Tier III data center requirements and colocation in Poland

A modern Tier III/Tier IV data center ensures reliability, business continuity, and full service redundancy.
Due to frequent inquiries, we would like to clarify the topic and address common questions regarding the meaning and distinction of data center Tier classifications. The following Q&A format provides clear and concise answers.

Q: What is a Data Center Tier classification?

A: A data center Tier classification means that a data center meets the technical and physical requirements defined by a specific standard. Unlike ISO 27001:2013, which addresses procedural and organizational aspects, the Tier classification focuses solely on the infrastructure's physical and technical capabilities.

Q: Which standards are used to determine a data center’s Tier classification?

A: The primary standard used for Tier classification is the American ANSI/TIA-942 standard. Based on this, other organizations have developed their own frameworks—such as the Uptime Institute, a non-profit group of industry professionals based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In Germany, a separate "Star" rating system was introduced, which includes five levels (unlike the four defined by ANSI/TIA).


Q: Which Tier classification system is considered valid?

A: All are valid, as long as the organization clearly states which classification system it refers to. For example, compliance with Tier 3 under ANSI/TIA-942 does not equate to Tier 3 of the Uptime Institute, and definitely not to the German 3-star level.
DataHouse.net uses the ANSI/TIA-942 standard and provides detailed compliance results in the form of structured tables per standard category.


Q: What Tier classification does DataHouse.net meet?

A: DataHouse.net meets all the requirements of Tier 3 according to the ANSI/TIA-942 standard, and parts of the newest facility meet Tier 4 standards.


Q: Are there official Tier certifications for data centers?

A: The Uptime Institute issues certifications based on its own Tier standard. These certifications are granted per category of the standard, meaning that full certification requires separate audits and certificates for each area.
In Poland, due to high costs, only two partial Uptime Institute certifications have been issued so far—both related to building construction, for data centers in Katowice and Toruń.
There is also a German "Star" certification system, but it applies only within Germany as of today.


Q: Is it realistically possible to meet Tier 4 requirements in Poland?

A: Under ANSI/TIA-942, it is possible to meet Tier 4 standards in Poland. However, under the Uptime Institute standard, fulfilling all requirements—especially those related to power supply—is extremely difficult. One key challenge is the requirement for dual connections from completely separate power distribution regions (independent transmission systems).
Similar requirements exist in the German 4-star system, with an added emphasis on energy from renewable sources.

  TIER1 TIER2 TIER3 TIER4
REQUIREMENT        
General        
Telecommunications cabling, racks, brackets, and cable pathways compliant with TIA specifications. yes yes yes yes
Diversified cable entry points for external carriers, spaced at least 20 meters apart.  no yes yes yes
Redundant and diversified telecom carrier connections.  no no yes yes
Backup entrance facility (for cable routes). no no yes yes
Backup distribution room (for cable routes). no no nie optional
Redundant backbone cabling pathways. no no yes yes
Redundant horizontal cabling. no no no optional
Routers and network switches equipped with redundant power supplies and processors. no yes yes yes
Redundant routers and network switches for failover. no no yes yes
Patch panels, outlets, and cabling labeled per ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A Annex B. Racks and supporting structures labeled front and back. yes yes yes yes
Cables and connectors labeled at both ends with connection ID. no yes yes yes
Patch panels and cabling documented according to ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A with Annex B. no no yes yes

Requirements met by DataHouse.net are marked in green.

  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
ARCHITECTURE



Data Center Location        
Proximity to flood zones no requirements outside direct floodplain      not in flood zone for 100 years or 91m from area not flooded in last 50 years at least 91 meters from area not flooded in the last 100 years
Proximity to waterways no requirements no requirements at least 91 meters at least 800 meters
Proximity to major roads no requirements no requirements at least 91 meters at least 800 meters
Proximity to airports no requirements no requirements at least 1600 meters between 8 km and 48 km
Proximity to large cities no requirements no requirements no more than 48 km no more than 16 km
Parking        
Separate parking for staff and guests no requirements no requirements yes, separated by fence or wall yes, separated by fence or wall
Separation from loading docks no requirements no requirements yes yes, separated by fence or wall
Distance between parking and building walls no requirements no requirements at least 9.1 meters at least 18.3 meters with physical barriers


