AKCP probeSwitch PS00 – Key switch for efficient alarm management and maintenance work
AKCP probeSwitch PS00
Maintenance work in data centers, server rooms, and industrial IT infrastructures often poses a challenge: it triggers numerous alarm notifications that severely disrupt the actual maintenance focus. The AKCP probeSwitch PS00 was developed to solve this problem, providing a simple, secure, and robust method for selectively deactivating alarm notifications during maintenance activities.
Function
The probeSwitch PS00 operates as a dry contact sensor and can be directly integrated into the AKCP securityProbe system. It uses a mechanical key switch based on a "Open/Closed Key Lock Switch" principle. With a simple turn, maintenance staff can deactivate or reactivate alarms—no web interface login required. This not only makes maintenance more convenient, but also safer.
Technical Features
- Dimensions: compact design 56 × 55 × 33.3 mm
- Mounting options: DIN rail or screw mounting
- Connection: RJ-45 via Cat5/Cat6 cable
- Cable length: up to 305 m (1000 ft)
- Detection: AutoSense function (registers as dry contact sensor)
- Alarm function: disconnect alarm in case of line interruption
- Operating temperature: -35 °C to +80 °C, humidity range 20–80%
- Power supply: directly from the securityProbe controller
- Indicators: LED status for connection and operational readiness
Integration and Control
Integration is direct on securityProbe alarm servers, where the probeSwitch PS00 is automatically detected. Through defined escalation scenarios, the probeSwitch can, for example:
- suppress all sensor alarms during maintenance work
- pause only specific alarm notifications
- send a notification to the higher-level NMS that maintenance is active
Optionally, the siren or a strobe light can also be linked to this logic, so that with the probeSwitch active, false triggers are avoided.
Use Cases
- Server cabinet maintenance: opening without triggering door or temperature sensors
- Sensor replacement & calibration: deactivating false alarms during work
- Emergency access: rapid physical access without alarm escalation
- Operational inspection: conducting audits without alarm floods
Benefits and Advantages
- Increased efficiency: no unnecessary interruptions due to false alarms
- False alarm reduction: minimizes so-called "alarm fatigue" for administrators
- Cost savings: reduced administrative work and fewer support tickets
- Improved safety: maintenance without shutting down the entire monitoring system
- Scalability: multiple probeSwitch units for different infrastructure zones
Integration into Monitoring Systems
The probeSwitch can be combined with all AKCP sensors and integrated into comprehensive escalation plans. In addition, SNMP allows integration into management systems such as Nagios, OpenNMS, PRTG, Zabbix, WhatsUp Gold. This way, it is always traceable when maintenance occurs and which sensor alarms were temporarily deactivated.
Mounting Options
Its compact size allows use in tight environments. Possible installation types:
- DIN rail for data center environments
- Standard screw mounting on enclosures and racks
Economic Advantages
Investing in the probeSwitch PS00 pays off quickly through increased efficiency and cost reduction. False alarms and unnecessary escalations are decreased, making maintenance significantly more economical.
Advantages of the AKCP probeSwitch PS00
- Intuitive key switch for maintenance work
- Seamless integration with AKCP securityProbe systems
- AutoSense plug & play detection
- Cable length up to 305 m for flexible placement
- Disconnect alarm for tampering or cable break
- Robust design for 24/7 operation
- Easy DIN rail or screw mounting
- Cost efficiency by avoiding false alarms
- Secure and immediate maintenance control
- Supports escalation plans in NMS environments
The AKCP probeSwitch PS00 is an indispensable tool for operators of critical IT and industrial facilities seeking professional and efficient system monitoring. It provides simple, robust control for suppressing alarms during maintenance, integrates perfectly with AKCP monitoring platforms, and prevents false alarms and system disruptions.
With its key switch concept, AutoSense integration, and robust design, the probeSwitch PS00 is an essential maintenance component for any data center or enterprise infrastructure.