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Data Centre Failures

Cracking the reason for business interruption:
safeguarding operational resilience

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Data Centre & Critical Operations Failure Forensics & Business Interruption Investigations

At Mission Critical Forensics, a Toronto-based firm serving clients across Ontario and beyond, we specialize in business interruption forensic analysis for data centre failures. Our expert engineering investigations determine root causes within data centres and other mission-critical facilities, delivering rapid, clear, and evidence-based insights to support insurance claims, subrogation efforts, and operational resilience.

Investigating technical failures specific to these complex systems:

I. Electrical System & Components

Analyzing incidents involving critical power infrastructure, including:

  • Power interruptions in redundant systems

  • Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and generator malfunctions

  • Faults in Power Distribution Units (PDUs), transformers and generators

  • Electrical disturbances (power surges, harmonics) impacting critical equipment

  • Equipment failure in high-availability environments

  • Electrically induced arcing, fires, and explosions

  • Lightning strike assessments and surge damage

  • Utility power surge incidents and distribution faults

II. Mechanical & Material Failures

Investigating breakdowns in mechanical systems crucial for facility operation, such as:

  • Cooling system failures leading to thermal shutdowns

  • HVAC system malfunctions

  • Material degradation or defects affecting critical components

  • Rotating equipment failures

  • Metallurgical, polymer, and chemical degradation analysis

  • Material science assessments

  • Water Damage

III. Operational Incidents

Determining the cause of failures triggered by operational activities, including:

  • Design flaws revealed under load conditions

  • Operational errors or maintenance oversights

IV. Control System Anomalies

Investigating failures linked to software and control systems, such as:

  • Building Automation Systems (BAS)

  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

  • Electrical Power Monitoring System (EPMS)

V. Fire & Explosion Incident

Determining the origin and cause of fires or explosions occurring within critical facility environments, including those:

  • Initiated by electrical systems

  • Triggered by equipment breakdowns

MCF's Holistic Investigative Process

Investigations into data centre and critical facility failures are systematic and technically rigorous, typically including:

  • Incident Data Collection: Gathering operational logs, alarm data, maintenance records, witness statements, and physical evidence.
  • Site Inspection & Evidence Preservation: On-site examinations with proper documentation and preservation of critical evidence.
  • System & Component Analysis: Performing tests to replicate failure conditions and detailed analysis of failed components using advanced techniques.
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Employing structured methodologies to identify underlying technical and procedural causes.
  • Detailed Reporting: Delivering clear, comprehensive, evidence-based reports detailing failure sequence, root cause(s), contributing factors, and findings suitable for insurance/legal cases.

Why Choose Mission Critical Forensics for Data Centre & Critical Facility Failures?

Our team provides expert investigation and analysis for complex system failures in critical facilities, offering distinct advantages:

  • Technical Depth: Extensive engineering knowledge across electrical, mechanical, and materials disciplines specific to data centre and critical facilities.
  • Experienced Investigators: Skilled in forensic methodologies, evidence handling, and interpreting complex data centre failure scenarios.
  • Claims & Legal Support: Providing technical evidence and analysis crucial for insurance claims, subrogation, and legal proceedings.
  • Objective & Impartial: Committed to unbiased, evidence-based analysis to uncover the truth.
  • Clear Reporting: Delivering thorough, well-documented reports that are clear and understandable for all stakeholders.

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