This article examines EMF impacts on data center infrastructure, including risks to IT systems and control electronics, and underscores the need for EMF analysis in early siting decisions. EMF engineering tools can help model and mitigate EMF exposure, supporting electromagnetic compatibility and reliable operation near transmission corridors.

High-voltage transmission lines are a vital part of the power grid, but they also produce electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) that can pose challenges for nearby infrastructure, particularly data centers. These fields are most intense during peak load conditions, when the lines are carrying their maximum current. For facilities that rely on high-performance computing and uninterrupted data flow, this proximity can introduce risks that are often underestimated during site selection. Sensitive electronic systems, such as servers, storage arrays, and networking hardware, can be affected in several

ways:

• Electromagnetic interference (EMI): External EMFs can couple into signal lines, degrading data integrity and potentially causing system instability.
• Induced currents: Magnetic fields can generate unwanted currents in conductive materials, including cabling and circuit traces. This may lead to overheating or component failure.
• Voltage transients: Electric fields can induce brief but damaging voltage spikes, particularly in unshielded or poorly grounded systems.

Para leer más ingrese a: