Campaign highlights safety risks in data centre power systems

17 March 2026

A new industry campaign has been launched warning that failures to meet electrical compliance standards in data centres could lead to safety risks and unplanned outages.

BEAMA, the trade association for electrical infrastructure, has introduced the initiative through its Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems Group as demand for data centre capacity grows. The campaign focuses on adherence to the BS EN IEC 61439-2 standard, which governs the design and verification of low-voltage switchboards used in power distribution.

The ‘Consequence of Non-Compliance’ campaign comes at a time when operators face increasing pressure to maintain continuous uptime while meeting stricter regulatory expectations. It states that any failure to comply with the standard at stages including design, specification, installation or commissioning could result in operational disruption and potential safety concerns.

The campaign is designed to provide clear guidance to those responsible for specifying and delivering the electrical infrastructure – the foundation of data centre environments. BEAMA LSBS Group’s goal is to ensure that BS EN IEC 61439-2 conformity is applied consistently at every stage of the switchboard lifecycle and embedded as a fundamental quality standard.

Central to the campaign is a practical, clearly designed poster developed to support on-site and project teams in implementing best practice, alongside BEAMA’s comprehensive Guide to Verification for Low-voltage Power Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies (PSC) in accordance with BS EN IEC 61439-2:2021 – a key technical resource for anyone involved in data centre electrical design or procurement.

Nick Hayler, CEng MIET, head of Building Electrical Systems at BEAMA, comments:

“Conformity is not just a regulatory requirement, it is fundamental to safety, reliability and trust across the supply chain. For data centres, where the cost of failure is measured in minutes of downtime, these implications are very real. With regulatory scrutiny increasing, systems becoming more complex and safety expectations rising, it has never been more critical to ensure that every stage of the switchboard lifecycle is fully compliant with the relevant standards.

“Through our ‘Consequence of Non-Compliance’ campaign, we aim to support the industry in prioritising best practice from the outset by providing support and resources.” By promoting a culture of conformity, we are strengthening the long-term resilience, safety and quality of low-voltage switchboard systems, outcomes which will benefit data centre operators, their customers and the businesses that depend on always-on connectivity.”

Visit beama.org.uk/switchingonsafety to find out more about the BEAMA Low Voltage Switchboard and Busbar Systems (LSBS) Group safety campaign, download a PDF of the poster or request a printed copy.