TIA-942 is the telecommunication infrastructure standard for data centers. This standard however not only cover the telecommunication part but also other important factors which lead to a robust data center. The data center will be reviewed for compliance in four categories:

• Architecture (Incl. fire safety, physical security, site location etc.)
• Electrical
• Mechanical
• Telecommunications

For each of the categories, the data center will be categorized in four rating levels (Rated 1-4), as well as an overall rating level.

Rating Level**

TIA-942 describes four rating levels in which data centers can be classified. Below are the high level descriptions of each rating level.  Detailed specifications are given in the TIA-942 standard.

• Rated-1: Basic Site Infrastructure
  A data center which has single capacity components and a single, non-redundant distribution path serving the ICT equipment. It has limited protection against physical events.
   
• Rated-2: Redundant Capacity Component Site Infrastructure
  A data center which has redundant capacity components and a single, non-redundant distribution path serving the ICT equipment.  It has improved protection against physical events.
   
• Rated-3: Concurrently Maintainable Site Infrastructure
  A data center which has multiple independent distribution paths serving the ICT equipment. From a conformity point of view, it is acceptable to have one distribution path serve the ICT equipment with the second distribution path to be on standby for maintenance purposes. However, most data centers use both distribution paths on a continuous basis. The data center is required to be concurrently maintainable meaning that each and every capacity component including elements/components which are part of the distribution path, can be removed/replaced/serviced on a planned basis without disrupting the ICT capabilities to the End-User. It has protection against most physical events.
   
• Rated-4: Fault Tolerant Site Infrastructure
  A data center which has multiple independent distribution paths serving the ICT equipment which are all active. The data center allows concurrent maintainability and one (1) fault anywhere in the installation without causing downtime. The data center must be capable to automatically detect a fault, automatically isolate the fault and to automatically continue operation. It has protection against almost all physical events.

Note**; The outcome of the Rating levels defined by TIA are similar to the outcome of the Uptime Tier levels i.e. both Rated-3 of TIA and Tier-III of Uptime are both defined as being a Concurrent Maintainable data center.

EPI is the world's first and so far the only Licensed TIA-942 Certification Body which is an ISO-17021 Accredited Certification Body.