NIST 800-53 REV 5 • PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
PE-11(1) — Alternate Power Supply — Minimal Operational Capability
Provide an alternate power supply for the system that is activated {{ insert: param, pe-11.01_odp }} and that can maintain minimally required operational capability in the event of an extended loss of the primary power source.
CMMC Practice Mapping
No direct CMMC mapping
NIST 800-171 Mapping
No direct NIST 800-171 mapping
Related Controls
No related controls listed
Supplemental Guidance
Provision of an alternate power supply with minimal operating capability can be satisfied by accessing a secondary commercial power supply or other external power supply.
Practitioner Notes
This enhancement requires an alternate power supply (like a generator) that can maintain at least minimal operational capability during an extended power outage — longer than what your UPS batteries can cover.
Example 1: Install a diesel or natural gas generator sized to power your critical IT infrastructure (servers, network equipment, cooling) for at least 24-72 hours. Configure an automatic transfer switch (ATS) so the generator starts and takes over within seconds of a utility power failure.
Example 2: If a permanent generator is not feasible, contract with a generator rental company for emergency power. Have a pre-negotiated agreement so you can get a portable generator delivered within hours. Ensure your electrical panel has a manual transfer switch connector ready for a portable generator hookup.