   TIER 1  TIER 2  TIER 3  TIER 4
 Building structure        
Building type (fire protection, flammability) no requirements no requirements  Typ II-1hr, III-1hr, lub V-1hr  Type I lub II-FR
External structural walls – fire resistance        
External structural walls – fire resistance local code compliant local code compliant minimum 1 hour  minimum 4 hours
External non-structural walls – fire resistance local code compliant local code compliant minimum 1 hour  minimum 2 hours
Structural frame – fire resistance local code compliant local code compliant  minimum 1 hour   minimum 4 hours
Structural frame local code compliant local code compliant minimum 1 hour  minimum 2 hours
Non-colocation internal partition walls – fire resistance local code compliant local code compliant  minimum 1 hour minimum 1 hour
Colocation room partition walls – fire resistance local code compliant local code compliant  minimum 1 hour minimum 2 hours
Multiple entrances protected by local security services local code compliant local code compliant minimum 1 hour minimum 2 hours
 Floor local code compliant local code compliant minimum 1 hour  minimum 2 hours
 Roof local code compliant local code compliant  minimum 1 hour  minimum 2 hours
Compliance with NFPA 75 standard no requirements yes yes yes
 Design elements        
Colocation room walls protected against condensation and moisture no requirements  yes  yes  yes
Multiple entrances protected by local security services no requirements no requirements yes  yes
Raised floor panel material  n/a no requirements  steel steel or concrete
Raised floor substructure  n/a no requirements anchored stringer system anchored stringer system
Ceiling structure (colocation room)        
 Ceiling structure no requirements no requirements full suspended ceiling (if installed)  full suspended ceiling (non-perforated)
 Ceiling structure height  minimum 2.6m minimum 2.7m  minimum 3 m and 460 mm clearance from tallest equipment minimum 3 m and 600 mm clearance from tallest equipment



TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Canopy        
Roof construction class no requirements  Class A Class A  Class A
 Type no requirements no requirements non-combustible materials  dual-layer with concrete base
 Roof load resistance  as required by local code  FM I-90  FM I-90 minimum  FM I-120 minimum
 Roof slope  as required by local code as required by local code  1:48  minimum  1:24  minimum
 Doors and windows        
 Fire rating as required by local code  Minimum Code requirements  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 3/4 hour at computer room)  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 1/2 hour at computer room)
 Door size  Wymagane przez prawo lokalne i nie mniej niż 1 m (3 ft) szerokości i 2.13 m (7 ft in) wysokości  Minimum Code requirements and not less than 1 m (3 ft) wide and 2.13 m (7 ft in) high  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 m (3 ft) wide into computer, electrical, & mechanical rooms) and not less than 2.13 m (7 ft) high  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1.2 m (4 ft) wide into computer, electrical, & mechanical rooms) and not less than 2.13 m (7 ft) high
 Single person interlock, portal or other hardware designed to prevent piggybacking or pass back   Minimum Code requirements  Minimum Code requirements - preferably solid wood with metal frame  Minimum Code requirements - preferably solid wood with metal frame  Minimum Code requirements - preferably solid wood with metal frame
 No exterior windows on perimeter of computer room  no requirement   no requirement  yes  yes
 Construction provides protection against electromagnetic radiation  no requirement  no requirement  yes  yes
 Entry Lobby  no requirement  yes  yes  yes
 Physically separate from other areas of data center  no requirement  yes  yes  yes
 Fire separation from other areas of data center  Minimum Code requirements  Minimum Code requirements  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour)  Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)
 Security counter   no requirement   no requirement  yes  yes
 Single person interlock, portal or other hardware designes to prevent piggybacking or pass back    no requirement   no requirement  yes  yes


