Palo Alto Networks PA-220 power supply failed: Diagnose & Fix
By Sai Kiran Pandrala · reviewed by Sai Kiran Pandrala, Editor Last verified: 2026-05-30
| Vendor | Palo Alto Networks |
|---|---|
| Operating system | PAN-OS |
| Category | Hardware Failure |
| Skill level | Intermediate to advanced |
| DIY-able? | Yes with CLI access; some scenarios need Palo Alto TAC + RMA. |
Treat this like a flight checklist. `show system info` and `show system environmentals` on PAN-OS returns the data you need for a Palo Alto Networks Palo Alto TAC case, if you have that saved before the box dies completely, your support call is 20 minutes shorter.
I have seen PA-220 units that looked dead at the LED panel but were actually fine. the front panel had failed, not the data plane. Always verify with CLI before declaring time of death.
What follows is the recovery playbook, not the marketing version. Some steps assume a spare unit or a console cable; if you do not have them, the diagnostic section is still useful for the Palo Alto TAC case.
What this guide covers
Diagnose and recover from power supply failed on a Palo Alto Networks PA-220.
Step-by-step
- Confirm which PSU failed.
- Verify the remaining PSU has enough capacity for the device + line cards + PoE budget.
- Note the failed PSU's part number.
- Replace during a maintenance window, most enterprise PSUs are hot-swappable.
- After replacement, confirm both PSUs show OK.
CLI / commands
# Verify hardware state
show system info
show system state filter sys.s1.p*
show system environmentals
# Collect for Palo Alto TAC
tftp export tech-support to 10.10.1.100
When to RMA
- Repeated failure after re-seat and power-cycle
- Visible burn, scorching, or physical damage
- POST or memory diagnostic failure
- Hardware crashinfo without a software workaround
Frequently asked questions
Will this work on my specific PAN-OS version?
The procedure reflects current PAN-OS behaviour. Older releases may need minor syntax adjustments: use the CLI help (? or tab-completion) to verify.
Should I open a Palo Alto TAC case immediately?
Open one if you suspect hardware failure or the symptom persists after a maintenance-window reload. Make sure your support entitlement is active first.
Where can I find the Palo Alto Networks official documentation?
https://knowledgebase.paloaltonetworks.com, search the product family + feature name.
Is this procedure safe in production?
Test in a lab or maintenance window first. Capture pre-change state so you can roll back.
Related guides
- All Palo Alto Networks fix guides → /paloalto/
- All vendor guides → /vendors/
Related fixes
Related guides worth a look while you sort this one out:
- Palo Alto Networks PA-440 power supply failed: Diagnose & Fix
- Palo Alto Networks PA-450 power supply failed: Diagnose & Fix
- Palo Alto Networks PA-460 power supply failed: Diagnose & Fix
- Palo Alto Networks PA-220 fan tray failed: Diagnose & Fix
- Palo Alto Networks PA-220: How to rollback to the previous image after a failed upgrade
- Palo Alto Networks PA-220 all ports dead: Diagnose & Fix
References
- Palo Alto Networks support portal: https://support.paloaltonetworks.com
- Palo Alto Networks knowledge base: https://knowledgebase.paloaltonetworks.com
- Palo Alto Networks security advisories: https://security.paloaltonetworks.com
- Open a case: https://support.paloaltonetworks.com/Support/Index
Reference material, not professional advice. Validate against your specific PAN-OS version and test in a non-production environment before applying.
What changed recently?
Fault diagnosis on a Palo device goes faster when you map the symptom to a recent change:
- Did firmware update in the last 7 days?
- Did the network (router, ISP, VPN) change?
- Was the device moved physically?
- Did paired devices (phone, hub, app) update?
- Were any accessories swapped in or out?
The answer narrows the root cause to a manageable subset.
Before you start
A few things to confirm so the Palo device fix goes cleanly:
- Latest firmware downloaded if you're going to update.
- Warranty + support contract status checked. opening sealed parts may void it.
- Backup of current configuration (where applicable) taken.
- Spare parts on hand if you anticipate replacement.
- Adequate workspace, lighting, and time, rushing causes regressions.
How to confirm it's actually fixed
On a Palo device, the test is rarely "reboot and see". Use this list:
- Active reproduction: trigger the original failure path on purpose.
- Indirect reproduction: do an activity that would expose the same subsystem.
- Status indicator review: every LED / display / app status should be green.
- 24-hour soak: leave the device under normal load overnight; check the next morning.
- Telemetry check: review the device or app's diagnostic log for new error entries.
When to call Palo support instead
Escalate if:
- The same symptom returns within 24 hours of a clean fix.
- You see physical damage (burn marks, swollen battery, cracked PCB).
- The device is in warranty and a hardware replacement is the cheaper outcome.
- Repair requires specialised tools you don't own (alignment jigs, calibration software).
- Following the official path keeps the warranty intact, which matters more than the time spent.
More frequently asked questions
Should I update firmware first or last?
Update firmware first if a release note specifically mentions your symptom. Otherwise, finish the troubleshooting flow first, then update; that way you can isolate whether the update or the underlying fix solved it.
What if the fix returns after a reboot?
Persistent fault returns mean either: a hardware fault (escalate), a configuration that's being overwritten by a sync source (check cloud profiles), or a regression in a recent firmware update (rollback).
Can I roll this back if something breaks?
Yes for software-level changes (firmware rollback, config rollback). Hardware changes are usually one-way. Always back up settings before starting.
Are there safer alternatives for non-technical users?
Yes: the manufacturer's self-service troubleshooter (HP Smart, LG ThinQ, Samsung Members, similar) usually walks through the same steps in a guided UI. Use that first if you're not comfortable with menu paths.
Does this affect other devices on my network?
Generally no. The procedure is local to this device. Network-side changes (firmware updates that affect TLS, SMB, or routing) are flagged explicitly in the steps.