Purdue News

March 14, 2003 Faulty line interrupts campus power, computing services WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A problem with a main electrical feeder line this morning (Friday, 3/14) caused a power outage that affected more than a dozen buildings and interrupted computing services for much of the Purdue University campus. Joe Mikesell, senior director for engineering, utilities and construction, said the problem first surfaced about 6 a.m. Workers isolated the problem to an underground high-voltage feeder line near University and Recitation halls. Workers began rerouting power to the affected buildings at 8:45 a.m., and power began being restored about 9 a.m. Power to the Math Building was interrupted about 6 a.m. Because many campus computing resources, including e-mail and off-campus Internet connections, are routed through that facility, much of the campus lost computer services and connectivity. Problems resulting from the electrical outage necessitated replacing some computer network hardware. Engineers are continuing diagnostic procedures and evaluation of the ongoing problem. Network services will not be restored until after business hours, said Mary Moyars-Johnson, associate vice president for information technology for communications. Other buildings affected were University Hall, Recitation Hall, Beering Hall of Liberal Arts and Education, Telecommunications Building, Computer Science Building, Psychological Sciences Building, Potter Engineering Center, Schleman Hall of Student Services, Johnson Hall of Nursing, Heine Pharmacy Building, Purdue Student Health Center, Cary Quadrangle, Mackey Arena, Ross-Ade Stadium and Mollenkopf Athletic Center. Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; jmwillis@purdue.edu Sources: Joe Mikesell, (765) 494-7327 Mary Moyars-Johnson, (765) 496-7998 Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page