Introduction

Data centres have specific lighting requirements that differ from standard commercial buildings. Server halls need enough light for maintenance but not so much that energy is wasted cooling heat from fixtures. Emergency lighting must meet stringent codes. Aisle lighting needs careful positioning to avoid interference with equipment.

We understand these requirements and specify lighting systems that meet technical standards while supporting the operational needs of mission-critical facilities.

Data centre lighting requirements

  • General illumination

    Server rooms and data halls typically require 500 lux horizontal and 200 lux vertical illuminance, measured 1m above finished floor level. However, design must account for light blocked by full cable trays and equipment racks.

    • Server halls / data floors - 300-500 lux
    • Hot and cold aisles - 300 lux minimum
    • Repair and diagnostic areas - 500-750 lux
    • Storage and corridors - 200 lux
    • Control rooms - 300-500 lux

  • Emergency lighting

    Emergency lighting in data centres must meet strict requirements:

    • Activation - Must illuminate within 0.5 seconds of power failure
    • Duration - Minimum 90 minutes continuous operation (many specify 3 hours)
    • Coverage - All egress routes, exit signage, and equipment access points
    • Illuminance - Minimum 1 foot-candle (approx 10 lux) average along escape routes
    • Testing - Monthly (30-second) and annual (90-minute) testing required

  • Relevant standards

    • TIA-942 - Data centre-specific infrastructure standard
    • EN 12464-1 - Workplace lighting (indoor)
    • EN 1838 - Emergency lighting requirements
    • IBC Section 1008 - Egress illumination
    • NEC Articles 700/701 - Emergency circuit requirements

Special considerations for data centres

  • Heat output

    Every watt of lighting becomes heat that must be removed by cooling systems. LED lighting significantly reduces this load compared to fluorescent alternatives, contributing to overall PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) improvements.

  • EMI compatibility

    Lighting fixtures must not generate electromagnetic interference that could affect sensitive equipment. Standard fluorescent ballasts are often prohibited; LED drivers must be EMI-compliant.

  • Aisle configuration

    Hot and cold aisle containment requires directional lighting positioned to illuminate between racks without spillover. Beam angles of 90 degrees or less help control light distribution.

  • Cable tray coordination

    Light fixtures must be positioned to avoid conflict with cable trays while still providing adequate illumination at working height. This requires coordination between lighting design and infrastructure layout.

  • Maintenance access

    In 24/7 facilities, lighting maintenance must be possible without disrupting operations. Accessible fixtures, tool-free lamp replacement, and addressable controls support this requirement.

Products for data centre environments

We specify products designed for the unique demands of data centre environments:

  • LED linear systems - Low heat output, high efficiency, EMI-compliant
  • Aisle lighting - Directional fixtures for hot/cold aisle configurations
  • Emergency lighting - Battery-backed fixtures meeting 90-minute+ requirements
  • Exit signage - Compliant emergency exit indicators
  • Control systems - Addressable, testable, and building management compatible
  • Diagnostic lighting - High-output portable or fixed lighting for repair work

Our approach to data centre projects

  • Compliance verification

    Ensuring designs meet TIA-942, EN standards, and local codes.

  • Photometric calculation

    Verifying light levels account for obstructions.

  • Emergency system design

    Egress routes, testing provisions, and backup power integration.

  • Energy optimisation

    Minimising lighting load to improve PUE.

  • Coordination

    Working with M&E consultants and main contractors.

The result

A lighting installation that meets code requirements, supports maintenance operations, and contributes to energy efficiency goals. Emergency systems that work when needed and can be tested without disruption.

Data centres demand reliability. The lighting systems we specify are designed for the same standard of performance as the critical infrastructure they support.

Let's discuss your data centre project

Whether you're building a new facility or upgrading an existing data centre, we can help with lighting design, compliance verification, and product specification.

Can you provide calculations showing compliance with TIA-942 and EN standards?

Yes. We provide detailed photometric calculations demonstrating compliance with relevant standards, suitable for inclusion in design documentation.

Do you work on colocation facilities and hyperscale data centres?

We work on facilities of all sizes, from small server rooms to large-scale data centres. The technical requirements scale, but the principles remain consistent.

How do you handle emergency lighting testing requirements?

We specify addressable emergency lighting systems with automated testing capabilities, generating compliance reports without manual intervention or facility disruption.

What's the typical LED lifespan in data centre environments?

Quality LED fixtures typically achieve 50,000+ hours (approximately 10+ years at typical data centre operating hours), with gradual lumen depreciation rather than sudden failure.