Data Center Switchgear for Power Distribution
Intelligent Switchgear
âš¡6 Smart Moves to Upgrade Data Center Power
Is your data center power ready for today’s surging electrical demands?
Upgrading legacy switchgear prevents costly outages, improves reliability and meets new performance standards. Here are tips for having the right power distribution equipment so your data center power equipment is efficient, scalable, and resilient — even during natural disasters.
Upgrade Data Center Power
Power Demands
âš¡Power demand in
data center switchgear
is climbing fast — yet legacy gear can’t keep pace. Older equipment increases the risk of overloads, outages, and fire.
If your system isn’t built for today’s loads, it’s your weakest link. Upgrading switchgear improves safety, scalability, and efficiency for high-demand applications.
Protect Systems
âš¡Inspect your data center electrical infrastructure closely. Are systems near capacity? Frequent breaker trips and overheating are warning signs.
Partner with a trusted switchgear systems company to perform a full system audit. This helps uncover outdated or stressed electrical distribution before it leads to costly downtime.
Selection Criteria
âš¡Choose switchgear that meets more than just code. Look for modular builds, high interrupt capacity, and IEEE 693
seismic compliance
for electrical power distribution.
Switchgear experts can align specs with your facility’s growth. Future-ready switchgear upgrades save time, cost, and hassle over the long run.
Intelligence Matters
âš¡Smart switchgear adds visibility and control. Remote access, real-time diagnostics, and predictive alerts help data center
switchboards
and
panelboards
reduce downtime.
In high-load environments, intelligent systems keep your data center electrical infrastructure resilient and efficient over time.
Safety & Compliance
âš¡Compliance with electrical safety standards is non-negotiable. Your switchgear must meet UL, NFPA, and IEEE 693 codes. In seismic zones, use
seismic-rated switchgear
or earthquake-resistant switchgear to stay protected.
Certified gear safeguards your team, equipment, and uptime from environmental and electrical risks.
Investment Returns
⚡Switchgear upgrades pay for themselves. You’ll cut energy loss, improve uptime, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Modern data center switchgear supports expansion, improves reliability, and meets future demand. It’s a smart investment in your infrastructure’s safety, efficiency, and performance.
What to Know About Data Center Switchgear
If your switchgear isn’t seismically rated, you could be facing catastrophic downtime, damaged equipment, or worse—compromised safety for your team. That’s why it’s essential to evaluate whether your electrical gear meets seismic compliance standards, such as IBC (International Building Code) seismic qualifications.
Power demands from AI, cloud, and compute-heavy workloads are rising fast. Legacy switchgear can’t handle modern loads safely or efficiently, leading to increased risk of downtime, fire hazards, and system failures. Upgrading ensures safety, scalability, and operational continuity.
IEEE 693 compliance is a seismic qualification standard that ensures electrical equipment can withstand earthquake-level forces. For data centers in seismic zones, this rating is essential to prevent power loss or system failure during seismic events.
Smart switchgear features built-in monitoring, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance alerts. These systems help data center operators reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.
U.S. data center electricity usage rose from 60 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023. Projections suggest it could reach 325–580 TWh by 2028, reflecting rapid growth fueled by AI and hyperscale infrastructure.
Key factors include modularity, high interrupt ratings, seismic-rated switchgear for earthquake zones, and support for future load growth. Work closely with an electrical distributor’s switchgear expert to match specs with your site needs.
Switchgear upgrades reduce energy waste, downtime, and emergency repair costs. They also improve uptime, extend equipment life, and support future expansion—making them a cost-effective investment in your facility’s reliability.
Are You Future Ready?
BCS Switchgear is an industry leader in new and obsolete electrical control and distribution equipment. Since 1997, BCS has been servicing customers to extend electrical life of low and medium voltage electrical power equipment.
Cody can be reached by email: [email protected]
