PowerEdge: How to Troubleshoot a Server Power Supply Unit
Summary:This article details the procedure to troubleshoot power supply unit (PSU) issues that may arise on a PowerEdge Server.
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Each PowerEdge Server is supplied with power by a Power Supply Unit (PSU). The information in this article can be used to troubleshoot a PSU. Use the following steps to troubleshoot the PSU:
Ensure that no loose connections exist and that all components are firmly connected.
Ensure that the socket that the PSU is plugged into is in good working order.
If there is more than one PSU, switch the PSUs and see if the error follows the PSU.
Note: Power supply updates should be the last update made to a system, as it is guaranteed to result in downtime.
Ensure that no loose connections exist and that all components are firmly connected.
If the error persists, follow the videos in the troubleshooting section below.
Troubleshooting Steps:
How to Troubleshoot a PowerEdge Server Power Supply Unit
Duration: 00:01:01 (hh:mm:ss) When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the CC icon on this video player.
PowerEdge: Power Supply Unit LEDs Quick Tips
Duration: 00:00:58 Closed captions: Available in multiple languages. Use the CC icon to change the closed caption language.
Press the power button on the server to ensure that the system is powered on.
Perform a swap test. If another compatible, working PSU is available, swap it with the PSU that is experiencing issues. If the replacement PSU shows no issues, then it is likely that the original PSU is faulty. If the replaced PSU exhibits the same issue as the original, it is likely that the power distribution board (PDB) or the motherboard is faulty.
Note:
If you are installing a new PSU, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply unit and determine if it is working properly.
If no additional PSUs are available, shut down your server and attempt to swap test with the redundant PSU.
Replacing a power supply unit is a simple action. If the server has two power supplies configured in redundant mode, which is the default setting, you can remove one of them without shutting down the server. The remaining power supply continues to provide the power to the server. In general, all components with an amber removal tool can be unplugged while the server is powered on.
Warning: The system requires one power supply for normal operation. On power-redundant systems, remove and replace only one power supply at a time in a system that is powered on.
Disconnect the power cable from the power source and from the power supply unit that you intend to remove, and then remove the cable from the strap.
Press the release latch and then slide the power supply unit out of the chassis.
Figure 1: Power supply diagram
Figure 1 Reference
Part
1
Release latch
2
Power supply unit cable connector
3
Power supply unit
4
Connector
5
Power supply unit handle
To insert the new power supply, insert the block in the slot. This operation can be performed while the server is powered on.
Check for loose cabling to the power supply unit and for loose seating of the power supply unit.
Check the PSU indicator lights. Understanding the PSU indicator codes helps you to understand the issue. Each AC PSU has an illuminated translucent handle. Each DC PSU has an LED that serves as an indicator to show whether power is present or a power fault has occurred.
Figure 2: DC PSU LED statuses
Figure 2 Status
LED Color
Condition
A
Green
A valid power source is connected to the PSU, and the PSU is operational.
B
Flashing green
When the firmware of the PSU is being updated, the PSU handle flashes green.
C
Flashing green and turns off
When hot-adding a PSU, the PSU handle flashes green five times and turns off. This indicates that there is a PSU mismatch regarding efficiency, feature set, health status, and supported voltage.
D
Flashing amber
This indicates a problem with the PSU.
E
Not lit
The power is not connected.
If you have recently upgraded your system, ensure that the power supply unit has enough power to support the newly upgraded system.
If you have a redundant power supply configuration, ensure that both the power supply units are identical.