Hey everyone, thanks for stopping by! Today I wanna talk about a question I get all the time from data center managers, IT ops folks, and even small business owners with their own server rooms: Can an ATS diesel generator actually be used in a data center? As a supplier of ATS diesel generators, I’ve fielded this question so much over the years, I thought I’d break it down real—no jargon, no fluffy stuff—style, because this is a super important topic for anyone who relies on 24/7 power.
First, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what we’re talking here. An ATS, or automatic transfer switch, is the brain that sits between your main grid power, your load (like servers, routers, cooling systems—stuff that can’t go down), and your generator. The second the grid cuts out, the ATS senses it in milliseconds, flips the switch, and starts the generator—all without anyone needing to press a button. That’s non-negotiable for data centers, right? Even a 10-second outage can cost tens of thousands (or millions) in lost transactions, corrupted data, or downtime for customers. So yeah, ATS is non-negotiable, but can it pair with a diesel generator that’s up to data center standards?
Short answer: Yes, but only if you get the right setup, not just any old generator. A lot of people mix up portable generators with the heavy-duty stuff built for critical facilities, and that’s where the confusion starts. Let’s dive into why that matters. Data centers have specific power needs—most mid-sized to large ones need anywhere from hundreds of kilowatts (kW) to megawatts (MW) of backup power, and they need it reliable, efficient, and compliant with all those safety codes (NFPA 110, for anyone who cares about the official stuff).
First, let’s talk about the core requirements for data center backup power. First is uptime—we’re talking level 3 or 4 on the Uptime Institute scale here, which means zero unplanned downtime. That means the ATS can’t just work; the generator has to be able to handle the full load without stalling, it has to have enough runtime, and it has to be maintained properly. Second is reliability—diesel is the go-to here because it’s easy to store, has a long shelf life if treated right, and can run for hours (or days) on a full tank, way longer than a portable unit. Third is safety—data centers are tight on space, have strict emissions rules, and need systems that won’t overheat or cause fire hazards.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how ATS diesel generators fit this. The ATS is the key here because it eliminates human error. Think about it: If the grid goes down in the middle of the night, you can’t have someone running out to start a generator, connecting wires, and crossing their fingers. The ATS does that automatically, so your servers never even see a blip in power—critical for things like cloud hosting, payment processing, or medical data centers that need to be online 24/7.
But wait, not all diesel generators are created equal. Let’s use examples here because that makes it real. A small data center or a colocation with a few dozen servers might only need a 5kw Diesel Generator Set—perfect for powering the core switches and entry-level servers, and pairing that with a compact ATS that fits in a utility closet. On the other end, a big enterprise data center with thousands of racks is gonna need way more, like a 250 KW Mobile Generator Set that’s permanently installed (or kept on-site ready to deploy) with a heavy-duty ATS that can handle high-voltage loads. Even mid-sized facilities might opt for a portable Diesel Generator Set, but wait—here’s the catch: portable units are great for temporary use, but for permanent data center backup, you want a unit that’s built for continuous use, not just running a job site for a few hours. That’s why our Mobile Diesel Generator lines are designed to be stationary if needed, with weatherproof enclosures that cut down noise and emissions, which is a big deal for data centers that might be near residential areas or in urban zones.
Wait, but I’ve heard people say “diesel is too dirty for data centers” or “there’s too much maintenance.” Let’s address that. Modern ATS diesel generators are way cleaner than they used to be—EPA Tier 4 compliant, which means they emit almost no particulate matter or NOx, so they meet even the strictest urban air quality rules. And maintenance? The ATS is built to monitor the generator’s performance, so it alerts you if there’s a problem before it becomes a failure. For example, if the fuel filter is dirty, or the oil is low, the ATS sends a notification to your ops team, so you can fix it during a scheduled window, not when the grid is out and you’re panicking. That’s a huge plus for data centers—proactive maintenance instead of reactive.
Another big point: load management. Data centers have fluctuating loads—when you’re not processing peak traffic, your server usage is lower, so you don’t need the full generator capacity. A good ATS can sync with your building management system (BMS) to adjust the generator’s load in real time, which saves fuel and reduces wear and tear on the unit. For example, during off-peak hours, the generator runs at 50% load instead of 100%, which is more efficient and makes the unit last longer. That’s something you won’t get with a cheap, off-the-shelf portable unit; it’s built into industrial-grade ATS diesel generators.
