Although data centers have established themselves as the cornerstone of today's digital businesses, how these digital workhorses operate—in terms of their efficiency, scalability and sustainability—is still being refined. New technologies and innovations are shaping data center design and operations, including using low-voltage (LV) switchgear to ensure safe, reliable and efficient power distribution.
Low-voltage switchgear, which enables the controlled distribution of electrical power, safeguards against faults and allows for seamless scalability, is one key way data center operators enhance their performance.
This article explores how low-voltage switchgear works and how it is shaping tomorrow’s data center designs.
As data centers adapt to today’s operational realities, low-voltage switchgear must also evolve to meet new performance, efficiency and flexibility requirements.
The rapid expansion of AI, cloud computing and edge deployments significantly raises data center power requirements. This shift places greater stress on electrical infrastructure, which requires LV switchgear to supply higher current capacities, enhance thermal performance and come in more compact designs that can be integrated into dense environments without compromising safety or uptime.
Prefabricated and modular data centers are gaining popularity thanks to how quickly they can be deployed and adapt to different computing requirements. To meet the versatility of these flexible data center facilities, LV switchgear needs to support plug-and-play installation and flexible configurations and arrive with compact footprints. These qualities allow for more seamless integration into modular power skids and scalable electrical rooms without expensive and time-consuming on-site customization.
Given the 24/7 power demands, sustainability is now a core objective for data center operators. From working to reduce energy use to lowering carbon emissions, low-voltage switchgear is being designed with energy-efficient components, enhancements to minimize power loss and the integration of innovative metering capabilities.
Together, these features enable more comprehensive energy management, improved power quality and even the ability to integrate renewable sources, such as solar or battery storage, into the power supply.
Finally, the rise of smart data centers is driving the adoption of additional digital tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, AI-powered analytics and centralized energy dashboards.
LV switchgear now incorporates similar intelligent features, such as real-time monitoring, analytics that inform predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics. These capabilities enhance operational control, reduce downtime and help make data-driven decisions that optimize performance and reliability.
In addition to the adaptations shaped by innovations in data center design, LV switchgear is also evolving with:
Although innovations in LV switchgear continue to race ahead and offer new benefits, data center operators must weigh several considerations before making an investment:
The move toward low-voltage switchgear is not only about power distribution but also about enabling smarter, safer and more energy-efficient systems.
As the data center industry continues to push boundaries, forward-thinking operators should continue to evaluate if advanced, flexible and secure LV switchgear solutions meet their needs.
PCX is ready to help your organization make the best decision for your data center operators and can support this transformation with power infrastructure tailored to your needs.