Prioritize Electrical Safety During the Data Center Boom

The growth and proliferation of data centers have sparked a lot of discussion in our industry.

I’ve even added to the discourse.

Yet amidst all this chatter, there’s one important topic that hasn’t been discussed much: safety.

Are There Enough Experts to Electrify Data Centers Safely?

With the AI boom generating more demand, data centers are growing in both size and number, which means they’re using more electrical distribution equipment to keep systems and servers up and running. The lack of sufficiently trained system operators to maintain this equipment can lead to safety concerns.

To reduce safety risks for maintenance crews, data center developers and designers should choose electrical distribution equipment that is low-maintenance, user-friendly, and easy to operate.

In the past, when data centers were comparatively smaller and fewer, their electrical distribution systems could be overseen and maintained by a small pool of electrical operators who worked for utility companies. These workers were highly trained, experienced, and comfortable working with electrical distribution equipment.

Today, that relatively small workforce can’t possibly oversee and maintain the large and ever-growing fleet of data center electrical distribution equipment: The equipment is too numerous and the workers too few.

In response, many data centers have developed in-house teams of operators to oversee and maintain these critical systems. Since these teams may not have the same level of experience with distribution-level equipment as utility crews, it's even more important to make these systems as uncomplicated, user-friendly, and safe as possible.

Complicated, High-Touch Electrical Equipment Can Put In-House Teams at Risk

Operating and maintaining medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment comes with inherent safety risks. Even the most capable and professional in-house teams may lack the training to deal with complicated, maintenance-intensive equipment.

Additionally, these team members are often tasked with maintaining not only their electrical distribution systems, but other systems, as well: HVAC, plumbing, etc.

To reduce safety risks for maintenance crews, data center developers and designers should choose electrical distribution equipment that is low-maintenance, user-friendly, and easy to operate.

The Right Equipment Can Improve Both Electrical Safety and Reliability

S&C’s Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear is designed and built for the safety and ease of its operator.

When compared with conventional, circuit breaker-based metal-clad switchgear, Vista switchgear offers numerous safety and usability advantages, including:

• Certified arc resistance, making it inherently safer to operate
• Infrequent, simpler maintenance requirements, with no need to swap and maintain fuses and breakers, making it less prone to human error
• Secure access and easy operation—no cable handling or high-voltage exposure necessary
• A visible open gap so technicians can easily confirm closed, open, and grounded positions through large viewing windows

Vista switchgear is durable and reliable enough to be utility-grade equipment, with widespread adoption on utility grids. At the same time, its simple and safe design allows for ease of operations across commercial and industrial applications.

It’s the ideal electrical distribution solution for modern data centers, providing reliable, resilient, and expansion-ready power while lowering safety risks and simplifying operation.

To see how Vista switchgear can help you safely expand your data center’s footprint, contact us today.