But wait, let’s be honest—there are cases where an ATS diesel generator isn’t the right fit. If you’re a small business with a home server room, a small portable generator with a basic ATS might work, but you have to make sure it’s sized right. A lot of people make the mistake of buying a generator that’s too small, so when the grid goes out, it can’t power all their equipment, or a unit that’s too big, which wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear. That’s where talking to a specialist like me helps—we can size the generator based on your data center’s exact load, so you’re not overpaying or underpreparing.
Another case: if your data center is in an area with extremely strict emissions rules, like a major city, you might need a standby generator with a catalytic converter or other emissions controls, which most modern ATS diesel generators have. And for facilities that need to be online for days during an outage, you need a unit with a large fuel tank or a fuel delivery plan, so the generator can keep running without refueling. Our Mobile Diesel Generator line, for example, can be fitted with extended fuel tanks that give 72+ hours of runtime at full load, which is perfect for long outages caused by storms or grid failures.
Let me share a real example that’s top of mind. Last year, we worked with a mid-sized data center in the Southeast US that was having issues with their old backup system—they had a portable generator that required a crew to start it during outages, and the switchover took 2 minutes, which was costing them $100k+ each time the grid went down. They switched to a permanent ATS paired with a dedicated diesel generator, sized to their full load (including cooling, which is a big thing people forget—data centers use a ton of power for AC to keep servers from overheating). The ATS cut switchover time to under 2 seconds, and since then, they’ve had 3 outages, zero downtime. That’s the kind of impact the right setup has.
Now, let’s clear up another common misconception: people think ATS diesel generators are expensive, but when you factor in the cost of downtime, they’re actually a smart investment. The alternative? A few hours of outage could mean lost clients, damaged reputation, even compliance fines if you’re in a regulated industry like finance or healthcare. For most data centers, the ATS diesel generator pays for itself in avoided downtime costs within a year or two.
Wait, but what about hybrid systems? A lot of data centers are going for hybrid setups with solar or battery storage, but even then, you still need a diesel generator as backup. Batteries only last a few hours, right? So if the outage is longer than that, the generator kicks in. And the ATS is what makes that switch between battery and generator seamless, so your data center never loses power. So even with hybrid systems, the ATS diesel generator is still a critical part of the backup plan.
Let’s talk about sizing, because this is make or break. If you’re looking at options, first calculate your total critical load—servers, network gear, cooling systems, lighting, anything that can’t go down. Don’t forget to factor in future growth! A lot of data centers expand over time, so you don’t want to buy a generator that’s too small and have to replace it in a year. For a small edge data center or a colocation with 10-20 racks, a 5kw Diesel Generator Set or a Portable Diesel Generator Set might be enough, but for a full-scale data center with hundreds of racks, you’re looking at 100s of kW, like a 250 KW Mobile Generator Set or higher. Our team always does a load assessment first, so you get the right size generator and ATS, no guesswork.
Also, installation and compliance matter. You can’t just plop a diesel generator in a data center closet and call it a day. It needs proper ventilation, exhaust systems, fuel storage that meets fire codes, and the ATS has to be wired correctly per NFPA standards. Working with a supplier that offers turnkey installation (or works with trusted installers) takes the headache out of this—you don’t have to worry about missing a code or a safety issue.
Now, let’s wrap this up with the key takeaways. So can an ATS diesel generator be used in a data center? Absolutely—if you pick the right generator size, get an industrial-grade ATS, and follow proper installation and maintenance protocols. It’s a reliable, cost-effective way to ensure zero unplanned downtime, which is non-negotiable for any data center that relies on 24/7 power.
If you’re in the market for backup power for your data center, don’t just grab the first generator you see. Talk to a specialist who can walk you through load requirements, compliance, and the right setup for your needs. Whether you’re a small edge data center needing a compact 5kw Diesel Generator Set or a large enterprise needing a heavy-duty unit with extended runtime, there’s an ATS diesel generator solution that fits.
Want to learn more or start talking through your needs? Reach out to our team—we’re here to help you find the right backup power solution that keeps your data center online, no matter what.
References
Uptime Institute. (2023). Tier Classification for Data Centers. NFPA. (2022). Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Tier 4 Emissions Standards for Nonroad Diesel Engines.
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