Critical Surge Protection to Support Data Center Infrastructure

Surge Protection for Data Center Electrical Distribution Systems

The anatomy of a large-scale data center includes numerous power sources and backup forms of power. There are service entrances, distribution panels, branch panels, and backup generators to consider. To start, protection for the main electrical system requires a facility-wide, industrial surge protector that can support reliable, ongoing operations. Professional-grade surge protection also includes built-in safety features for monitoring and replaceable modules to alert staff when protection has been compromised and easily reinstate the power shield.

Prioritize Surge Protection for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

For redundancy and as an additional backup system, UPS devices are critical infrastructure for data centers. In the event of power loss, UPS units provide emergency power temporarily or to allow for safe shutdowns of equipment when an outage is extended. Beyond being a battery backup, these devices can also be point-of-use surge protectors to safeguard the failover system from transient surges and prevent a loss of data, production decrease, and equipment repairs or replacements.

Shielding Fire Safety Systems with Surge Protection

A fire alarm system without surge protection is extremely vulnerable to disruptive power events, like surges and spikes, that can damage or destroy the system without warning. This would put people, property, and equipment at risk. It’s just one of the many reasons the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) stated that a listed surge protective device (SPD) is required for fire alarm systems on the supply side. To be in compliance, this means surge protection must be installed at the power source to shield the alarm system from power surges and spikes. Today’s total surge protection solutions also include safety features to alert when protection is compromised and rapid-replacement modules to safely and easily reinstate protection.

Surge Protection to Strengthen Data Center Security and Connectivity

Layered surge protection is always the best practice for any facility, and the networking and security equipment is a prime example. Often in a headend, network surge protectors shield Ethernet, PoE circuits, and PoE extender circuits to support secure, dependable connections and safeguard switches, routers, firewalls, cabling, and all networking and security systems that a data center relies on every day. 

From the network surge protector, each line or cable extends to equipment downstream that likely needs a designated SPD. In the form of on-premise security, this includes access control systems, and video surveillance—all of which are necessary to maintain a controlled environment. With cascading surge protection for data center networks and security systems, the facility maintains strength, high performance, and reliability.

Surge Protection for Data Center HVAC Systems

Data centers, like other facilities with significant technological equipment, are sensitive to temperature and humidity levels. If a building’s HVAC systems are not operating properly, it can lead to unforgettable and even costly results. Today’s HVAC systems are particularly susceptible to damaging externally- and internally-generated power surges. By protecting these systems, a building prioritizes quality indoor airflow and optimal conditions for their operational status.