Replacing Power Supplies

Power supplies are located at the back of the server and are replaceable components that do not require you to power off the server for service.

The server redundant power supplies support concurrent maintenance, which allows you to remove and replace a power supply without shutting down the server, provided that the other power supply is online and working.

The server supports the A271/A271A 1400W power supply. The power supply unit (PSU) provides conversion from the AC lines to the system, accepting ranges from 200-240 volts AC (VAC). In a system with multiple PSUs, the load is evenly spread out between PSUs. The PSUs are designed to be hot-pluggable, and in most cases, provide fully redundant "N+N" power, allowing the system to suffer the loss of a PSU or an AC feed with no loss to system availability.

In maximally configured systems, it is possible that the worst-case power consumption of the system could exceed the capacity of a single PSU. The PSUs provide an oversubscription mode, which allows the system to operate with fault-tolerance even with modest excursions beyond the rated capacity of a single PSU. This oversubscription support is accomplished using hardware signaling between the PSU and motherboard circuitry, which can force the system to throttle processor (CPU) and memory power in the event that a PSU is lost. The resulting power savings is enough to allow the system to continue to run (in a lower-performance state) until the power problem is resolved.

If a power supply fails and you do not have a replacement available, leave the failed power supply installed to ensure proper airflow in the server.

Remove a Power Supply

  1. Identify which power supply requires replacement.

    Note:

    For accurate component identification, see Illustrated Back Panel Components Breakdown.

    A lit amber Fault-Service Required LED on a power supply indicates that a failure was detected.

    Alternatively, to list all known faults in the server, log in to the ILOM service processor from the ILOM Fault Management Shell and issue the fmadm faulty command. For more information, refer to "Oracle ILOM User's Guide for System Monitoring and Diagnostics" in the Oracle Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM) Documentation.

  2. Prepare the system for fan module removal.

    See Electrostatic Discharge Safety.

  3. Gain access to the rear of the server where the power supplies are located.

  4. Disconnect the power cord from the faulty power supply.

    Note:

    The fans of a failed power supply might still be spinning when the system is powered on. The fans stop spinning when you disconnect the power cords.

  5. Grasp the power supply handle and use your thumb to push the green power supply release latch inwards, toward the handle [1]. Then pull the power supply out of the chassis [2].

    Caution:

    When you remove a power supply, replace it with another power supply; otherwise, the server might overheat due to improper airflow.

    Figure showing how to remove a power supply.

  6. Set the power supply on an antistatic mat.

Install a Power Supply

Always replace the failed power supply with the same model of power supply. For this product, both the A271 and A271A power supplies are supported and are interchangeable in the system.

  1. Remove the replacement power supply from its packaging, and place it on an antistatic mat.

  2. Align the replacement power supply with the empty power supply slot.

  3. Slide the power supply into the slot until it is fully seated.

    You hear an audible click when the power supply fully seats.

    Figure showing how to install a fan module.

  4. Reconnect the power cord to the power supply.

    WARNING:

    For accurate component identification, see Illustrated Back Panel Components Breakdown.

    When replacing a power supply, pay special attention to the cable routing of PS 0 and PS 2. These are on the left side when facing the rear of the system. Cables must be routed and secured away from the power supply fans to avoid interference with the airflow. The slightest obstruction will result in overheating warnings.

  5. Verify that the amber Fault-Service Required LED on the replaced power supply is not lit.