Meet Eric
Our team members come from diverse and experienced backgrounds in electrical training, and many have been in critical power for years. We pride ourselves on choosing the best people to service our customers to ensure that you get the most out of your equipment.
Meet Eric
Our team members come from diverse and experienced backgrounds in electrical training, and many have been in critical power for years. We pride ourselves on choosing the best people to service our customers to ensure that you get the most out of your equipment.
Eric MacDonald
Region: Northern Virginia
Eric MacDonald has worked for Mitsubishi Electric Critical Power Solutions as a Service Technician for the past 7 years. Originally from Western Maryland with a Navy background in electronics, he started in a temp CAD position in our Engineering Department back in 2014 before accepting a position in the Service Department.
Certifications
Associate in Computer Science; Associate in Mechanical Drafting; Vycon Flywheel Trained; Cellwatch Trained; Batsafe Trained
Field Trained
9900D; 9900C/CX; 9900B; 9900AEGIS; Samsung Lithium Ion; 2033; 9800; 7011; MegaPod® 2000 & 4000
In what ways has the critical power industry changed since you’ve started?
“Container based applications. When I first started, everything was in a data center. Everything was indoors in a room. A lot of new customers' units are built offsite in a container, and they’re trucked in set and that’s it - you cable them up and you’re done, so if something happens you can just move the container out and put a new one in. That’s the biggest difference I’ve seen since I’ve started.”
What do you think will change in the industry in the next few years?
“Possibly the type of stored backup power."
What is something that people may find surprising or interesting about working in critical power?
“The behind-the-scenes requirements to keep the power flowing seamlessly. First it’s the UPS and then you have other devices: the static transfer switch, the generator… it’s a bunch of [integrated] systems so the end user doesn’t really see the power drop so that’s where you get the 99% in uptime in data centers.”
What advice would you give to a facility manager?
“Cleanliness and cooling around the UPS. Facility managers should take into account where they’re sitting and if at all possible, try to keep as much dust, dirt, debris - anything - from entering these UPS. And cooling, mainly it’s for the batteries because they do require a battery backup - at least most of them.”
Mitsubishi Electric supports a variety of colocation data centers. What other industries do you expect will see an increase in need for critical power? Why?
“AI. It’s the next big thing and downtime will be very detrimental to the progress.”
How would you describe the Field Service Team?
"We are a diverse group. We have senior techs down to new hires and we bring a lot of knowledge from other places which helps the group. Committed and always available.”
What is your proudest achievement/memorable moment on the job?
“My proudest achievement here at MEPPI would be involvement in the setting, starting, and commissioning of several Megapod® 4000’s within the West Coast region.”
What is something you are passionate about outside of work?
“Enjoying the outdoors - mountain biking, hiking, watching wildlife.”
What is the best advice you have received both personally and professionally?
Personally: “[It’ll] cost you money if you panic- [from my grandfather] He was a businessman. If you come across something, say your car broke down. If you panic the first instinct is you wanna go out and buy a new one.
Just stay calm…it might be something little- it might cost you 5 dollars to fix it. He grew up in the Depression era, so he knew how to save money. Haha.”
Professionally: “Opportunities exist where you least expect. I had no idea this opportunity existed, you don’t know the opportunity until it falls on [you].
The people I work with and the support that is provided is what made Mitsubishi I good fit for me.”