UK APC reseller with access to niche parts?

[pete]

Yesterday evening we had a system fan (the one at the rear above the network slot) fail on an APC Symmetra RM 6000.

 

It's an 80mm fan with a custom pinout, APC part code #490-0024B.

 

So far I've found it in Canada with a 12-15 day lead time (which typically translates as "we'll try to get it, but it's unlikely").

 

Anyone got a reseller that handles niche APC parts? So far most are restricted to network cards, cables, power and battery modules or (if they do have a good part selection) handle heavier datacenter-grade kit.

 

(And yes, I've already nudged Dave at ICT Direct to have a ferret through the warehouse).

[JRA]

If I ever need anything UPS-ish I've tended to go with UPS Trader. Email is [email protected] - might well be worth a go.

 

https://secure.ups-trader.co.uk/

Edited June 11, 2024 by JRA

[psydii]

If that doesn’t yield results it might be worth asking noctua?

[PotNoodleTech]

Yes if a google search brings up almost nothing you may be in a spot of bother.

 

How many wires has the fan got 3 or 4? it might be just a normal1 12v PWM fan but with a custom connector or custom wiring order?

 

Push comes to shove get an identical power usage fan (should say the number of amps drawn at 12v on the fan sticker) and rewire/splice the connector?

[Fazza]

Can you upload a photo of the fan showing any/all labels? You may be able to buy a replacement fan from the likes of CPC and then use some Wago 221-2411 Inline Splicers (so no soldering required) to replace it that way.

[pete]

So the UPS is currently running still (have dropped temps in the server room to compensate) and the power modules have dedicated cooling fans which will help push air through the unit.

 

I'm reluctant to power it down to remove and inspect the fan until I have a known-good replacement fan to hand (or a fresh known-good UPS). It's a 4-pin fan.

 

The part APC were using is a Comair-Rotron FE12H0X-039453. RS Online have a few similar-ish parts but the original isn't available as a part in the UK channel at least. I'm trawling eBay and RS at the moment for likely parts.

Edited June 11, 2024 by pete

[PotNoodleTech]

Have you tried Crytical Power?

 

https://www.criticalpowersupplies.co.uk/p/apc-symmetra-rm-6kva-online-230v-ups-syh6k6rmi/

[DrBeaker]

Honestly tell management and SLT to shell out some cash for a replacement UPS.

 

They should be deciding on level of acceptable risk etc as management, not IT.

[thimon]

Just curious, what’s SLT got to do with the purchase? It’s your budget, you buy it.

[CrootUK]

Unless your a sparky too, I wouldn’t go near it, if the school burns down cause you opened something that says not serviceable you wont feel great!

 

Replace it, perfect excuse too.. Eaton has some great ones..

[pete]

So, follow-up and to address a couple of comments. Skip a few lines if you've come here from googling part numbers and hoping I have a solution.

 

We're a MAT. IT spending and risk management is mine to deal with / manage. Interested parties were kept in the loop and informed as soon as the problem was identified.

 

However, it's a temperature-controlled environment, the UPS is designed to run without that fan for a while and so it's not a critical risk.

 

The fan is a replacable part and we have two electricans on staff. Plus the opportunity cost for a comparable unit is £8K, so I have to check parts availability.

 

Future Googlers

 

• You can't get the replacement part any more in the UK - there's none in the channel
  
• It looks to be on perpetual back order in the US.
  
• RS Online doesn't have a good third party option and there are (as mentioned up-thread) the insurance implications even with a qualified electrican installing it.
  

 

What you can do, is give the fan mount two firm flicks of your finger (as you'd flick a marble) and it'll start up again, clear the alarm and keep running for ~24hr so far.

 

That's clearly not a permanent fix - we still need to replace the UPS, but it gives us some breathing room.

[PotNoodleTech]

Understood pete, and makes total sense.

 

What about getting hold of used parts from someone that deals in used UPS's something like serversource/bargainhardware/itinstock/etc or even ebay? Or god forbid even aliexpress? An actual real, correct fan but used would do, or even the whole fan tray?

 

Also as an aside I moved from APC to Eaton years ago and never looked back way more reliable way longer battery life etc - the fact that APC don't have £10 fans in stock to keep an £8000 UPS running is shocking.

Edited June 13, 2024 by PotNoodleTech

[pete]

@PotNoodleTech

 

Currently looking into that - may have the option of a never-used chassis via another route.

 

Yeah, I like the Eaton Lithium-Ion models, but *waves at the current state of educational funding*.

[Andrew_C]

Rather than flicking it every so often - can you remove it and cable tie a suitable fan to the outside of the enclosure? Would need an external PSU too.

 

It is Heath Robinson, but better that the thing going into protection, shutting down, and taking servers off-line.

[PotNoodleTech]

@PotNoodleTech

 

Currently looking into that - may have the option of a never-used chassis via another route.

 

Yeah, I like the Eaton Lithium-Ion models, but *waves at the current state of educational funding*.

 

Oh mine are lead acid but still going strong giving 90% runtime after 6+ years.

[pete]

So, follow-up.

 

Someone had the same model chassis (open box but never used, manufactured late 2019) in their warehouse and I grabbed it for a nominal sum.

 

It's arrived today, has just passed testing and is sat waiting for an agreed downtime window to swap with the current unit.

[PotNoodleTech]

All's well that ends better as me old mate Bilbo used to say!

[DrBeaker]

So, follow-up.

 

Someone had the same model chassis (open box but never used, manufactured late 2019) in their warehouse and I grabbed it for a nominal sum.

 

It's arrived today, has just passed testing and is sat waiting for an agreed downtime window to swap with the current unit.

 

Just remind your SLT that you've got them out of trouble and they still need to invest in IT.