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So, we have an enterprise level UPS running our main servers that our clients upload to. However, we have basic power strips, with a couple exceptions, powering our re-purposed Dell Optiplexes and a couple HPs that running as servers. I realized when plugging in my UPS today that was replacing a power-strip that we had two other power-strips plugged into this one. Fire hazard anyone?? So, when I brought this to the owner’s attention, he said all we need are power strips. We don’t need anything else at this point. How do I go about convincing him otherwise? This is obviously very bad practice and I need to convince him of this…so I pose this to the community.

How do I go about this??

Thanks,

A.J.

57 Spice ups
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By lighting the building on fire, thereby showing him the error of his way

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Or by creating an action plan outlining the risks his setup causes, and outline how and why it should be fixed and at what cost, but while showing the benefits outweight the initial cost…

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By finding a different job during the exit interview.

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Schedule a “surprise” visit by your local Fire Station and let them take a look at the power strips strung together…they will put an end to that very quickly.

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I would reiterate to him how important those servers up-times are, and the only way to ensure the uptime is battery backup in case of power failure. And that power strips in now way save your servers from a power outage.

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Bring in a certified electrician or someone from your local fire department who can back you up.

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This. But I would at least find the local fire code that references this and show it to him instead of ratting him out.

8 Spice ups
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Usually by saying “You’re stupid”

which gets followed with “And you’re fired”

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These are great ideas, for being canned :wink:

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I have a full paragraph of what to say to him. However the language used is not spiceworks friendly, and will get you fired before you could finish the entire paragraph.

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I’d rather be canned for calling out the owner than being blamed when the inevitable happens with a misremembered comment of “why didn’t you say anything?”

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The best way is to offer a better solution. So the power strips are a bad idea… have you got a better idea that is feasible?

When you have a better idea present it to him. Logic and rationale should then be on your side… it will be hard to argue with that.

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You don’t. Clock in. Draw your paycheck. Look for another place to work as soon as possible.

When the company goes tits-up because this jack-wagon doesn’t understand simple math (or maths if you’re across the pond) to see that electrical outlets carry a finite amount of power, follow up with the “I told you so” if you don’t need the recommendation for future employment.

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the problem is:

“repurposed optiplex’s running as servers, with no UPS backup”

…doesn’t sound like a solid business plan…

Ask yourself how much time, tears and money it will save to replace those with one good VM + UPS, should your setup go down as it currently stands…

5 Spice ups
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You might also mention that a UPS help condition the power going to equipment, thereby aiding in increasing their effective lifespans and reducing the chance of lost data/downtime/fire/werewolves.

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Plug as many high amp devices as you can into each power stip and see how long it takes to overload the UPS. Once the UPS does overload and eventually take out the batteries explain to him why the servers went down. Have him sign the purchase order for the extra power strips.

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Whatever you do, put it in email form and copy someone else in, so when if something does happen you can prove that it was his own dumb fault. Assuming, that is, that the email server doesn’t get destroyed in the fire.

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I would contact the Fire Dept. and ask them.

I know of a local school that was being utilized on the weekend by a local non-denominational church. They had power strips and extension cords to power light bars, band gear and amplifiers…

…a local coach stopped by with friends to get in a game of basketball and realized the gym was being utilized for the church… but was ticked off at all the cords running into every plug in the gym and his office… so he called the fire inspector and yes… the operation was shut down… they never played in the gym again.

If you have a fire concern… call them.

-shawn

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Wow I feel for you A.J. . I’m kinda going through the same problem over here.

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