The company passes a new fire safety standard, enhancing its market competitiveness
Category: Business
Samsung SDI has recently demonstrated the safety of its uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries by successfully passing a new fire safety test conducted by the global safety certification organization UL Solutions. This achievement is particularly important as it comes at a time when the demand for reliable power backup solutions is surging, especially in AI data centers where uninterrupted power is a necessity.
On July 14, 2026, Samsung SDI announced that its UPS batteries had met all performance and safety standards during the Indoor Large-Scale Fire Test (Indoor LSFT) conducted by UL Solutions. This test, which was introduced earlier in 2026, evaluates whether a fire can spread from one battery module to adjacent racks or systems within a UPS battery rack. Notably, Samsung SDI is the first company in the world to officially meet these new testing criteria.
UPS systems are integral to ensuring continuous operation in facilities that cannot afford power interruptions, such as AI data centers. These systems provide immediate backup power stored in batteries during unexpected power outages or voltage instability. The Indoor LSFT involves deliberately igniting a specific module within the UPS battery rack to assess the potential for fire spread, gas emissions, explosions, and thermal propagation under real fire conditions.
During the test, the ignited battery module was completely consumed by fire; nevertheless, there was no fire spread to surrounding racks, nor were there any gas emissions, explosions, or ruptures. Remarkably, the fire extinguished itself without the activation of overhead sprinklers, confirming the effectiveness of Samsung SDI's safety design. The company attributes this success to its unique system architecture that prevents heat transfer from the module to adjacent components.
For its batteries, Samsung SDI employs lithium manganese oxide (LMO), a material known for its high output and stable properties. The batteries are also housed in aluminum cases that can withstand external shocks and heat, along with vents that allow for the safe release of gases. These design features are part of Samsung SDI's proprietary technology aimed at enhancing fire safety.
The implications of this successful test are substantial, particularly as the demand for large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) and UPS solutions continues to grow. With the rise of AI data centers, the need for dependable power backup systems has become more pressing. Recent trends indicate that major global tech companies and data center operators are now prioritizing fire safety verification as a key criterion when selecting battery suppliers. This certification from UL Solutions positions Samsung SDI favorably in this competitive market.
Following this certification, Samsung SDI plans to accelerate its market penetration in the AI data center and energy storage sectors. A company representative stated, “This test passing acknowledges our differentiated safety technology, and we aim to provide reliable solutions across various markets, including ESS for AI data centers.” With increasing scrutiny on fire safety in battery technology, Samsung SDI's advancements could significantly impact its reputation and business growth.
This successful fire safety test validates Samsung SDI's commitment to safety and enhances its competitive edge in the rapidly growing market for energy storage and backup solutions. As the demand for reliable power sources increases, particularly in high-stakes environments like AI data centers, Samsung SDI's innovations could set new benchmarks for safety and reliability in the industry.