Keeping Critical Infrastructure Live at a Hyperscale Data Centre Campus

While many service jobs go unseen, they are often the backbone of critical infrastructure. This is one of those stories.

The project took place at a major UK data centre campus, a live and expanding site requiring tight coordination and specialised planning. With the operator conducting its regular generator servicing schedule, AVK was brought in to carry out the associated high-voltage load bank testing, a key component to ensure standby systems perform optimally under real conditions.

But this wasn’t just another test.

The engines on site were MTU units, each rated at 3200kW. The job called for two 2.75MVA resistive-reactive loadbanks, 2200kW each, along with two 3.150kVA transformers to step up to 11kV. This wasn’t a typical LV setup. It was a heavy-duty, high-voltage service in a logistically constrained environment, requiring precision planning and execution.

Delivering Performance in a Live Environment

The challenge wasn’t just technical. It was operational. The test area sat within a fully commissioned section of the site, while adjacent phases were still under construction. With concrete blocks, limited crane access, and strict site controls, the AVK team had to sequence everything from kit placement to collection with near-military coordination.

AVK managed the full scope: planning, delivery, connection, testing, and removal—all while the campus remained live. What’s more, the equipment had to be lifted in and out across tight access points and traffic-controlled zones. Despite the challenges, the job was completed without delays, disruption, or client concern.

AVK also brought something new to the table: this was the first time the team had delivered this type of testing service entirely using its own in-house equipment and workforce.

With over £2.5 million invested in assets and a new 5,000 sqft depot to support sites across London and the South East, AVK can now offer clients a fully controlled, end-to-end experience.

More Control. More Resilience. Less Risk. 

Traditionally, these testing services would have been subcontracted. But by building internal capability, AVK gives clients a clearer chain of accountability and faster issue resolution. No delays, no middlemen, just continuity from install to commissioning and beyond.

This direct model means:

• Faster mobilisation and coordination
• Consistency in service quality
• Greater adaptability to complex site conditions
• Direct technical knowledge across install and test teams
• Sigma Data Capture, delivering test results in PDF format with G Class Pass/Fail classification

It’s a one-stop approach to standby resilience.

What AVK Delivered

For this hyperscale data centre, AVK delivered more than a test. We delivered assurance.

• End-to-end project execution using AVK-owned assets
• Safe operation within a constrained, live data centre campus
• Resilience testing on 11kV systems with tailored loadbank configuration
• Zero disruption to ongoing construction or operational areas
• A model of how data centre services can evolve toward tighter integration and reliability

In a world where critical infrastructure can’t afford to blink, AVK is helping operators take back control.

And keep the power on.