Backup Power & Uninterrupted Building Operations

In the summer of 2023, Viet Nam faced electricity shortages and power cuts. In the north, according to estimates by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in June, the electricity grid had shortfalls of as much as 50.8 million kWh per day. These shortages have impacted economic activities and lives across the country.

Building operations require a significant amount of electricity for lighting, security, ventilation and air conditioning, data storage, elevators and firefighting systems. If there are electricity cuts, these systems could fail, which could result in delays, theft, or accidents.

See more: Energy-Saving Solutions for Building Operations 

To ensure uninterrupted building operations, developers should have proper backup power systems for their projects.

Why Do Buildings Need Backup Power Systems?

1. To Avoid Business Interruptions

The backup power system reduces the interruption of machinery and electric equipment, which means businesses can operate normally. A stable electricity supply gives customers peace of mind, enhancing their experience and the reputation of the project in the long run.

2. To Prevent Accidents and Minimise Damage

These systems ensure that emergency lighting, audio signals and firefighting system are never interrupted. This is essential in protecting residents, guests, and staff using the building. Elevators also need continuous power to minimise unnecessary incidents.

For buildings with specialised equipment like cold storage or servers, sudden power outages or prolonged power cuts can cause economic or data loss. Therefore, backup power systems reduce the risk of damage.

3. Improves the Lifespan of M&E

High currents and turning electronic devices on or off suddenly can reduce the lifespan of M&E. This is not only inconvenient but can also be incredibly costly for developers because they will have to pay for the repair or replacement.

4. To Uphold Security

Power cuts could influence the efficacy of security systems like surveillance cameras and anti-theft devices. A failure of these systems could put businesses and tenants at risk of theft.

How to Install Backup Power Systems

Investing in backup power systems can be costly and inefficient without a thorough understanding of how to design and install them properly. Developers should keep a few points in mind before they instal their systems:

1. Consider the Requirements and Use Ratio

According to the law, the power supply for emergency rescue equipment is mandatory in buildings. Developers must consider the power required for the following equipment:

• Exit signs and lighting systems
• Elevators
• Communication and alarm systems and emergency phones
• Firefighting systems and water pumps

After these considerations, the developer can calculate how much power they will need. Office buildings and shopping centres often need backup power equal to 100% capacity, while the capacity varies for residential projects, but many developers require backup power to meet 40% of the building capacity.

2. Installation Spaces

Backup power systems must be installed away from the common areas because they are often unattractive and loud. They can be placed in the basements, technical floors or outside depending on the scale and type of the project. The construction must align with the general structure of the building and installation and maintenance should be convenient.

These systems also have technical requirements related to the size of the room, machine base, dampers, sound absorption, oil supply, exhaust system, grounding, lighting, and fire and explosion prevention.

The construction and installation of a backup power system require precision and knowledge to ensure efficient operations and cost optimisation. Developers should utilise a professional property management agency to optimise their backup power system.

Conclusion

With experience across diverse real estate projects, Savills helps developers create bespoke installation and operational strategies that optimise operating costs and minimise risks. Our services include Consulting Packages that assess the design and technical systems of a building, including circulation, parking, public areas, functional rooms and M&E.

Contact Savills Property Management for bespoke solutions.

See further:

• How Can Developers Ensure Fire Safety at Apartment Buildings?
• Why Regular Maintenance for Ventilation and AC Systems is Essential