrastructure will then go through the process of transferring site load onto
the standby generator
IT Load will be maintained throughout this process, as it will be supported by
UPS battery back up
The site load will be maintained on the generator supply for approximately 60
minutes, then we will revert back to mains power
Once testing has concluded, the mains power supply will be re-instated and site
infrastructure will revert to mains power in normal configuration
A full site check will be carried out to identify any issues that may have occurred
during the planned tasks
Following reinstatement to normal operation, the combined team will carry out plant
checks to ensure there are no alarms present and that all systems are operating as
normal.
When will the work be carried out?
The work will be carried out on the17 March 2026, between 0900 to 1300hrs,
however, the expected duration of this activity is approximately 1 hour.
Who will be completing the work?
The work will be supervised by the iomart Management team who will be monitoring
the UPS, AC and generator systems. Our specialist contractors “Majas” and
Charmeldon will also be supporting this activity.
Will I experience downtime?
As with any type of maintenance there is a risk of downtime, however, the Black
Building Test is expected to be a Non-Service affecting test. If at any point the risk to
the site has increased, then the test will be aborted and Mains Power re-instated.
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