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Administrative offices        
Physically separate from other areas of data center no requirement yes yes yes
Fire separation from other areas of data center Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)
Security office no requirement no requirement yes yes
Physically separate from other areas of data center no requirement no requirement yes yes
Fire separation from other areas of data center Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)
180-degree peepholes on security equipment and monitoring rooms no requirement yes yes yes
Harden security equipment and monitoring rooms with 16 mm (5/8 in) plywood (except where bullet resistance is recommended or reqiured) no requirement Recommended Recommended Recommended
Dedicated security room from security equipment and monitoring no requirement no requirement Recommended Recommended
Operations Center no requirement no requirement yes yes
Physically separate from other areas of data center no requirement no requirement yes yes
Fire separation from other non-computer room areas of data center no requirement no requirement 1 hour  2 hour
Proximity to computer room no requirement no requirement indirectly accessible (maximum of 1 adjoining room) directly accessible
Restrooms and break room areas Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements
Proximity to computer room and support areas no requirement no requirement if immediately adjacent, provided with leak prevention barrier   not immediately adjacent and provided with leak prevention barrier
Fire separation from computer room and support areas Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
UPS and Battery Rooms         
Aisle widths for maintenance, repair, or equipment removal no requirement no requirement Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 m (3 ft) clear) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1.2 m (4 ft) clear)
Proximity to computer room no requirement no requirement immediately adjacent immediately adjacent
Fire separation from computer room and other areas of data center Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)
Required Exit Corridors        
Fire separation from computer room and support areas Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements (not less than 1 hour) Minimum Code requirements (not less than 2 hour)
Width Minimum Code requirements  Minimum Code requirements Minimum Code requirements and not less than 1.2 m (4 ft) clear Minimum Code requirements and not less than 1.5 m (5 ft) clear
Shipping and receiving area no requirement yes yes yes
Physically separate from other areas of data center no requirement yes yes yes
Fire separation from other areas of data center no requirement no requirement 1 hour 2 hour
Physical protection of walls exposed to lifting equipment traffic no requirement no requirement yes (minimum 3/4 in plywood wainscot) yes (steel bollards or similar protection)
Number of loading docks no requirement 1 per 2500 sq m / 25,000 sq ft of computer room 1 per 2500 sq m / 25,000 sq ft of computer room (2 minimum) 1 per 2500 sq m / 25,000 sq ft of computer room (2 minimum)
Loading docks separate from parking areas no requirement no requirement yes yes (physically separated by fence or wall)
Security counter no requirement no requirement yes yes (physically separated)
Generator and fuel storage areas        
Proximity to computer room and support areas no requirement no requirement if within Data Center building, provided with minimum 2 hour fire separation from all other areas separate building or exterior weatherproof enclosures with Code required building separation
Proximity to publicly accessible areas no requirement no requirement 9 m / 30 ft minimum separation 19 m / 60 ft minimum separation


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Security        
System CPU UPS capacity na Building Building Building + Battery (8 hour min)
Data Gathering Panels (Field Panels) UPS Capacity na Building + Battery (4 hour min) Building + Battery (8 hour min) Building + Battery (24 hour min)
Field Device UPS Capacity na Building + Battery (4 hour min) Building + Battery (8 hour min) Building + Battery (24 hour min)
Security staffing per shift na 1 per 3,000 sq m / 30,000 sq ft (2 minimum) 1 per 2,000 sq m / 20,000 sq ft (3 minimum) 1 per 2,000 sq m / 20,000 sq ft (3 minimum)
Security Access Control/Monitoring at:        
Generators industrial grade lock intrusion detection intrusion detection intrusion detection
UPS, Telephone & MEP Rooms industrial grade lock intrusion detection card access card access
Fiber Vaults industrial grade lock intrusion detection intrusion detection card access
Emergency Exit Doors industrial grade lock monitor delay egress per code delay egress per code
Accessible Exterior Windows/opening off site monitoring intrusion detection intrusion detection intrusion detection
Security Operations Center na na card access card access
Network Operations Center na na card access card access
Security Equipment Rooms na intrusion detection card access card access
Doors into Computer Rooms industrial grade lock intrusion detection card or biometric access for ingress and egress card or biometric access for ingress and egress
Perimeter building doors off site monitoring intrusion detection card access if entrance card access if entrance
Door from Lobby to Floor industrial grade lock card access single person interlock, portal or other hardware designed to prevent piggybacking or pass back of access credential, preferably with biometrics. single person interlock, portal or other hardware designed to prevent piggybacking or pass back of access credential, preferably with biometrics.
Bullet resistant walls, windows & doors        
Security Counter in Lobby na na Level 3 (min) Level 3 (min)
Security Counter in Shipping and Receiving na na na Level 3 (min)


