PowerEdge: How to Troubleshoot a Server Power Supply Unit

Introduction

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.
• Ensure you are using a compatible PSU. To learn how to find the type of PSU that was originally shipped with the server, reference How to Check the System Configuration on Your Dell Computer. 
• Ensure that the firmware of the PSU is up to date and update if necessary.
  • For more information about how to check the firmware version, reference Using Available Utilities to Check Hardware Devices Current Firmware Version.
  • For more information about how to update firmware, reference How to Update Firmware Remotely Using the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) Web Interface.

If the error persists, follow the videos in the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Press the power button on the server to ensure that the system is powered on.
2. 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. Press the release latch and then slide the power supply unit out of the chassis.

Figure 1: Power supply diagram

3. To insert the new power supply, insert the block in the slot. This operation can be performed while the server is powered on.

3. Check for loose cabling to the power supply unit and for loose seating of the power supply unit.
4. 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

5. If you have recently upgraded your system, ensure that the power supply unit has enough power to support the newly upgraded system.
6. If you have a redundant power supply configuration, ensure that both the power supply units are identical.
7. Check if there is no POST.
   If the PSU appears to be in good working order, the issue may be due to no POST. For more information about this issue, check the "No POST" section of Dell PowerEdge: Troubleshooting a Server that does not start (No Power, No POST, No Boot and No Video).
8. If step 1 through step 7 fails, it is likely that the power supply unit has failed.

• Dell servers shows "Incorrectly Configured" for PSUs with different input voltage ranges or input types
• Enterprise Infrastructure Planning Tool