Data Center Design – Which Standards to Follow

When it comes to building and running a data center, following the basic building code isn’t always enough. If you wanted to meet minimum fire regulations, for example, you’d likely find yourself with wet sprinklers close to sensitive equipment in a facility that needs to operate without interruption. The bottom line is that most safety codes are only formed with basic protection in mind -- not optimal performance.

For this reason, three separate sets of standards have become hallmarks of quality in the industry:

• Uptime Institute's Tier Standard -- Comprised of four levels or tiers of redundancy and reliability, this methodology focuses on the design, construction, and commissioning phases to ensure a resilient facility. UI is a well-recognized leader that offers certification to its standard.
• ANSI/BICSI 002-2014 -- In addition to the initial phases of building your facility, this set of standards covers fire protection, IT, and maintenance. It offers ratings defined by a class system ranging from 0 to 4.
• ANSI/TIA 942-A 2014 -- This standard is more focused on IT and cable networks. It addresses architectural, electrical, and mechanical systems.

With so many standards out there, the best way to know which one to follow is to get specific information that pertains to your business with in-depth data center operations training courses. That way, you know how to proceed with confidence and make the most of your available resources.