HYPERSPEED

FM is not just about fire resistance ratings in minutes, but about how the entire system affects the risk level, property protection, and operational reliability of the facility. For insulated panels in data centers, this means that the solution must be tested and documented based on factors such as fire performance, but also on how the system withstands impacts that could lead to damage, outages, and significant insurance costs. For walls, it is common to work with FM 4880 and FM 4881, where the entire solution is verified – not just the panel itself, but also fasteners, supports, clearances, and underlayments. In European projects, this is often combined with EN fire ratings, such as EI or EI-M, to meet both insurance requirements and the project’s fire strategy.

The specification must describe a tested and approved system solution, not just a panel type. It must specify which FM-approved wall or ceiling solution is intended, including the panel, fasteners, support structure, mounting points, and permitted spans. Since FM involves more than just fire safety, the specification must also consider the overall solution’s functionality from a risk, operational, and insurance perspective. If the project also has requirements under European fire regulations, the specification must be combined with the appropriate EN classification, such as EI or EI-M, depending on the function.

EI-M 120 means that the wall meets the integrity and insulation requirements for 120 minutes and remains functional even under mechanical stress during a fire. It is therefore not merely a fire-rated wall, but a more robust solution for fire-wall functionality. This becomes relevant when the wall must remain standing and continue to separate fire compartments even if adjacent structures affect it during a fire, for example, in the event of a roof collapse or failure of another load-bearing element. Whether this is necessary is determined by the project’s fire strategy and the wall’s intended function.

Data centers in Europe often use prefabricated solutions to ensure rapid installation, consistent quality, and low project risk. Exterior walls and firewalls are frequently constructed using sandwich panels with verified fire ratings and, when necessary, FM approval. Roofs are more commonly built using lightweight beams, load-bearing roofing sheets, and separate insulation, though sandwich panel solutions are also used. The most efficient building system combines high-profile metal sheets and separate insulation, a method that is less common outside the Nordic region but recommended by Ruukki. A common thread is the selection of proven systems, rather than ad hoc product combinations, with a focus on installation speed, robustness, and predictable performance.

When specifying walls and roofs for a data center, you should not only look at individual certificates, but also at whether the supplier can offer tested and documented system solutions for the specific application. For Ruukki, this means being able to demonstrate the relevant fire rating for the building component in question, for example in accordance with EN 13501-2, and, where the project requires it, FM-approved systems as well.

It is also important that the supplier can substantiate the solution with test reports, classification reports, and system documentation – not just product sheets. For climate-related issues, there should be an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and clear documentation of the product’s climate data. For data centers, it is crucial that the supplier can combine verified performance, technical support, and experience with large-scale projects – not just deliver a panel.

Steel with lower emissions can result in a significantly lower climate impact than conventional steel in data center projects. Today, you can choose the recycled steel SSAB Zero for your project to achieve a significantly lower climate impact. For SSAB Zero, it is important to be clear that this is not about mass balancing, but about actual reported values for the steel. This makes a difference when calculating embodied carbon in the finished building. At the same time, the comparison should always be made at the building component level using EPDs or project-specific calculations, not just as a general material claim.

There is no single U-value for sandwich panels that applies to all data centers. The appropriate level depends on the project’s energy requirements, geographic location, operating conditions, and the design of the rest of the building envelope. This issue should therefore be addressed during the design phase and aligned with the building’s energy goals, rather than being resolved with a generic standard value.

Lead times for data center projects are generally no longer than those for other projects. Ruukki has a high production capacity and experience in supplying large-scale projects across Europe, which allows Ruukki to handle large volumes without extending lead times. The exact lead time is always determined based on scope, specifications, and project structure, where dialogue between the project team and the supplier is crucial. For larger projects, it is essential that the supplier has the capacity and experience to deliver on schedule.