FAQs

Why test building backup power generators?

Emergency power generator systems contain components that are subject to deterioration and need to be tested on a regular basis to ensure their smooth operation. With this in mind, VCU Facilities Management has scheduled these tests of the emergency power generators prior to the start of hurricane season.

When are the tests?

The tests are scheduled to begin on May 11th and will run through May 22nd. The tests will generally take place during normal working hours to allow faculty and staff to verify that the equipment they expect to be on generator actually remains powered up during the tests. To see if your building is affected please review the schedule.

What is impacted by these tests?

Anything that requires electricity to operate may be impacted. The experiences will be different depending on the building:

• Buildings Fully Powered By A Backup Generator: People may experience a brief power fluctuation, or blip as the power switches over from their normal electrical supply to backup generator power. This may cause some equipment to restart or phone calls to be dropped but other than that you might not notice a change.
This blip will happen again after the power switches back. If your computer is not plugged into a UPS it is recommended that you power down your computer prior to the beginning and end of the test to protect your data and computer system from any electrical surges.

• Buildings With Partial Power Generator Backup: The areas in the building on generator backups will
experience the test much as the buildings fully powered by generator. For areas in the building not on generator you will experience a power outage much like those caused by a storm. Electrical equipment will not function. The network and telephone service will not be available during the test. For areas on backup generator power, if your computer is not plugged into a UPS it is recommended that you power down your computer prior to the beginning and end of the test to protect your data and computer system from any electrical surges. If your area is not on backup generator power it is recommended that you power down your computer prior to the test to preserve data and the computer system from a sudden lost of power.

• Buildings With No Backup Generator: No effect. No testing scheduled for these buildings.

The test scheduled end time has passed but power has not been restored.

VCU Facilities Management will have staff in the buildings during the generator tests so we will already know if there is a problem for the entire building. If anyone does not have power in his or her area after the building has been restored, please contact VCU Facilities Management to let us know. If you are located in Sanger Hall please call the building manager at 828-6911 or 922-0214. If in another building please call Facilities Management Customer Service at 828-9444.

My building is fully supported by generator so I will not notice anything, right?

You will probably notice a power fluctuation, or blip, when the test begins. ePhone telephone handsets will probably reboot unless you have the handset plugged into a local UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery backup that many people plug their computers into. Some data network switches may also reboot since not all network equipment is attached to a UPS. Network or web applications and servers that require a log-in may disconnect and require you to log back in. Some applications may even hang and require you to reboot you computer even if you are on a UPS.

After the test, will my computer and other systems return to normal right away?

Network equipment, computers and ePhone telephone handsets will go through a reboot process that can take a few minutes to complete once power is restored and stabilized. Network or web applications and servers that require a log-in will require you to log back in. In the event that your network connection, computer, or ePhone telephone handset are not operational within 15 minutes of the scheduled end time of the test please contact the Technology Services Help Desk (828-2777, help@vcu.edu) for assistance.

Power has been restored but my telephone does not work.

If your computer comes back up but your ePhone telephone handset remains offline line you can click here to try the self-help steps for restoring your telephone. If these steps do not help please contact the Technology Services Help Desk (828-227, help@vcu.edu) for assistance.

I have sensitive equipment or laboratory tests , what should I do?

Equipment used to contain potentially hazardous materials may be inoperable during test and experiments 
which have a significant potential for exposure to these hazardous materials should be postponed until after 
the test is concluded. All containers and Biological Safety Cabinet should be closed and the use of 
ultracentrifuges during the test is discouraged. Fume hoods should not be used during the test. Hazardous material should be secured from the hood during the test and the fume hood sash should be lowered all the way down.