Can continuous thermal monitoring help data centers detect hidden power distribution risks before they lead to costly outages?

This Eaton whitepaper examines the often-overlooked electrical connections within modular power distribution systems, including busway joints, end feed boxes, and tap-off connections. As AI workloads drive higher power densities, these critical interfaces can be vulnerable to degradation that goes undetected between scheduled inspections.

The paper outlines a four-stage framework for condition-led maintenance, covering critical interface mapping, thermal baselines, continuous monitoring, and structured response workflows.

Key considerations include:

• Hidden electrical risks: How connection resistance, corrosion, contamination, and thermal cycling can lead to localized overheating
• Limitations of traditional maintenance: Why periodic inspections and infrared thermography can miss developing faults between checks
• Continuous thermal monitoring: How Eaton Exertherm monitors critical connection points to identify abnormal temperature trends
• A proactive maintenance strategy: How integrating monitoring data with BMS, EPMS, and SCADA systems can support earlier intervention and improve power distribution resilience