   TIER 1  TIER 2  TIER 3  TIER 4
 CCTV Monitoring        
 Building perimeter and parking  no requirement  no requirement  yes  yes
 Generators  na  na  yes  yes
 Access Controlled Doors  no requirement  yes  yes  yes
 Computer Room Floors  no requirement  no requirement  yes  yes
 UPS, Telephone & MEP Rooms  no requirement  no requirement  yes  yes
 CCTV        
 CCTV Recording of all activity on all cameras  no requirement  no requirement  yes: digital  yes: digital
 Recording rate (frames per second)  na  na  20 frames/secs (min)  20 frames/secs (min)
 Structural        
 Seismic zone -any zone acceptable although it may dictate more costly support mechanisms  no restriction  no restriction  no restriction no restriction 
 Facility designed to seismic zone requirements  no restriction  no restriction  no restriction  In Seismic Zone 0, 1, 2 to Zone 3 requirements. In Seismic Zone 3 & 4 to Zone 4 requirements
 Site Specific Response Spectra - Degree of local Seismic accelerations  no  no  with Operation Status after 10% in 50 year event  with Operation Status after 5% in 100 year event
 Importance factor - assists to ensure greater than code design  I=1  I=1.5  I=1.5  I=1.5
 Telecommuncations equipment racks/cabinets anchored to base or supported at top and base  no  Base only  Fully braced  Fully braced
 Deflection limitation on telecommunications equipment within limits acceptable by the electrical attachments   no  no  yes  yes
 Bracing of electrical conduits runs and cable trays  per code  per code w/ Importance  per code w/ Importance  per code w/ Importance
 Bracing of mechanical system major duct runs  per code   per code w/ Importance  per code w/ Importance  per code w/ Importance
 Floor loading capacity superimposed live load  7.2 kPa (150 lbf/sq ft)  8.4 kPa (175 lbf/sq ft)  12 kPa (250 lbf/sq ft)  12 kPa (250 lbf/sq ft)
 Floor hanging capacity for ancillary loads suspended from below   1.2 kPa (25 lbf/sq ft)   1.2 kPa (25 lbf/sq ft)  2.4 kPa (50 lbf/sq ft)  2.4 kPa (50 lbf/sq ft)


   TIER 1  TIER 2  TIER 3  TIER 4
 Concrete Slab Thickness at ground  127 mm (5 in)  127 mm (5 in)  127 mm (5 in)  127 mm (5 in)
 Concrete topping over flutes for elevated floors affects size of anchor which can be installed  102 mm (4 in)  102 mm (4 in)  102 mm (4 in)  102 mm (4 in)
 Building LFRS (Shearwall/Braced/Frame/Moment Frame) indicates displacement of structure  Steel/Conc MF  Conc. Shearwall / Steel BF  Conc. Shearwall / Steel BF  Conc. Shearwall / Steel BF
 Building Energy Dissipation - Passive Dampers/Base Isolation (energy absorption)  none  none  Passive Dampers  Passive Dampers/ Base Isolation
 Battery/UPS floor vs. building composition. Concrete floors more difficult to upgrade for intense loads. Steel framing with metal deck and fill much more easily upgraded  PT concrete  CIP Mild Concrete  Steel Deck & Fill  Steel Deck & Fill
 Steel deck & Fill/ PT concrete/ CIP Mild - PT slabs much more difficult to install anchors  PT concrete   CIP Mild Concrete  Steel Deck & Fill  Steel Deck & Fill
 
  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Electrical aspects



General        
Number of access paths  1  1  1 active and 1 passive  2 active 
Utility entrance       Single power feed Single power feed  Dual power feed (600V or higher)  Dual power feed (600V or higher) from separate substations
The system allows for system backup   no  no  yes  yes
Power cables for computer and ICT equipment  Single cable with 100% capacity  Dual cables with 100% capacity on each cable  Dual cables with 100% capacity on each cable  Dual cables with 100% capacity on each cable
All electrical devices are certified and properly labeled.  yes  yes  yes  yes
Single points of failure One or more One or more  None  None
Critical Load System Transfer  Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) with maintenance bypass feature for serving the switch with interruption in power; automatic changeover from utility to generator when a power outage occurs  Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) with maintenance bypass feature for serving the switch with interruption in power; automatic changeover from utility to generator when a power outage occurs  Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) with maintenance bypass feature for serving the switch with interruption in power; automatic changeover from utility to generator when a power outage occurs  Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) with maintenance bypass feature for serving the switch with interruption in power; automatic changeover from utility to generator when a power outage occurs
Site Switchgear  none  none  Fixed air circuit breakers or fixed molded case breakers. Mechanical interlocking of breakers. Any switchgear in distribution system can be shutdown for maintenance with by-passes without dropping the critical load   Drawout air circuit breakers or drawout molded case breakers. Mechanical interlocking of breakers. Any switchgear in distribution system can be shutdown for maintenance with by-passes without dropping the critical load
Generators correctly sized according to installed capacity of UPS  yes yes yes yes
Generator Fuel Capacity (at full load)  8 hrs (no generator required if UPS has 8 minutes of backup time)  24 hrs  72 hrs  96 hrs


