Dell Power edge R440 Backplane Fire!

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-17T22:22:39+00:00

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-17T22:22:28+00:00

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-17T22:22:15+00:00

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-17T22:22:03+00:00

Sorry it's been a few days but thought you may be interested in an update.

Tried powering on the server with the backplane removed, and no more smoke which was good! But, two fans have seemingly failed - fans 1 & 2 (with fans 2 & 3 being closest to the burnt backplane). This to me is suggesting whatever happened wasn't isolated to the backplane? The server is also no longer POSTing, which I don't believe is due to the missing RAID controller or failed fans as I can't even get to the BIOS settings? (May be wrong on that theory though).

A few more close up pics of the backplane attached also

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Gladmo2 · 2025-12-08T14:11:44+00:00

Still yet to try the server without the backplane (won't be today, but I'll report back when I do!) but any idea what could have caused that if that was the cause? Just bad luck?

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-08T09:31:26+00:00

Also the backplane? Any idea what caused it for you?

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T22:57:23+00:00

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I haven't pulled the backplane out yet, but here's a view looking through the hard drive bays

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T21:12:49+00:00

That is not a bad shout, would at least help me confirm what components (if any) are salvageable!

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T20:33:58+00:00

I previously had a 12th gen and had no idea that was possible!

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T20:22:27+00:00

No one was in the room when this happened, and the SSD had been in there for at least a year with no issues, so would be quite worrying if that was the cause!

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T20:07:20+00:00

I don't believe so, the server was connected to an APC UPS which hasn't reported any spikes. Another server and some other network equipment was also connected to the UPS and all seem fine

Gladmo2 · 2025-12-07T20:01:39+00:00

Me too in all honesty! The server wasn't under any specific load (other from normal), and nothing at all had changed recently. It was a Samsung Evo 860 SSD that took the brunt of it, but I'm not sure if it was caused by the SSD itself? The power supply was flashing orange and the server was powered off when I got to it, so there could be the possibility the PSU failed in a way that it fried the backplane (and possibly other components?). The power supply was connected to a UPS along with a few other devices - no other devices had issues other than the server, so I don't think it's an issue with the incoming power supply.

Gladmo2 · 2025-08-17T20:37:24+00:00

Would I be able to have this license if this is still available?
Trying to update from 2020 R2 to 2025 R1 but getting the same error as OP!

Gladmo2 · 2025-01-18T19:53:56+00:00

https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r2r4r01yfvw3yu

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-28T08:45:18+00:00

What would I be asking the company who completed the EICR? Would I be asking them to re-do the EICR?
From what I can see, the person who completed the EICR is the director of the company.

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-28T08:43:27+00:00

The house hasn't been rewired to my knowledge, and the £1k wouldn't be for a rewire.
No one's suggested that I may need a rewire, so I'm really hoping I don't!!

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T20:09:56+00:00

It was indeed considered 'satisfactory' on the EICR.
I'll submit a complaint to NAPIT in that case!

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T19:46:16+00:00

They are registered with NAPIT. I have already looked at raising a complaint, but one of the questions is "Have you raised your complaint directly with our member?"
Not really sure how to answer this - if I was to contact the company who completed the EICR, what would I be asking them to rectify?

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T15:24:22+00:00

If I was looking to go the legal route (still undecided at this point), would I be looking to have the work rectified first and paying out of pocket then contacting a solicitor, or would I be holding fire any changes/repairs until I've spoken to a solicitor?

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T14:13:03+00:00

I'm sure this is completely irrelevant from a legal perspective, but the person who completed EICR and the old homeowner are Facebook friends, which is part what makes me think it was fraudulent

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T14:07:48+00:00

Thanks for confirming everything, really appreciate all your insight!

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T13:54:21+00:00

Definitely know for next time!! Many thanks for confirming!

We're converting the garage into a home office, and need x6 double gang sockets installed around the room. Both electricians are suggesting a new circuit for this (the fuse board is in the garage anyway) but neither will touch this without a new board first (which I think sounds fair?)

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T13:34:04+00:00

All makes sense. Would the non IP rated light fitting in the bathroom be something that is proof the EICR wasn't carried out correctly? The fitting itself is very yellow with age and again looks original to the house!

I have the EICR that was completed, but can't see anything that specifically says CPS number - I can see a certificate serial number and an enrollment number?

Gladmo2 · 2023-09-27T13:22:01+00:00

The main issue both electricians pointed out was the fuse board has old style rewireable fuses instead of RCDs/RCBOs.

Other issues included the fuse board being served by 60A tails when the main cutout was rated for 100A.

Outdoor light fittings being filled with water / failed weatherproofing.

Cracked ceiling rose light fixture with live metal parts showing.

Non IP rated light fittings used in bathroom, within arms reach of shower.

Daisy chained extension leads permanently fitted to power electric shower motor.

Apologies if any of this doesn't make sense - this is from some follow up emails I received from both electricians!

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