Standard for Immersion Cooling Fluids for Use with Information and Communication Technology Equipment

As the adoption of immersion cooling technology grows within IT data centers, the safety requirements for immersion cooling fluids are becoming increasingly critical. With the increasing size and energy demands of data centers, traditional air cooling methods are no longer sufficient to manage the rising heat dissipation from IT, server, and computing equipment. Immersion cooling, which submerges servers and racks in non-conductive cooling fluids, has emerged as a more efficient and sustainable solution. These fluids conduct heat far more effectively than air, reducing energy consumption and operating costs while mitigating the thermal output challenges faced by modern data centers.

This proposed standardization activity aims to establish the minimum safety requirements for immersion cooling fluids, addressing gaps in the existing standards system. By providing clear and comprehensive guidance, this standard will help mitigate safety risks associated with the use of these fluids, including risks related to fire and electrical safety, while driving confidence in this technology.

This standard will directly address an identified gap in the standards system. While CSA/UL 62368-1 includes basic requirements for immersion fluids and the Open Compute Project's Immersion Requirements offers industry recommendations, neither provides the comprehensive guidance necessary for widespread adoption. The proposed standard will provide essential safety benchmarks for immersion fluids and ensure they meet the needs of stakeholders.

Key stakeholders in this standardization activity include the specialty chemicals, data center cooling, oil & gas, electronics components, and telecom sectors. Use of this standard will provide an appropriate forum for collaboration among producers, data center operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to develop safety requirements that support the ongoing evolution of immersion cooling technology. It will reduce uncertainty regarding the safety and performance of these fluids, fostering confidence in their adoption and contributing to greener, more efficient data centers.

This joint CAN/UL Standard will support certification programs in both Canada and the U.S., facilitating cross-border consistency and ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Its maintenance process will enable rapid updates to address emerging needs, ensuring the standard evolves alongside advances in technology and market demands.