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Eaton modular data center systems
Our approach to modular data centers brings together:
Eaton's modular data centers help you scale faster while maintaining performance, resilience and sustainability through the combination of optimized standardization and customization to your requirements.
Eaton offers three main types of modular data center systems - enclosures (also referred to as containerized), skid-based, and micro-modular data centers (sometimes called rack-based systems) - designed to meet diverse deployment needs from large-scale facilities to edge environments.
Modular data center enclosures are predominantly outdoor‑ready, self‑contained units that deliver fully integrated power, cooling and IT for fast deployment; skid‑based systems are typically installed indoors to provide pre‑engineered electrical and mechanical infrastructure that accelerates large‑scale builds; and micro-modular data centers offer compact, all‑in‑one indoor solutions for edge sites or locations where traditional white‑space build‑outs aren’t practical.
Self-contained, weatherproof enclosures housing critical power infrastructure - can include UPS, switchgear, batteries, HVAC units and all associated fire and safety equipment. Ideal for rapid deployment to speed up construction or expansion of data center capacity.
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Modular data center enclosures >
Prefabricated platforms for electrical and mechanical equipment such as switchgear, transformers and HVAC, mounted on a movable skid to allow for easy integration into new or existing facilities.
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Modular skid-based systems >
Comprised of an IT rack, cooling, service enclosures and management software in a scalable rack based system to enable rapid configuration and deployment in edge data centers, supporting high-density computing in a compact footprint
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Micro-modular data centers >
A modular data center system is a pre-engineered, factory-tested solution that delivers IT, power, and cooling infrastructure in standardized modules for rapid deployment and easy scalability.
Instead of constructing everything on-site, modular systems are built and tested in a controlled factory environment, then delivered as complete units - such as power skids, IT racks, or containerized enclosures. This approach ensures consistent quality, reduces on-site construction time, and minimizes project risk.
| Feature | Modular data center construction | Traditional data center construction |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment speed | Rapid deployment (weeks to months) | Long build time (months to years) |
| Scalability | Highly scalable: add modules as needed to expand capacity | Limited: requires major construction for expansion |
| Cost structure | Lower up front cost: pay-as-you-grow model | High initial capital investment |
| Design flexibility | Pre-engineered modules, with standardized elements to speed up construction | Custom-built to specific requirements |
| Maintenance | Easier to upgrade or replace individual modules | Complex: upgrades may disrupt operations |
| Construction | Consistent: completed in a controlled factory environment for consistent quality standards and reduction in delays, while also reducing contamination and quality issues | Complex: built on site, can lead to delays and cost overruns due to skilled labour shortages and unpredictable construction site environment |
Modular data centers are highly scalable because they allow capacity to be added in pre-engineered increments—without major construction or operational disruption.
This flexibility allows data center operators to start small and expand or upgrade as needed - matching investment to demand while maintaining operational continuity.
Because modules are pre-engineered, factory-built, and pre-commissioned, an Eaton modular data center can be installed and operational in a fraction of the time required for traditional builds.
In some cases, capacity can be added within weeks instead of months, helping you respond rapidly to changing business or technology needs.
Each Eaton modular unit is fully tested before it leaves the factory. When it arrives on-site, it connects seamlessly with existing infrastructure - reducing integration time and risk.
That means you can expand capacity or perform upgrades with minimal impact on live operations, ensuring continuous service availability.
Eaton offers 3 levels of customization of its modular data center enclosures to meet your technical, environmental and business requirements - standard designs, adaptable designs and fully custom-engineered solutions.
This flexible approach ensures every project benefits from Eaton’s engineering expertise - whether you’re scaling a hyperscale data center or deploying an edge site.
Proven configurations for rapid deployment and repeatability
Standardized designs are ready-to-go optimized configurations for modular data center enclosures in which the infrastructure elements cannot be customized. Only minor changes can be made, such as changing the main electrical plug to meet the site-specific voltage requirements, security access system, etc.
Standardized designs offer the quickest route to a modular deployment.
Modified standard designs to meet specific site or regional requirements
In adaptable systems up to 30% of the design is customizable while the rest of the design is pre-defined.
Changes to power/cooling redundancy level, IT load size, type of the shell, etc. can be made to a certain extent without compromising the modular data center uptime.
Custom systems that integrate advanced power, cooling, and monitoring tailored to unique project needs
Fully custom-engineered systems are fully designed per customer requirements. The vendor starts the modular data center design with a blank canvas as the starting point.
This type is fully customizable, catering to customer requirements, with technical expertise from the vendor.
Building at scale? Work with us to specify your own standard design, which can then be repeatable to increase speed of deployment.
Compare containerized, skid‑based and rack‑based modules, see standard configurations, and select the right building blocks for your site.
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