Samsung SDI's batteries for uninterruptible power supply systems have passed a global fire safety verification, earning recognition for their technology. Samsung SDI said on Monday it became the first in the world to meet all evaluation criteria in an indoor large-scale fire test overseen by certification body UL Solutions. A UPS provides emergency power immediately when there is an abnormality in the power supply such as a blackout or voltage instability, ensuring stable operation of AI data centres.

The test is an indoor large-scale fire test called Indoor LSFT (Large Scale Fire Test) that verifies whether a fire intentionally started in a module within a UPS battery rack spreads to adjacent racks or systems. UL Solutions introduced the test early this year to assess the risks of explosion or thermal propagation in the event of an actual fire. The result made Samsung SDI the first company in the world to officially meet the standard.

The battery module that was ignited burned out, but there was no spread of fire to surrounding racks and no gas release, explosion or rupture, meeting all performance and safety standards. It also self-extinguished without the upper sprinklers operating, proving its technology. The company applied a technology that prevents thermal propagation through its own system structure design.

Samsung SDI used lithium manganese oxide, or LMO, which it described as having high output and stable material characteristics. It also reflected prismatic battery technologies such as an aluminium case that is resistant to heat and impact and vents for gas release. Recently, global big tech companies and data centre operators have been requiring fire safety verification as a mandatory condition when selecting battery suppliers. Samsung SDI said it expects the result will allow it to highlight its safety competitiveness.

Samsung SDI plans to accelerate its push into the AI data centre and power energy storage system markets based on its safety technologies for various ESS products, including its UPS batteries and the Samsung Battery Box. A company official said, "Passing this test has earned recognition for our differentiated safety technology," adding, "We will provide solutions customers can trust most in various markets, including ESS for AI data centres."