Why Electrical Safety Is Crucial in Data Centers

Data center electrical safety is fundamental to maintaining uptime and protecting both people and equipment. The electrical systems powering a data center handle high loads, feed critical IT devices, and must operate flawlessly 24/7. Any failure (whether caused by poor design, inadequate components, or unsafe maintenance) can lead to downtime, equipment damage, and hazardous conditions.

A safe electrical design ensures power is delivered reliably to all connected systems while minimizing the risk of faults or arc flash incidents. For operators, safety is both a regulatory requirement and a crucial component of operational resilience.

Designing for Electrical Safety in Modern Data centers

1. Compliant System Design

Safety begins with compliance to recognised international and regional standards. Data center electrical installations must follow IEC 60364, BS 7671, and TIA-942 for safe, reliable power distribution, with IEEE 1584 applied to assess and mitigate arc flash risk. Additional standards such as IEC 62040 for UPS systems and IEC 61439 for switchgear assemblies ensure performance and safety in critical environments.

Key design principles include:

• Correct sizing and coordination of components to prevent overloads and cascading faults.

• Segregation of critical circuits and redundant feeds in line with Tier-level requirements.

• Integration of Emergency Power-Off (EPO) systems for safe maintenance and rapid shutdown in emergencies.

• Use of protective relays, breakers, and arc flash mitigation devices to isolate faults quickly and reduce incident energy.

2. Safe Isolation and Lockout Procedures

Designing with safety in mind means including provisions for safe isolation during maintenance. Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) systems — as defined in EN 50110-1 and aligned with EU Directive 2009/104/EC — ensure circuits remain isolated and clearly identified during maintenance, preventing accidental re-energisation and reducing human error.

3. High-Quality Electrical Components

Every device and component within a data center’s power infrastructure contributes to overall safety. From UPS units and PDUs to cabling and switchgear, all items must meet strict specifications and certifications. High-quality solutions help ensure predictable performance and reduced risk of failure under load.

Legrand designs and manufactures equipment engineered for critical data center applications, integrating safety features into every layer of the power chain.

4. Mitigating Arc Flash Risks

Arc flash incidents are among the most serious hazards in electrical environments. Beyond PPE, the priority is to design systems that minimise arc fault probability and reduce incident energy. Effective measures include:

• Arc-resistant switchgear and enclosures.

• Accurate arc flash calculations using IEEE 1584.

• Fast-acting protective devices to limit incident energy.

• Proper clearances and barriers between live parts. 

Legrand’s Starline busway adds an extra layer of protection by allowing safe, tool-free installation of tap-off units without direct exposure to live conductors. When paired with the Remote Plug-In Unit Actuator, tap-off connections and disconnections can be performed from outside the arc flash boundary — eliminating PPE requirements and minimising downtime. This combination enhances operator safety while maintaining flexibility for changes in live data center environments.

Leveraging Technologies to Enhance Safety

Modern technologies enhance data center electrical safety by detecting and preventing hazards before they escalate:

• Voltage presence indicators confirm safe isolation conditions.

• Fault detection sensors and alarms warn of abnormal operating states.

• Remote monitoring systems allow proactive control and intervention.

Legrand integrates these technologies across its UPS, distribution, switchgear, busway, and monitoring systems, giving operators real-time insight and safer working conditions.

Benefits of Prioritizing Electrical Safety

Focusing on electrical safety delivers clear advantages:

• Reduced downtime by preventing failures before they escalate

• Protection of critical equipment and IT systems

• Compliance with safety regulations and industry standards

• Enhanced resilience for business continuity

Legrand Solutions for Safe and Reliable Power

Legrand offers a wide range of electrical solutions designed to ensure safety and continuity in critical data center environments. 

Our portfolio includes:

• Critical Power: High-efficiency UPS systems, static transfer switches (STS), and battery solutions with built-in fault protection.

• Power Distribution: Modular PDUs, cable management, high-power busbar and track busway, cast resin transformers, and low-voltage switchboards for safe, scalable energy delivery.

• Cooling Solutions: Row-based cooling and ColdLogik rear-door heat exchangers for efficient white space heat removal.

• Connectivity & Cabling: Structured cabling systems, fibre and copper connectivity for secure, reliable data transmission.

• Infrastructure & Monitoring: Racks, containment, intelligent metering, and DCIM integration for full operational visibility.

These solutions are designed to help data centers operate safely while delivering uninterrupted services.

Legrand combines expertise in electrical safety, high-quality products, and advanced monitoring to protect critical infrastructure. 

Discover how Legrand’s complete portfolio of data center solutions — from UPS and power distribution to cooling, connectivity, and monitoring — can help you design and operate safe, resilient, and compliant facilities. Visit the Legrand Data Center site or contact our experts today to discuss your project.