A major data center suffered a fire without early detection, resulting in $3.42 million in damage, inventory loss, and downtime. Calendar-based inspections weren’t catching developing faults, contributing to recurring mechanical failures and roughly $1.1 million each year in avoidable downtime and lost output. With high-density racks, hot/cold aisle balancing issues, and complex power infrastructure, the site needed continuous visibility to prevent thermal runaway, equipment stress, and safety risks.
MSAI deployed 14 thermal cameras with the MSAI Connect platform, giving 24/7 monitoring across up to eight high-risk zones per camera. The system identifies rack-level heat imbalances, monitors server and power loads, and sends real-time alerts for anomalies. Automated notifications now reach reliability and security teams instantly, shifting the entire workflow from reactive rounds to active intervention. The solution integrates with existing suppression systems and provides global access to live feeds and historical trends.
Since going live, the site has recorded zero thermal runaway events. Predictive visibility has reduced asset failures and nearly $550,000 of downtime costs. Hotspot detection and improved fire-prevention practices helped the facility secure a 15% reduction in insurance premiums, while targeted maintenance and operational improvements drove strong early ROI.
The data center now operates with higher reliability, safer power infrastructure, and better airflow regulation across racks. The combined improvements deliver an estimated 11.4x ROI in the first year and a 4.64x ROI on fire-prevention measures alone. Additional sites across the southern US are preparing to implement the same program based on these outcomes.