As data centers continue to advance in response to growing demands for speed, reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and electrical inspectors are increasingly faced with equipment that does not follow conventional certification routes. These include custom-engineered systems, unique installations, and imported components — particularly those not produced at scale — that often arrive without a recognized certification label.

This trend highlights broader shifts in the sector: rising electrification, the adoption of smart technologies, and the integration of intricate electrical and mechanical systems. For AHJs and inspectors, the challenge is immediate — determining whether uncertified equipment meets applicable regulatory requirements — often under tight project timelines and with limited supporting documentation.

Global developments such as the expansion of digital infrastructure, the growth of cloud computing, and accelerating sustainability initiatives are driving innovation in data centers. Consequently, more equipment is entering the North American market without prior certification — whether supplied by manufacturers, contractors, panel builders, or installers — creating urgency for stakeholders to demonstrate compliance in a manner acceptable to AHJs.

Special Inspections and Field Evaluations: Closing the Compliance Gap

Special inspection and field evaluation services are critical for verifying the safety and code compliance of equipment that has not undergone conventional certification. While both approaches aim to assess non-certified products, they operate within distinct regulatory frameworks.

• In the United States, a field evaluation is conducted on-site to determine whether equipment meets the criteria outlined in regulatory standards such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), UL standards, and other recognized benchmarks.
• In Canada, a special inspection is performed under the Canadian Electrical Code, using model codes like CSA SPE-1000 or SPE-3000 to guide the assessment.

These services are commonly applied to:

• Custom-designed or prototype systems used in data centers
• Equipment manufactured in small quantities or modified post-certification
• Imported products that lack recognized North American certification marks
• Assemblies that have been altered and no longer conform to their original certified design

Unlike traditional certification, which is typically intended for mass-produced items and includes ongoing factory audits, special inspections and field evaluations are tailored to individual products and are usually conducted at the point of installation or prior to commissioning. Their focus is on, confirming proper documentation and labeling, and validating alignment with applicable codes.

By helping bridge the gap between innovation and regulation, these evaluations allow data center stakeholders to deploy complex systems while maintaining safety and compliance.

Why Data Centers Are Turning to Special Inspections and Field Evaluations

Several industry dynamics are contributing to the rising demand for special inspection and field evaluation services in data center environments:

• The emergence of highly customized and project-specific solutions that fall outside standard certification processes
• The importation of equipment from global suppliers that may not carry recognized North American certification marks
• Rapid innovation in areas such as power management, cooling technologies, and automation systems, which can outpace existing certification frameworks
• The need for swift approval from AHJs to keep projects on schedule and avoid costly delays

These conditions have made special inspections and field evaluations valuable services. They help confirm compliance with applicable regulatory requirements — without slowing technological progress or disrupting deployment timelines.

How the Evaluation Process Works for Special Inspections and Field Evaluations

The evaluation process begins when a manufacturer, installer, or facility owner seeks approval for equipment that lacks conventional certification. A qualified evaluation body conducts a thorough review to determine whether the equipment complies with relevant codes and standards.

The typical process includes:

• Examination of technical documentation and specifications
• On-site inspection of construction and design features
• Functional and safety testing, as needed
• Identification of any required corrective actions
• Issuance of a serialized label upon successful compliance

Evaluations may be performed at the installation site, the manufacturing location, or within an accredited testing facility. The final report serves as formal documentation for the AHJ, confirming that the equipment meets applicable code requirements.

This process may provide AHJs with confidence that non-standard or one-of-a-kind installations meet the same safety intent as certified equipment; however, it is ultimately up to the AHJ to determine whether this is acceptable.

Conclusion: A Practical Path to Compliance and Safety

Special inspections and field evaluations offer a structured, standards-based approach for verifying the regulatory code compliance of data center equipment that does not follow conventional certification procedures. As the data center industry continues to innovate and deploy increasingly complex systems, these services are becoming essential for manufacturers, contractors, and facility operators.

For AHJs, partnering with trusted third-party evaluators provides assurance that code compliance is maintained — without impeding project timelines or technological advancement. When applied appropriately, special inspections and field evaluations serve as effective tools for confirming that even non-standard equipment aligns with the safety requirements outlined in applicable codes.

CSA Group’s Commitment

CSA Group’s special inspection and field evaluation services support a wide range of data center equipment, including:

• Custom-built power distribution units (PDUs), switchgear, and backup systems
• Modified or retrofitted electrical panels and control systems
• Imported IT and infrastructure equipment lacking North American certification
• Specialized cooling and environmental control systems requiring code verification

CSA Group’s Special Inspection and Field Evaluation Benefits

For the evaluation of uncertified or modified products, systems, and equipment that are custom-built or manufactured in limited quantities, CSA Group’s special inspection and field evaluation program offers the following advantages:

1. On-Site Product Evaluation: Providing convenient and practical assessments directly at the installation site or manufacturer’s location.
2. Compliance Demonstration: The CSA Group label indicates that products meet applicable safety requirements, demonstrating compliance with relevant standards.
3. Regulatory Acceptance: The CSA Group label’s recognition by AHJs facilitates product acceptance and helps resolve insurer requirements.

Through these services, CSA Group works with manufacturers, contractors, and AHJs to help projects progress efficiently and in alignment with applicable codes.

For more information on CSA Group evaluation services, please visit our website: csagroup.org/SI-FE .

This article was provided by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group). The author, Daniel Roberts, is Chair of the CSA Z462 Technical Committee, a voting member of the Canadian Electrical Code Technical Committee, Past Chair of the IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Committee, and author of several peer-reviewed and published papers on risk assessment, human performance, and safety management systems.