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
UPS        
UPS Redundancja  N N+1 N+1  2N 
UPS Topologia Single module or parallel redundant modules Parallel Redundant Modules or Distributed redundant Modules   Parallel Redundant Modules or Distributed redundant Modules or Block Redundant System  Parallel Redundant Modules or Distributed redundant Modules or Block Redundant System
UPS Maintenance Bypass Arrangement  By-pass power taken from same utility feeds and UPS modules  By-pass power taken from same utility feeds and UPS modules  By-pass power taken from same utility feeds and UPS modules  By-pass power taken from a reserve UPS system that is powered from a different bus as is used for the UPS system
UPS Power Distribution - voltage level  Voltage Level 120/208V up to loads of 1440 kVA and 480V for loads greater than 1440 kVA   Voltage Level 120/208V up to loads of 1440 kVA and 480V for loads greater than 1440 kVA   Voltage Level 120/208V up to loads of 1440 kVA and 480V for loads greater than 1440 kVA   Voltage Level 120/208V up to loads of 1440 kVA and 480V for loads greater than 1440 kVA 
UPS Power Distribution - panel boards  Panelboard incorporating standard thermal magnetic trip breakers  Panelboard incorporating standard thermal magnetic trip breakers  Panelboard incorporating standard thermal magnetic trip breakers  Panelboard incorporating standard thermal magnetic trip breakers
PDUs feed all computer and telecommunications equipment  no  no  yes yes 
K-Factor transformers installed in PDUs  yes, but not required if harmonic canceling transformers are used  yes, but not required if harmonic canceling transformers are used  yes, but not required if harmonic canceling transformers are used  yes, but not required if harmonic canceling transformers are used
Load Bus Synchronization (LBS)  no no yes yes
Komponenty redundantne (UPS)  Static UPS Design Static or Rotary UPS Design. Rotating M-G Set Converters   Static or Rotary UPS Design. Static Converters Static, Rotary, or Hybrid UPS Design 
UPS on separate distribution panel from computer & telecommunications equipment  no yes yes yes
Grounding        
Lighting protection system Based on risk analysis as per NFPA 780 and insurance requirements   Based on risk analysis as per NFPA 780 and insurance requirements  yes yes
Service entrance grounds and generator grounds fully conform to NEC  yes yes yes yes
 Lighting fixtures (277v) neutral isolated from service entrance derived from lighting transformer for ground fault isolation  yes yes  yes  yes 
Data center grounding infrastructure in computer room  not required  not required  yes yes 


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Computer Room Emergency Power Off (EPO) System        
Activated by Emergency Power Off (EPO) at exits with computer and telecommunications system shutdown only  yes yes yes yes
Automatic fire supressant release after computer and telecommunications system shutdown yes yes  yes yes
Secod zone fire alarm system activation with manual Emergency Power Off (EPO) shutdown  no no no  yes
Master control disconnects batteries and releases suppressant from a 24/7 attended station  no no no yes
Battery Room Emergency Power Off (EPO) System        
Activated by Emergency Power Off (EPO) buttons at exits with manual suppressant release  yes yes yes yes
Fire suppressant release for single zone system after Emergency Power Off (EPO) shutdown  yes yes yes yes
Second zone fire alarm system activation. Disconnects batteries on first zone with suppressant release on the second zone  no no yes yes
Master control disconnects batteries and releases suppressant from a 24/7 attended station no no yes yes
Emergency power Off (EPO) Systems        
Shutdown of UPS power receptacles in computer room area   yes yes yes yes
Shutdown of AC power for CRACs and chillers  yes yes yes yes
Compliance with local code (e.g. separate systems for UPS and HVAC) yes yes yes yes


