Samsung SDI UPS Batteries First to Pass UL Solutions Indoor Large-Scale Fire Test
Samsung SDI's uninterruptible power supply batteries have become the first globally to pass UL Solutions' new Indoor Large-Scale Fire Test, proving advanced fire safety for AI data center energy storage.
What Happened
Samsung SDI announced that its uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries have passed the global fire safety test conducted by UL Solutions, a global safety science certifier. The test, called the Indoor Large-Scale Fire Test (LSFT), assesses fire propagation risks under real-world UPS operating conditions. Samsung SDI is the first company globally to officially meet the test's requirements.
During the test, a battery module within a UPS rack was deliberately forced into thermal runaway. The module was fully consumed, but no fire propagation occurred in surrounding racks. No gas release, explosion, or rupture was observed, and the fire self-extinguished without activation of overhead sprinkler systems. All safety and performance criteria were met.
First to pass
UL Solutions introduced the test earlier this year. Samsung SDI is the first company globally to meet its requirements.
“SAMSUNG SDI has successfully met the Indoor LSFT requirements, validating its differentiated fire safety technologies. We will continue to provide the most trusted energy solutions across a wide range of applications, including the AI data center ESS market.”
Samsung SDI achieved this result by applying proprietary thermal propagation prevention technology, using lithium manganese oxide (LMO) materials with high power output and stability, and its proprietary prismatic battery technologies including aluminum casings and gas-release vents. The company plans to strengthen its presence in the AI data center and ESS markets, leveraging these safety technologies across products including UPS batteries and the Samsung Battery Box (SBB).
Previously from Samsung SDI
Samsung SDI's CEO recently highlighted an expected earnings turnaround and called for the company to become an AI-native company, positioning it for growth in the AI data center market.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Samsung SDI's official releases.
Why this matters
This certification sets a new benchmark for battery safety in critical infrastructure like AI data centers, where fire risk from thermal runaway is a major concern. The test results give data center operators confidence in adopting lithium-ion energy storage, potentially influencing industry safety requirements. Samsung SDI plans to leverage this technology to strengthen its presence in the AI data center and ESS markets.
Terms in This Story
- UPS
- Uninterruptible Power Supply, a device that provides emergency power to critical equipment during a power outage or voltage instability.
- thermal runaway
- A self-accelerating exothermic reaction in a battery that can lead to fire or explosion if not controlled.
- LMO
- Lithium manganese oxide, a cathode material used in lithium-ion batteries known for high power output and thermal stability.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.