What could cause a PowerEdge server power supply LED to blink amber for two seconds...

Interpreting Power Supply LED Indicators on Dell PowerEdge Servers

Server Troubleshooting (32%)

Analyze the visual indicators on server components - system ID, PSU, and BLINK

Understanding PSU LED Blink Patterns

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) on Dell PowerEdge servers uses LED indicators to communicate status information. The color and blinking pattern of the LED signify different conditions:

Solid Green Light

PSU is functioning normally.

Blinking Amber Light

Indicates a warning or fault condition.

Specific Blink Pattern:

Blinking Amber for Two Seconds On, One Second Off

Indicates a Mismatch Voltage Condition.

Explanation of Options

Option A: Faulted state

Explanation: A faulted PSU typically shows a solid amber light, not a blinking pattern.

Conclusion: Incorrect.

Option B: Firmware update

Explanation: During a firmware update, the PSU LED may blink, but usually with a different pattern or color (often green).

Conclusion: Unlikely to cause the specified blink pattern.

Option C: Mismatch voltage

Explanation: The blinking amber pattern of two seconds on and one second off indicates that there is a voltage mismatch between redundant power supplies or an input voltage issue.

Possible Causes:

PSUs of different wattages installed.

PSUs connected to power sources with different voltages.

One PSU not receiving power or connected to an incompatible power source.

Conclusion: Correct Answer.

Dell Operate References

Server Troubleshooting (32%)

Analyze the visual indicators on server components: Understanding PSU LED indicators is essential for diagnosing power-related issues.

System Administration (18%)

Verify health status: Regular monitoring of server components ensures timely identification and resolution of issues.

Conclusion

A blinking amber PSU LED with a pattern of two seconds on and one second off signifies a mismatch voltage condition. This requires checking the power supplies to ensure they are identical and connected to compatible power sources.