(1/2) Colin Smith (L), IPEC CEO, and Richard Mahomed (R), Local Division Manager, Electrification Service, ABB UK
Image Credit – ABB
Global Reliability
We see data center monitoring becoming essential for global infrastructure reliability. Operators now demand continuous system visibility. Predictive diagnostics are no longer optional. Against this background, ABB has announced an agreement to acquire IPEC, expanding its electrical monitoring capabilities across critical industries.
ABB strengthens data center monitoring through acquisition
We note that ABB has agreed to acquire IPEC, a technology firm based in the United Kingdom. IPEC brings more than 30 years of experience in electrical diagnostics. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
This acquisition strengthens ABB’s position in data center monitoring. IPEC’s systems monitor electrical assets continuously. They use AI and advanced analytics. These tools help detect early signs of failure. Such failures can lead to outages, safety risks, or significant financial losses.
IPEC serves several sectors. These include data centers, healthcare, utilities, and manufacturing. Data centers now represent its largest market segment. Growth is strongest in the United States.
Partial discharge detection advances predictive data center monitoring
A core capability behind this acquisition is partial discharge detection. Partial discharge refers to small electrical sparks. These sparks signal early insulation failure. Industry data shows this is the leading cause of asset breakdowns. It accounts for more than 80 percent of failures before outages.
Integrating this capability strengthens data center monitoring strategies. Operators can identify risks earlier. Maintenance can be scheduled proactively. According to the announcement, downtime can drop by up to 90 percent. Maintenance costs may fall by as much as 85 percent. Asset lifespans can also extend significantly.
This expansion enhances ABB’s Electrification Service portfolio. It supports a shift from reactive maintenance. It also addresses rising operational and energy pressures.
ABB leadership on predictive monitoring
Stuart Thompson, Division President, ABB Electrification Service, said:
“Across critical industries, the cost of downtime is staggering, from multi-million-dollar revenue losses in data centers to the safety and reliability risks facing utilities and hospitals. This acquisition gives our customers the diagnostic intelligence they need to prevent failures before they happen. By turning complex monitoring data into clear, actionable insights, we’re enabling businesses to shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance, so they can focus on performance while their critical infrastructure runs leaner, cleaner, and smarter.”
IPEC’s global footprint supports scalable monitoring
IPEC is headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom. The company employs around 70 people. Its operations span multiple regions. These include Oxford, Abu Dhabi, Sweden, Riyadh, and Texas.
The business began in the UK utility sector. It has since expanded globally. Today, it supports customers across key markets. Its platforms provide 24/7 data center monitoring. The flagship system can track up to 128 connection points simultaneously. This scale supports complex infrastructure environments.
At the core of the platform is IPEC’s DeCIFer algorithm. The system analyzes monitoring data in real time. It identifies potential equipment issues early. This enables proactive maintenance planning.
IPEC leadership on technology integration
Dr. Colin Smith, Managing Director of IPEC, said:
“At IPEC, we’ve spent decades refining how partial discharge data can be translated into meaningful diagnostics through advanced algorithms and, more recently, AI and machine learning. By joining ABB, we can both continue to develop our technology and bring our innovations to more industries and markets, turning complex data into predictive insight that anticipates potential failures and enables industries to make more strategic, intelligent decisions about their electrical assets.”
Global significance for data center monitoring
From a global perspective, this development highlights the growing role of data center monitoring. Continuous diagnostics now underpin infrastructure reliability. Predictive insights support uptime and safety. As data center capacity expands across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, monitoring systems must scale accordingly. The ABB–IPEC agreement reflects this shift. It reinforces the role of predictive diagnostics in modern electrical infrastructure management.