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
System Monitoring        
Locally Displayed at UPS yes yes yes yes
Central power and environmental monitoring and control system (PEMCS) with remote engineering console and manual overrides for all automatic controls and set points  no no yes yes
Interface with BMS  no no  yes  yes
Remote Control  no no no  yes
Automatic Text Messaging to Service Engineer's Pager  no no no  yes
Konfiguracja Baterii        
Common Battery String for All Modules  yes no no no
One Battery String per Module  no yes yes yes
Minimum Full Load Standby Time  5 min 10 min  15 min  15 min
Battery type  Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) of flooded type  Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) of flooded type  Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) of flooded type  Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) of flooded type
Flooded type Batteries        
Mounting  Racks or cabinets  Racks or cabinets  Open racks Open racks 
Wrapped Plates  no  yes yes  yes 
Acid Spill Containment Installed yes  yes  yes  yes 
Battery Full Load Testing/Inspection Schedule  Every two years  Every two years  Every two years  Every two years or annually
Battery Room        
Separate from UPS/Switchgear Equipment Rooms  no yes  yes  yes 
Individual Battery Strings Isolated from Each Other  no  yes yes  yes 
Shatterproof Viewing Glass in Battery Room  no  no  no  yes
Battery Disconnects Located Outside Battery Room  yes yes  yes  yes 
Battery Monitoring System  UPS self monitoring  UPS self monitoring  UPS self monitoring  Centralized automated system to check each cell for temperature, voltage, and impedance


  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Rotating UPS System Enclosures (With Diesel Generators)        
Units Separately Enclosed by Fire Rated Walls no no yes yes
Fuel Tanks on Exterior no no yes yes
Fuel Tanks in Same Room as Units yes yes no no
Standby Generating System        
Generator Sizing  Sized for computer & telecommunications system electrical & mechanical only Sized for computer & telecommunications system electrical & mechanical only  Sized for computer & telecommunications system electrical & mechanical only + 1  Total Building Load + 1 Spare 
Generators on Single Bus  yes yes yes no
Single Generator per System with (1) Spare Generator no yes yes yes
 Individual 83 ft. Ground Fault Protection for Each Generator  no yes yes yes
Loadbank for Testing         
Testing UPS modules only  yes  yes  yes  no
Testing of Generators only   yes  yes  yes  no
Testing of Both UPS modules and generators   no no no yes
UPS Switchgear   no no no yes
Permanently Installed  no - Rental no - Rental  no - Rental  yes 
 Equipment Maintenance        
 Maintenance Staff  Onsite Day Shift only. On-call at other times  Onsite Day Shift only. On-call at other times  Onsite 24 hrs M-F, on-call on weekends Onsite 24/7 
 Preventative Maintenance  none none Limited preventative maintenance program  Comprehensive preventative maintenance program 
 Facility Training Programs  none none  Comprehensive training program  Comprehensive training program including manual operation procedures if it is necessary to bypass control system 
 
  TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Mechanical aspects



General        
Access to water or plumbing not related to equipment in the colocation center Allowed but not recommended Allowed but not recommended Not allowed Not allowed
Air pressure in the colocation room and adjacent areas matches the pressure outside and in non-colocation areas. No requirements yes yes yes
Floor drains installed in rooms for condensate from humidifiers and condensing units. yes yes yes yes
.Mechanical systems connected to the backup generator. No requirements yes yes yes
Liquid cooling        
Internal cooling systems No redundant air conditioners One redundant air conditioner cooling the most critical areas Sufficient number of air conditioners to cool the entire critical area even after the loss of one power source Sufficient number of air conditioners to cool the entire critical area even after the loss of one power source
Humidity control in the room Humidification available Humidification available Humidification available Humidification available
Power supply for equipment Single power path for equipment Single power path for equipment Multiple power paths for equipment, interconnected to maximize the efficiency of redundant cooling Multiple power paths for equipment, interconnected to maximize the efficiency of redundant cooling
Heat dissipation        
Dry coolers (if applicable) None One dry cooler per system Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source
Closed-loop coolers (if applicable) None One cooler per system Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source
Circulation pumps None One pump per system Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source Sufficient number of dry coolers to support the critical area during the loss of one power source
Orurowanie systemu Jedna ścieżka Jedna ścieżka Dwie ścieżki Dwie ścieżki
 
