Why fire resistance is now a data centre question
AI training and inference capacity is being built fast, much of it in prefabricated modules and containers that ship complete from the factory. Two things follow:
- Modules are regulated as buildings. UL 2755 covers modular data centres, and many jurisdictions treat occupiable data centre containers as buildings. Their walls, roofs and doors then need hourly fire resistance ratings.
- Energy storage sits next door. Large battery systems are installed alongside AI data centres. The enclosure has to keep a neighbouring battery fire out — or justify the spacing that does.
We have already completed a large number of fire resistance projects for AI data centre enclosures.
What we test
| Element | Standards |
|---|---|
| Wall and roof panels, including joints | UL 263, ASTM E119, EN 1363 / 1364, ISO 834 |
| Doors | UL 10C / UL 10B, EN 1634-1 |
| Insulation, linings, cable | EN 13823 and Euroclass tests, UL 94, IEC 60332 |
| Battery systems on site | UL 9540A, large-scale fire tests |
Our approach
We start from the requirement — which market, which authority, which rating — and design the specimen around the weakest details: joints, penetrations, door frames. Simulation and indicative tests come before the certification test, so the expensive test is run once.
