NTT Blog

Importance of Medium Voltage Safety Training for Data Centers

To enhance your data center’s reliability and operational safety, investing in specialized training for medium voltage (MV) systems is a must. One immediate action you can take is to equip your maintenance staff with hands-on training in medium voltage safety and maintenance protocols, ensuring they can efficiently manage the complex power systems critical to data center uptime.

Key Safety Tip: Before performing any maintenance, always follow proper lockout/tagout procedures and install personal protective grounds to prevent electrical shock, a critical safety measure when working with MV systems operating between 2,400 to 69,000 volts.

Why Medium Voltage Systems Matter in Data Centers

In the data center industry, where downtime is costly, the performance and reliability of medium voltage systems are paramount. These systems handle the crucial task of distributing power from substations to servers, cooling systems, and other essential infrastructure. Poorly maintained medium voltage equipment can result in unplanned outages, increased operational costs, and higher risks of equipment failure.

Empower Your Team with Hands-On Training

To mitigate these risks, data centers should invest in comprehensive, hands-on training for their electrical teams. NTT Training offers a Medium Voltage Hands-On Course designed to give electricians, data center operators, and reliability managers the practical knowledge required to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain medium voltage distribution systems.

Here’s what the course covers:

• Transformers, Switchgear, and Circuit Breakers: Key components that ensure the smooth distribution of power within your data center are thoroughly discussed. Participants will learn how to maintain and test these devices, which are critical for avoiding power disruptions.
• Protective Relays: Training on how to troubleshoot relay trips and address common medium voltage faults helps reduce downtime and avoid critical failures.
• Testing and Maintenance: The course includes hands-on activities like performing Hipot tests, which help verify the integrity of cables, and partial discharge testing, which is crucial for early fault detection.
• Safety Compliance: Understanding and applying OSHA guidelines and NFPA 70B standards for electrical safety is a critical component of the course. This ensures your data center is compliant with the latest safety regulations, reducing the risk of workplace accidents.

Hands-On Labs Tailored for Data Centers

NTT’s hands-on labs provide real-world experience in tasks such as:

• Infrared Thermography: This technique is critical for identifying heat-related issues in medium voltage systems, which can be a precursor to failure.
• Vacuum Bottle Testing: Ensures that circuit breakers operate correctly, safeguarding your equipment from potential damage.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for data center professionals, including:

• Electrical Maintenance Teams responsible for managing power distribution systems.
• Substation Operators ensuring power is delivered from the grid to the data center.
• Data Center Facility Managers who need to maintain uptime and minimize operational risks.

Why It Matters

In the data center industry, reliable power is non-negotiable. Medium voltage systems are at the heart of this reliability, delivering power across vast networks of servers and critical infrastructure. Failures or inefficiencies in these systems can lead to service outages, data loss, and significant financial penalties. With the growing complexity of data center operations, having a well-trained team is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

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Course Overview

• Duration: 2 Days
• Format: Onsite (16 hours total)
• Key Topics:
  • Safety procedures following OSHA and NFPA standards
  • Maintenance and testing of transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear
  • Installation of personal protective grounds
  • Diagnostic tools and techniques like infrared thermography and Hipot testing
  • Troubleshooting medium voltage faults

Next Steps: Invest in your data center’s future by enrolling your team in NTT Training’s Medium Voltage Hands-On Course. Contact us to schedule a training session and give your team the skills they need to maintain and optimize your medium voltage systems.