Frequently asked questions

General Company Information

What services does Datalec Precision Installations (DPI) provide?

Datalec delivers complete end‑to‑end data centre services, including turnkey design and build, mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering, structured cabling, electronic security systems, bespoke containment manufacturing, modular solutions,  technical deep cleaning, facilities management and full lifecycle managed services.
Our integrated capabilities allow us to support hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, and AI‑ready data centre environments.

What makes Datalec different from other data centre contractors?

Our “One Call, One Team” delivery model provides a single, integrated project team from design through installation and commissioning. This reduces vendor complexity, improves communication speed, enhances quality control, and ensures cost‑efficient, high‑performance outcomes for mission‑critical infrastructure.

Which industries does Datalec work with?

We work with a broad range of sectors that rely on resilient digital infrastructure, including:

  • Data centre operators
  • Cloud and hyperscale providers
  • Colocation facilities
  • Financial services
  • Retail and e‑commerce

Where does Datalec operate? Do you offer services outside the UK?

Yes. Although headquartered in the UK, Datalec operates globally with offices and manufacturing facilities across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia‑Pacific.
View all global locations here: www.datalecltd.com/international

How does the “One Call, One Team” approach benefit clients?

This integrated delivery methodology provides:

  • A single point of accountability
  • Clear and consistent communication
  • Faster decision-making and project execution
  • Unified quality standards across all phases
  • More efficient, cost‑effective project delivery

Can Datalec support high‑density AI and GPU infrastructure deployments?

Yes. Datalec delivers specialised solutions for AI infrastructure and GPU‑intensive environments, including:

  • GPU‑ready, high‑density server cabinets
  • Bespoke hot aisle containment and cold aisle containment (HAC/CAC) optimised for thermal management
  • Support for air, liquid, and hybrid cooling strategies
  • Racks designed for increased load capacity and enhanced airflow
  • Bespoke modular data centres designed for GPU and AI factories
  • Specialist liquid cooling solutions – design, install, flushing, testing and service maintenance

These solutions help clients deploy next‑generation AI hardware efficiently while improving performance, reliability, and long‑term scalability.

Data Centre Design & Build 

Do you provide end‑to‑end data centre design and build services?

Yes. We deliver turnkey data centre design and build solutions, covering everything from civil works and white‑space construction to M&E systems, connectivity, security, and commissioning. Our team supports projects from concept through handover for facilities of all sizes, from enterprise spaces to hyperscale deployments.

Can Datalec support high‑density or HPC environments?

Absolutely. We specialise in designing and deploying high‑density and HPC (High‑Performance Computing) environments, including facilities that support AI workloads, GPU clusters, and liquid‑cooled infrastructure. Our solutions optimise power, cooling, and rack architecture to support advanced compute requirements.

What type of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services do you deliver?

Our M&E services include:

  • HVAC and advanced cooling solutions (DX, chilled water, liquid cooling)
  • UPS installation and power distribution
  • Chilled water and CRAC/CRAH systems
  • Fire detection and suppression
  • Integrated monitoring and BMS systems

Do you offer bespoke data hall containment solutions?

Yes. We engineer custom hot‑aisle and cold‑aisle containment solutions, manufactured in‑house to fit your facility’s exact layout, airflow strategy, and power density requirements.

How long does a typical data centre installation project take?

Project timelines vary depending on facility size, design complexity, required power density, and integration scope. We provide timeframes during the design and quotation stage based on your exact specifications.

Manufacturing & Containment

Does Datalec manufacture its own containment and security cage systems?

Yes. Datalec designs and manufactures aisle containment, security cages, server cabinets, and metalwork solutions in-house across its UK, EU, and UAE facilities. This integrated approach enables rapid lead times, strict quality control, and full customisation. In total, Datalec operates over 200,000 square feet of global manufacturing space.

What are the benefits of prefabricated or custom‑built containment?

Prefabricated and custom‑built containment offers advantages such as:

  • Faster, more efficient installation
  • Optimised airflow and cooling performance
  • Modular scalability for growing IT loads
  • Enhanced physical security
  • Tailored designs for unique room layouts

Can you create custom aisle containment solutions for unique layouts?

Yes. We specialise in fully bespoke aisle containment for non‑standard or complex data hall layouts, including angled aisles, mixed‑vendor rack environments, and high‑density zones.

Do you manufacture non‑standard or bespoke cabinet sizes?

Yes. Alongside standard cabinets, Datalec manufactures bespoke server cabinets and high‑density racks designed to support unique spatial constraints, GPU‑ready deployments, airflow optimisation, and structural requirements.

What are your typical lead times for cabinet orders?

Lead times depend on the cabinet type, configuration, and order volume. Exact timelines are provided at quotation.
To improve availability, we maintain stock of popular standard‑size server and network cabinets for fast dispatch.

Can you provide powder coating in bespoke colours?

Yes. Our in‑house powder‑coating facility offers full custom colour matching to align with client branding or project requirements. Our coating process is durable, high‑quality, and aligned with environmentally responsible, ESG‑friendly manufacturing practices.

