How Prefabricated Power Systems Can Help Accelerate AI Data Center Construction

Key Points

• The program evaluates complete prefabricated power distribution assemblies for data centers.
• Certification addresses applicable National Electrical Code requirements and UL Standards for equipment safety.
• Schneider Electric received the program's first certification for specified power skid models.

Artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital services are increasing demand for data center computing capacity. To bring that capacity online more efficiently, developers and operators are turning to modular power infrastructure that is assembled and interconnected in factories rather than built entirely at the project site.

A new certification program from UL Solutions provides a pathway for independently evaluating these complete factory-built systems.

What is a prefabricated data center power distribution assembly?

It is an integrated electrical system assembled in a controlled factory environment before being delivered to a data center site. These assemblies, commonly called open power skids, can combine switchboards, uninterruptible power supplies, batteries and related electrical equipment on a common skid. Major components are installed, secured and interconnected before shipment.

Why do data center developers use prefabricated power systems?

Hyperscale operators and their suppliers are increasingly using modular, factory-built power infrastructure that can be assembled, tested and delivered more efficiently than systems constructed piece by piece at the project site. Performing this work off-site can reduce field installation complexity and support standardized solutions for large-scale projects.

What does UL Solutions' new certification program evaluate?

The program evaluates the complete factory-built assembly and its interconnected components. The evaluation covers compliance with applicable U.S. National Electrical Code requirements and UL Standards for equipment safety.

What is UL 2140?

UL 2140 is the Outline of Investigation for Prefabricated Power Distribution Assemblies. This new framework provides a certification pathway for evaluating integrated power assemblies used in modular data center projects.

How can the certification program support faster data center deployment?

Certification to UL 2140 enables manufacturers to build on certified designs while providing independent safety evaluation of the integrated system. The program is intended to support speed, consistency and scalability.

The certification can help manufacturers, hyperscalers and developers gain confidence that integrated power systems have undergone an independent safety evaluation while supporting the deployment of new capacity.

How does certification address continued production?

Through follow-up services at the manufacturing location, UL Solutions assesses whether certified products continue to be manufactured according to the requirements established during certification. These services can support production consistency as suppliers expand output to meet demand.

Which company earned the first certification to UL 2140?

Under the new program, Schneider Electric earned the first certification for specified models of its prefabricated power assemblies. The models are PFMPQ-DLR-FIL, PFMPQ-DLR-FIL-R, PFMPQ-DLR-MOC, PFMPQ-DLR-MOC-R and PFMPQ-DLR-SCA.

Schneider Electric builds the assemblies in a controlled factory environment, where equipment is installed, secured and interconnected before shipment.

What does this development mean for data centers?

The certification establishes a third-party evaluation pathway for power systems that arrive at a data center as integrated assemblies. As more data center projects adopt modular construction, the program can help manufacturers demonstrate that these assemblies have been independently evaluated for safety while supporting standardized production and more efficient deployment.

Where can I learn more?

Additional information about the certification program is available in the Sept. 23 press release.

More details about how UL Solutions supports data centers with safety, security, sustainability, performance and market access offerings are available on the Data Centers pageat UL.com.

Photo caption: Chanté Maurio, vice president of Data Centers, Global and Strategic Accounts at UL Solutions (left), presents a certificate to Manav Patel, vice president of Strategy and Transformation for Schneider Electric's Low Voltage Business, recognizing the first UL 2140 certification for prefabricated data center power distribution assemblies at Data Center World Power on Sept. 22 in Dallas.