Power outages are inevitable and can have harmful consequences on the quality of products stored in your refrigerator. If your equipment is located in shopping centers, office buildings, or commercial areas, the risk of outages is higher.
However, there are several strategies to reduce their impact. Here is a list of recommendations to ensure product quality in case of a power outage.
1. Increase Thermal Inertia
Why? Thermal inertia allows products to stay fresh longer by maintaining a stable temperature.
How? Fill your refrigerator with frozen water bottles or ice packs. These elements act as thermal reservoirs, absorbing heat and maintaining a lower temperature.
2. Install a UPS or Battery Backup
Why? A UPS provides uninterrupted power supply, particularly useful for covering short or overnight outages.
Warning: One refrigerator per UPS is recommended. Since refrigerators are inductive loads, multiple refrigerators connected to a single UPS can cause power cutoffs.
3. Install an Auto-Start Generator
Why? This solution ensures continuous power supply, essential for extended outage periods.
How? The generator starts automatically as soon as power is cut, providing backup energy.
4. Monitor the Weather
Why? Being informed of weather conditions allows you to prepare for storms or weather events likely to cause outages.
How? Sign up for weather alerts from Environment Canada (or your local weather service) to receive notifications about potentially dangerous conditions.
5. Prepare Backup Equipment
Why? Having backup equipment ensures rapid and efficient product transfer in case of an outage.
How? Have coolers and ice packs ready to maintain products at optimal temperature during transfer.
6. Install a Power Outage-Resistant Monitoring System
Why? A monitoring system like ATEK’s alerts you in case of power outage and continues to function thanks to an integrated battery.
How? The ATEK transmitter, with its integrated battery, maintains communication with the ATEK platform and allows you to track temperature changes on your phone.
7. Practice and Simulate Outages
Why? Simulating outages helps identify weaknesses in your system and prepare effectively.
How? Organize regular simulations to test your outage management plan and train your staff.
8. Sign Up for Power Company Alerts
Why? Being quickly informed of power outages allows you to take immediate measures to protect your products.
How? Create an account with your power company and sign up for notifications to receive email or SMS alerts in case of outage.
Summary of Recommendations
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Thermal inertia | Extends temperature maintenance |
| UPS/Battery backup | Covers short outages |
| Generator | Extended continuous power |
| Weather alerts | Advance preparation |
| Backup equipment | Rapid product transfer |
| ATEK system | Continuous monitoring even without power |
| Simulations | Staff preparation |
| Power company alerts | Immediate notification |
Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, you can significantly reduce the impact of power outages on the quality of products stored in your refrigerators.
The combination of advanced technological solutions, like ATEK monitoring systems, and practical measures ensures optimal protection against power interruptions.
Need help securing your cold chain? Contact ATEK for an assessment of your needs.
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