Connectivity & Cabling

What structured cabling and fibre services do you offer?

We deliver comprehensive structured cabling services, including:

  • Copper and fibre cabling design
  • Installation and splicing
  • Pre‑termination
  • Testing and certification (using approved tools)
  • Network infrastructure upgrades and expansions

Do you support large‑scale cabling installations for hyperscale or colocation data centres?

Yes. Our cabling teams manage large‑scale hyperscale, cloud, and colocation deployments, including multi‑hall installations, cross‑connects, and high‑capacity fibre backbones.

How do you ensure cabling installation quality and compliance?

We ensure compliance through certified testing, documented quality procedures, and strict project governance. All installations meet industry standards for performance, safety, and reliability.

Electronic Security Systems

What electronic security solutions do you provide?

We deliver end‑to‑end data centre security systems, including:

  • CCTV and video surveillance
  • Biometric, iris, and card‑based access control
  • Perimeter intrusion detection
  • Integrated monitoring and alerting platforms

Can you integrate security systems into existing infrastructure?

Yes. Our security solutions are fully compatible with new and existing data centre infrastructure, enabling seamless integration with your current M&E, BMS, and IT systems.

Technology & Data Centre Services

Do you offer remote hands or 24/7 on‑site support?

Yes. We provide remote hands, on‑demand technical assistance, and 24/7 on‑site support depending on service scope and location.

What does your technical cleaning service include?

Our technical cleaning service provides deep, critical‑environment cleaning of:

  • Floor surfaces and raised floor voids
  • AC units, trunking, ducting, and lighting
  • Critical IT hardware (servers, racks, and EUC devices)

We can also deliver recurring maintenance programmes to keep your facility within ISO 14644‑1 particulate standards.

How do you ensure compliance with standards like ISO 14644‑8?

We follow controlled‑environment best practices and approved monitoring methods. Our team is certified to perform Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC) testing to ISO 14644 standards, helping prevent or remediate issues such as dust, humidity, and particle‑related risks including zinc whiskers.

Do you provide data centre migration, equipment decommissioning, or data destruction services?

Yes. We support full lifecycle transitions including:

  • Data centre migration
  • Equipment decommissioning
  • Secure data destruction (wiping or physical disposal)

All services are tailored to your security and compliance requirements.

What is Data Centre Critical Maintenance?

Data Centre Critical Maintenance is a structured and standards‑driven process designed to maintain the essential infrastructure that supports uninterrupted data centre operations. At DPI, we deliver this service using proven methodologies that ensure all work is completed safely in live, high‑availability environments. Our approach prevents disruption to redundancy, uptime, or customer SLAs, giving you complete confidence that essential maintenance will not compromise service continuity.

Why is Critical Maintenance essential for data centres?

Maintenance activities are one of the most significant operational risks within any data centre, and even small errors can lead to major outages. DPI’s Critical Maintenance service is specifically engineered to eliminate these risks. We reduce downtime, maintain operational resilience, and ensure compliance with industry standards through disciplined planning, expert engineering, and robust governance. With DPI, your data centre benefits from safer interventions, stronger business continuity, and full assurance that systems will perform when they are needed most.

What systems are included in your Critical Maintenance service?

DPI provides comprehensive facilities management support across all core data centre infrastructure. Our services cover:

  • HV/LV Switchgear & Transformers
  • Power systems – UPS, batteries, generators, and switchgear
  • Cooling equipment – CRAC/CRAH units and chillers
  • Fire detection and fire suppression systems
  • Building Management Systems (BMS) and environmental monitoring

Every maintenance programme we deliver is customised to your facility’s design, operational demands, and resilience strategy. DPI ensures full lifecycle support across your critical environment, helping you maintain optimum uptime and availability.

How do you minimise risk during live maintenance?

DPI uses a highly controlled, standards‑aligned maintenance framework to protect uptime during every intervention. Our process includes:

  • Comprehensive Method Statements and Risk Assessments with scenario testing and training
  • ITIL‑aligned planning and change governance
  • Redundancy validation and load testing
  • Live maintenance carried out by specialist data centre engineers in line with industry standards (SFG20, OEM  and Best Practice)
  • Post-maintenance functionality testing and infrastructure readiness detailed reporting

These controls ensure every task is executed with precision, transparency, and safety. DPI’s proven approach significantly reduces the likelihood of maintenance‑related incidents, supporting the continuity and reliability of your critical infrastructure.

Compliance, Quality & Sustainability

What industry certifications and standards does Datalec comply with?

We hold recognised industry certifications for electrical installation, cabling compliance, and quality assurance.

How do you manage quality control across international projects?

We maintain consistent global standards through:

  • In‑house engineering and installation teams
  • Direct oversight of global manufacturing facilities
  • Rigorous project management methodologies
  • Standardised QA and compliance procedures

What sustainability or ESG initiatives does Datalec follow?

Our ESG strategy supports environmentally responsible data centre development and includes:

  • Carbon reduction initiatives
  • Renewable energy adoption
  • Fleet electrification
  • Ethical and sustainable sourcing
  • Waste reduction programmes
  • Environmental stewardship