From the time the world invented its first computer to the fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing, technology has evolved at an unprecedented pace. But this evolution is not just about what we see on the surface, but also about what happens behind the scenes.
As the volume of global data continues to rise, so does the need for a robust infrastructure to store, process and manage the data, giving rise to what we now know as data centres.
These data centres require optimum operating conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow, to ensure the reliability, performance, and longevity of their critical equipment. This is where cleanroom systems come into play a critical role. By minimising contamination from dust, dirt, and airborne particles, cleanrooms help maintain these precise environmental conditions.
At Fabtech Cleanrooms, we bring decades of experience and innovation into building cleanroom infrastructure and environments that meet the exacting needs of data centres. Here’s how our solutions make a difference:
1. Protecting Sensitive Equipment
Data centres house expensive and delicate equipment. Dust and other particles can interfere with cooling systems, causing overheating and system equipment malfunctions, leading to downtime and costly repairs. Cleanroom panels minimise these risks by serving as a barrier that creates a controlled environment in spaces with strict air filtration and particle control. Cleanrooms mitigate these risks by enforcing highly efficient HEPA or ULPA filters that trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. This helps preserve the integrity of sensitive electronics and extends the operational lifespan of expensive infrastructure.
2. Meeting Industry Cleanliness Standards
Many data centres strive to meet global cleanroom standards like ISO 14644-1, which specifies particle concentration levels for cleanrooms. Data centres typically target ISO Class 8 or higher, which is appropriate for server rooms and IT facilities. Fabtech’s cleanroom designs are tailored to meet these standards and help ensure compliance and quality assurance.
3. Enhancing Air Quality
Cleanrooms utilise clean air solutions such as HEPA filters for laminar airflow and advanced airflow systems to remove airborne particles and improve air quality within the data centre facility. This creates a more comfortable and healthier environment for personnel and reduces the risk of contamination. Data centres often replace the air in the facility 30 to 50 times per hour, far more frequently than the typical 2-6 ACH in standard commercial buildings. This rapid air exchange helps to remove contaminants and maintain clean air.
4. Contamination Control
Core electronic components of data centres, such as high-density servers and hard drives, are highly sensitive to dust particles, which can cause short circuits, overheating, corrosion, insulation failure or airflow disruption. Cleanroom systems maintain positive pressure to keep external contaminants out, and filtration systems ensure ultra-clean environments with consistent air quality.
5. Temperature and Humidity Regulation
Even minor fluctuations in environmental conditions can affect data centre operations. Cleanroom systems help regulate temperature, typically between 20°C and 24°C and humidity levels, around 45% to 55%, ensuring proper cooling, heat dissipation, and balanced airflow. They also reduce the risks of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and condensation. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are deployed as needed to maintain ideal moisture levels.
6. Protection During Equipment Assembly & Maintenance
Many critical components, such as server racks and switches, are assembled or maintained on-site. Without a clean environment, these operations carry contamination risks. Cleanroom conditions provide a safe space for assembly, upgrades, and repairs, reducing the chances of post-maintenance failures and extending system reliability.
7. Supporting Next-Gen Infrastructure
Modern data centres are evolving with technologies like high-density computing, edge and micro data centres, AI and machine learning servers. These systems generate more heat and require tighter tolerances and more advanced cooling. Cleanroom conditions provide the stability needed for these next-gen infrastructures to operate efficiently and without interruption.
8. Lower Downtime, Reduced Maintenance, and Cost Efficiency
Data centre outages are costly both in terms of operations and reputation. Clean environments improve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance by preventing dust-induced failures, extend the lifecycle of equipment and lower the need for frequent internal cleaning and equipment repair. As a result, less contamination prevents breakdowns, lowers total cost of ownership (TCO) and maintenance costs, leads to longer hardware lifecycle and a greater energy efficiency.
9. Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial in data centres to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper airflow. This includes HEPA filter replacements and sub-floor cleaning – a critical area for airflow and dust accumulation, to ensure consistent performance. Cleanrooms also support the monitoring of particulate and gaseous contaminants, particularly in systems using air-side economisers.
10. Evolving With Industry Needs
From our humble beginnings supporting pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical cleanrooms – industries with zero tolerance for contamination, Fabtech Cleanrooms has grown with the times. As new industries demand cleaner, more controlled environments, we’ve extended our expertise into sectors like semiconductors, food & beverage, and data centres.
Across every project, we tailor our solutions to align with the client’s vision. With a multidisciplinary team, cutting-edge design and turnkey cleanroom solutions, we help future-proof your infrastructure and raise operational standards.
At Fabtech Cleanrooms, we believe the future of digital infrastructure is clean, controlled, and compliant. As data continues to shape the world, we are building the environments that keep it safe.
Looking to upgrade or design a cleanroom for your data centre? Get in touch with our experts today to explore tailored solutions that ensure compliance, performance, and long-term reliability.