How to Choose Transformers and Switchgear for Mission-Critical Data Centers

02-04 2026 | By:

Reliable Power Infrastructure for Mission-Critical Data Centers

In mission-critical data centers, power infrastructure is the foundation of operational continuity.
For large telecom operators such as China Mobile, even a brief power interruption can result in service disruption, SLA violations, and significant economic losses.

As data centers continue to scale toward higher power density, modular deployment, and strict fire safety standards, the selection of transformers and medium-voltage switchgear has become a strategic engineering decision rather than a simple procurement task.

This article explains how to select the right transformers and switchgear for mission-critical data centers, using China Mobile data center projects with Yuguang dry-type transformers as a reference scenario, and provides recommended technical parameters and system configurations.

Typical Power Architecture of Data Centers

A standard data center electrical architecture follows this chain:

Utility Grid → MV Switchgear → Transformer → LV Switchgear → UPS → PDU → IT Load

Among these components, medium-voltage switchgear and transformers form the backbone of power reliability. Their performance directly determines system availability, safety, and long-term stability.

Why Dry-Type Transformers Are Ideal for Data Centers

Fire Safety Comes First

Fire safety is a primary concern in indoor substations and power rooms. Compared with oil-immersed transformers, dry-type transformers offer decisive advantages:

• No flammable insulating oil

• No oil leakage or environmental contamination risk

• Simplified fire protection design

For this reason, China Mobile data centers widely adopt dry-type transformers, especially in urban and indoor installations.

Reliability for 24/7 Continuous Operation

Yuguang dry-type transformers used in data center applications are designed for:

• Continuous full-load operation

• High mechanical strength to withstand short-circuit forces

• Stable performance under frequent load fluctuations

Epoxy resin cast coils provide:

• Excellent dielectric strength

• Low partial discharge

• Strong resistance to moisture and aging

These characteristics are critical for telecom-grade and hyperscale data centers.

Recommended Transformer Specifications for Data Centers

Typical parameters for dry-type transformers in mission-critical data centers include:

These configurations balance safety, efficiency, and scalability, making them suitable for large data center clusters.

Choosing Medium Voltage Switchgear for Data Centers

Why MV Switchgear Is Critical

Medium-voltage switchgear is the first line of defense between the utility grid and internal power systems. In data centers, it must ensure:

• Maximum operational safety

• High short-circuit withstand capability

• Reliable mechanical and electrical interlocking

• Support for remote monitoring and smart operation

Recommended MV Switchgear Types

Data centers typically adopt IEC metal-enclosed switchgear, such as:

• KYN withdrawable MV switchgear (AIS)

• Vacuum circuit breaker switchgear

• SF₆-free or environmentally friendly designs

Withdrawable structures significantly improve maintenance safety and operational reliability.

Typical MV Switchgear Specifications for Data Centers

These parameters meet the high-reliability and high-safety requirements of mission-critical data centers.

Reference Application: China Mobile Data Centers

In large-scale China Mobile data center projects, dry-type transformers and MV switchgear are commonly deployed in:

• Main power rooms

• Modular power distribution units

• Prefabricated substations

Yuguang dry-type transformers are used as reference solutions due to their:

• Stable quality in large-scale telecom projects

• Compliance with IEC and national grid standards

• Proven long-term operational performance

This reference reflects industry practices, providing valuable guidance for similar data center projects worldwide.

Recommended Data Center Power Equipment Configuration

A typical integrated solution includes:

• Dry-Type Transformer (Yuguang or equivalent)

• IEC Medium Voltage Switchgear (10kV / 11kV / 33kV)

• Low Voltage Switchgear (Form 3b / Form 4)

• Prefabricated Compact Substation

• UPS System (N+1 or 2N redundancy)

• Busduct and PDU systems

This configuration ensures high availability, fast deployment, and easy scalability.

Conclusion: Building Reliable Power Systems for Data Centers

Choosing the right transformers and switchgear is essential to building safe, reliable, and scalable data centers.

Reference applications such as China Mobile data centers using Yuguang dry-type transformers demonstrate how fire-safe transformers, IEC-compliant switchgear, and integrated substations can support mission-critical operations with long-term reliability.

Looking for transformers and switchgear for your data center project?
We supply IEC-certified dry-type transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, and prefabricated substation solutions tailored for mission-critical data centers.
Contact us today for technical specifications and customized solutions.

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