UL Solutions Launches Certification Program for Emerging Power Technology Supporting AI Data Centers

Manufacturers have a defined process to demonstrate that these power units meet safety requirements.

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The program helps manufacturers demonstrate the safety of key equipment designed to deliver power more efficiently to AI computing systems.

• AI systems require large amounts of electricity, increasing the need for more efficient ways to power data center equipment.
• The new program provides manufacturers with a clear path to certify equipment that converts and distributes high levels of electrical power.
• UL Certification helps manufacturers demonstrate that this emerging technology meets defined safety requirements before it is used in data centers.

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UL Solutions Inc. (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, today announced a new certification program for medium-voltage solid-state power units, an emerging technology that can deliver electricity more directly and efficiently to the data center systems powering AI.

UL Solutions has announced a new certification program for medium-voltage solid-state power units, which deliver electricity more directly to the systems powering AI data centers. By reducing power-conversion steps, the technology can simplify data center infrastructure and limit energy loss.

AI requires enormous computing capacity, and that computing capacity requires electricity. Before electricity reaches a data center’s servers and advanced chipsets, it may be converted several times into different currents and voltage levels. Each conversion can result in some energy loss, which can add up across the entire power architecture.

Medium-voltage solid-state power units are designed to simplify that journey. These power-electronic systems convert medium-voltage alternating current (AC) from the electric grid directly into the lower-voltage direct current (DC) used by data center systems. By reducing the number of AC-to-DC conversion steps, the technology can simplify data center power systems.

“AI is changing how data centers are designed and powered,” said Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions. “Manufacturers need a clear safety certification path for these key innovations as they develop the technology supporting that change. Our program provides an independent framework that helps them build safety into their products from the start.”

Sometimes called medium-voltage solid-state transformers, these units perform a function similar to conventional transformers but use power electronics to convert and lower the voltage. As AI computing drives unprecedented power demands, solid-state transformers are helping redefine data center electrical infrastructure by enabling direct medium-voltage-to-800 VDC conversion, reducing system complexity, and improving the efficiency and reliability of power delivery. The UL Solutions program provides manufacturers with a defined process to demonstrate that this emerging equipment meets safety requirements.

The certification program is based on UL 2877, the Outline for Investigation for Power Supplies, Medium Voltage. It supports key equipment for data centers transitioning from traditional 400-volt alternating current power systems to emerging 800-volt direct current power systems.

The requirements address potential electrical and fire risks associated with equipment that handles large amounts of power. Evaluations cover electrical protection, insulation, grounding, enclosures, safety interlocks, wiring and product markings. Evaluations also examine how equipment performs under high temperatures, excessive electrical loads, voltage spikes and short circuit current testing.

“Medium-voltage solid-state power units can serve as a critical link between the electricity entering a data center and the systems powering its advanced computing equipment,” said Jeff Smidt, senior vice president of Industrial Testing, Inspection and Certification at UL Solutions. “Independent certification helps manufacturers demonstrate that their products meet defined safety requirements and gives data center operators and code authorities clearer information when evaluating this new technology.”

Learn more about services to address data center development and operations.

About UL Solutions

A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, advisory offerings and software solutions that support our customers’ product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers’ products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage. Learn more about UL Solutions.

Source Code: ULS-IR

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260924547921/en/

Media:
Kathy Fieweger
Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Communications Officer
Kathy.Fieweger@ul.com
+1 312-852-5156

Investors:
Yijing Brentano
Vice President, Investor Relations
IR@ul.com
+1 312-895-9873

Source: UL Solutions Inc

Key Terms

medium-voltage solid-state power units technical

Electronic devices that convert, control and manage medium-voltage electrical power using semiconductor components (such as transistors and diodes) instead of large mechanical switches or bulky transformers; “medium-voltage” typically means roughly 1–35 kilovolts. They act like fast, programmable traffic controllers for electricity, allowing more efficient, compact and responsive delivery or conversion of power. Investors watch them because they can change capital costs, efficiency, reliability and the ability to integrate renewable generation or electrified industrial systems.

solid-state transformers technical

A solid-state transformer is an electrical device that uses power electronics instead of heavy metal coils to change voltage and steer electricity, acting like a digitally controlled, much lighter version of a traditional transformer. For investors, it matters because these units can boost efficiency, add fast remote control and protection features, and enable modern grid uses — such as electric-vehicle charging and renewable energy integration — which can change infrastructure costs and create new technology markets.

short circuit current testing technical

A test that measures the electrical current that flows when a device, battery or circuit is deliberately shorted to simulate a fault condition. It shows how much current a product can produce under a direct short and whether protective features (like fuses, disconnects or thermal cutoffs) operate as intended. Investors care because the results speak to product safety, regulatory compliance and the risk of recalls, liability or extra design costs — like stress‑testing a car’s brakes to see if they fail safely.