 

 TIER 1 TIER 2 TIER 3 TIER 4
Water cooling        
Internal air conditioners No redundant air conditioners One air conditioner for critical areas  Sufficient number of air conditioners to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure  Sufficient number of air conditioners to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Humidity control for colocation rooms Provided Provided Provided Provided
Power supply for equipment Single path Single path Multiple paths  Multiple paths
Heat removal        
Water piping Single path   Single path Multiple paths  Multiple paths
Water pumps  None  One pump per system  Sufficient number of pumps to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure  Sufficient number of pumps to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Air-cooled chillers None One redundant chiller Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Water-cooled chillers None One redundant chiller Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Cooling towers  None One redundant tower Sufficient number of cooling towers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure Sufficient number of cooling towers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Condensate water pumps   None One redundant pump per system Sufficient number of pumps to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure Sufficient number of pumps to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Condenser water piping Single path Single path Dual path Dual path

Dual path
 
  TIER 1  TIER 2  TIER 3  TIER 4 
Air cooling systems        
Internal air-cooled chiller No redundant air conditioning units One redundant chiller Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure Sufficient number of chillers to maintain proper temperature across the entire critical area during a single power source failure
Equipment power supply Single path Single path Multiple paths Multiple paths
Humidity management in the room Available Available Available Available
HVAC control systems        
HVAC control systems System failure will cause a cooling outage System failure will cause a cooling outage System failure will not cause a cooling outage System failure will not cause a cooling outage
HVAC control system power supply Single path Reduntantny UPS  Reduntantny UPS  Reduntantny UPS  
Piping for heat removal systems        
Dual water source Single source with no backup Dual source, or single source with backup Dual source, or single source with backup Dual source, or single source with backup
Water supply connection points One connection point One connection point Two connection points Two connection points
Fuel oil system        
Tanks Single Multiple Multiple Multiple
Pumps and piping for fuel tanks One pump and a single piping path Multiple pumps and multiple piping paths Multiple pumps and multiple piping paths Multiple pumps and multiple piping paths
Fire protection systems        
Fire detection system  no yes yes yes
Sprinkler system When required Automatic Automatic Automatic
Gas fire suppression system no no Yes, compliant with NFPA 2001 Yes, compliant with NFPA 2001
Smoke detection no yes yes yes
Water leak detection no yes yes yes

Data center availability model

From Tier requirements to a complete colocation project

The Tier model helps compare power, cooling and maintenance paths. A dependable business service also requires a matching network, access policy, monitoring, security and support scope.

How to read data center Tier levels

Tier I

Basic infrastructure path

A single, non-redundant distribution path and basic capacity for non-critical workloads.

Tier II

Redundant capacity components

Additional capacity components reduce selected maintenance risks, while the distribution path remains limited.

Tier III

Concurrently maintainable

Planned work can be performed without shutting down the entire infrastructure path.

Tier IV

Fault-tolerant architecture

The model adds fault tolerance to concurrent maintainability for the most demanding environments.

Turn the requirements into a service

Choose the next step according to how much infrastructure you already own and how precisely the environment must be designed.

Tier and colocation FAQ

What does Tier III mean for a data center?

Tier III describes concurrently maintainable infrastructure. Planned maintenance can be performed without shutting down the entire facility path. Availability of a specific service is defined separately by its architecture, contract and SLA.

Does DataHouse claim Uptime Institute Tier certification?

No. DataHouse describes how its infrastructure aligns with Tier III assumptions, but this wording is not a claim of Uptime Institute certification. Exact technical and service parameters are confirmed in the contract and SLA.

How does the Tier level relate to server colocation?

The Tier level provides facility context. A colocation project still requires the right rack space, guaranteed power, connectivity, access rules, monitoring, backup and support scope.

What is the difference between Tier III and Tier IV?

Tier III focuses on concurrent maintainability, while Tier IV additionally assumes fault tolerance. The required level should follow workload risk, target SLA and the complete application architecture, not the label alone.