Enhancing Electrical Safety in the Era of AI and High-Density Power
What Is an Arc Flash and Why Does It Matter?
Arc flash remains one of the most serious safety risks in electrical distribution systems. An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by a fault or short circuit in a power system. Arc flash can be triggered by dust, condensation, accidental contact, or equipment failure. The impact of an incident can be far-reaching, causing severe equipment damage, unplanned downtime, regulatory penalties, and the potential for serious injury.
As power systems become more powerful and complex, the risk and severity of arc flash incidents increase. That’s especially true in today’s data centers, where power demands are rising fast and infrastructure must adapt. Understanding these risks is critical for anyone responsible for maintaining a safe electrical environment.
Download the White Paper
Enhancing Safety Amidst Rising Power Densities
As AI and high-performance computing raise the magnitude of potential arc flash incidents, data center operators must rethink their approach to safety. This whitepaper explores the shifting power landscape outlining essential strategies to mitigate risks, including:
- Smarter, safer system design
- Proper PPE usage in high-risk environments
- Innovative technology
The New Safety Landscape
In the past two years, AI and high performance computing (HPC) have driven up average rack densities 8kW to 17kW, with projections to hit 30kW by 2027. These escalating loads result in higher incident energy levels and increase the magnitude of potential arc flash events, making risk mitigation more critical than ever. At the same time, limited white space is driving the need for safer, smarter, and more compact power solutions. To safeguard personnel and ensure OSHA and NFPA 70E compliance, operators must invest in smart monitoring, safer system designs, and proper operator training.
Remote Plug-in Actuator
Starline’s Remote Plug-in Actuator (RPA) enhances protection by allowing operators to activate plug-in units from outside the arc flash boundary. It eliminates downtime and minimizes technician exposure during live busway installations and reconfigurations. The RPA helps facilities maintain both safety and uptime in high-density environments.
Track Busway
Starline’s Track Busway and IP54-rated Series-S Busway provide a safer, more flexible alternative to traditional power distribution. The modular, overhead design minimizes arc flash risk and allows reconfiguration without shutting down power, keeping teams safe and operations uninterrupted. Track Busway is ideal for fast-changing environments, while Series-S is built to perform in liquid-cooled, high-density applications driven by AI and HPC workloads.
Integrated Fuses (OCPD)
As power demands grow, hyperscale data centers are shifting from circuit breakers to fuses for faster, more reliable fault protection. Starline offers fuse integration at both the busway plug-in unit and end feed, providing multiple layers of overcurrent protection. This approach enhances system safety and reduces incident energy. To explore fuse integration for your facility, contact your Starline representative.
M70 Critical Power Monitor
Starline’s M70 CPM provides real-time monitoring of voltage, power, and temperature throughout your power distribution system. Its advanced temperature sensing detects overheating before it causes equipment failure or safety issues, making it essential for preventing downtime and protecting personnel in high-density environments. The M70 features audible alarms, customizable alerts, and a pivoting display for easy visibility from the floor, so operators can act quickly if thresholds are exceeded.
Innovative Solutions to Address Safety in AI and High-Density Deployments
IDC Video Interview
