Gaskets and Seals Certification for Data Centers

Liquid-cooling technologies are critical for supporting the burgeoning data center market. By 2030, the immersion cooling market is expected to exceed $28 billion (USD), with a combined annual growth rate of 10.4%.¹

Gasket materials are an essential part of liquid-cooling systems, providing protection from contaminants at enclosure joints and connection points. These components, including O-rings and seals, need to support reliability and performance of the cooling system.

Component certification for gaskets and seals

To help specifiers identify gaskets and seals that support the performance of liquid cooling systems, UL Solutions offers component certification. Elastomeric and composite gaskets and seals are classified under the JMLU2 category and are evaluated according to UL 62368-1, the Standard for Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment - Part 1: Safety Requirements.

Seals and gaskets with UL Certification to the JMLU2 Recognized Components have demonstrated compliance with relevant performance requirements.

Why choose UL Solutions for component testing

UL Certification helps manufacturers prequalify components earlier in the product development cycle, streamlines compliance evaluations and supports faster time to market

Global recognition and market access – Certification supports regulatory acceptance in international audio-visual (A/V), information and communications technology (ICT) and data center markets.

Greater visibility to specifiers – Certified components are easily searchable in Product iQ®, our online location for certification information. This access offers buyers details about material selection and helps accelerate system approvals.

Comprehensive evaluation of long-term performance – We offer liquid compatibility testing that showcases a component’s durability when exposed to system cooling fluids.

Testing requirements outlined by UL 62368-1

Gasket performance

Sealing materials are tested to assess mechanical performance with respect to properties including:

• Tensile strength
• Elongation
• Compression set (closed cell)
• Securing (adhesive or mechanical)

Components are also tested for how they retain these properties after accelerated aging and exposure to various environments.

Additionally, gaskets intended for use in an outdoor enclosure subjected to oil or coolant must be evaluated for oil resistance.

Compatibility testing

UL 62368-1 requires testing for both self-contained and modular liquid-cooling systems to evaluate tensile strength properties.

Components are also tested as to their ability to retain tensile strength properties following a 40-day conditioning test in which components are submerged in the intended cooling liquid.

The certification process also allows for preselection testing to establish a comprehensive list of qualified liquids in which components may be submerged.

Choose UL Solutions for component certification

As a trusted safety science leader, UL Solutions provides third-party testing and certification of components to showcase performance and compliance in gaskets and seals.