Soundproofing Strategies for Data Centres

Data centres all around the world never rest. The servers inside are humming, the fans are spinning, and the cooling systems are pulsing. All of this creates constant noise coming from them. Noise is an overlooked problem, even though it can slowly and quietly damage the equipment. Besides the physical damage, it can also directly affect the staff working, their productivity and their health. 

 

This guide explains why data centre noise matters, where it comes from, and how to control it with soundproofing and acoustic solutions designed for real-world operations.

 

Why Noise Matters in Data Centres

 

Noise is a real factor that can directly affect the lifespan of the equipment. As data traffic grows, so does the sound pressure inside the facility.

 

The Overlooked Impact of Server Room Noise

From the day server rooms were built and developed, they have been loud by nature. With racks packed tightly and fans constantly working to cool hardware, sound levels can easily be louder than 80 dB(A). To put this into perspective, this is comparable to standing next to a busy boulevard. That much noise, if kept up for a long time, can create an uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous environment for the staff working onsite.

DECIBEL’s soundproofing systems for server rooms target both airborne noise and vibration. This will help reduce acoustic fatigue and also improve the quality of the workspace without interrupting the airflow.

Health and Safety Risks for Onsite Technicians

Over time, long exposure to high noise levels can affect hearing, increase stress, and reduce the concentration of staff. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, any exposure to noise above 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour shift requires protection. Also, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports also link workplace noise to fatigue and reduced cognitive performance.

Soundproofed control rooms and server zones help create safer working conditions for everyone on board. By reducing the existing reverberation and isolating the mechanical noise, DECIBEL solutions protect staff and improve communication within high-pressure environments.

 

Where Does the Noise Come From

 

In order to manage noise in a data centre, you first need to understand where it actually comes from. Most of it isn’t caused by one machine. Usually, it’s the combined effect of many systems working all together at once. These sounds overlap, bounce off surfaces, and build up over time.

What Equipment Generates the Most Noise

The biggest noise sources are usually:

• Rack-mounted servers that have high-speed internal fans running constantly.
• HVAC systems and chillers produce both low-frequency rumble and high-frequency air movement.
• Diesel generators create intense mechanical noise, especially during testing or power switching.

The more equipment runs at the same time, the louder the environment around it gets. Even when equipment is energy-efficient and sustainable, its cooling demands often mean that the fans never stop. DECIBEL’s soundproofing and damping solutions are designed to handle this kind of nonstop activity without getting in the way of thermal management or uptime.

 

Difference Between Structure-Borne vs Airborne Noise

Not all noise travels the same way. Some sounds move directly through the air, but many of them also travel through the walls, floors, and support structures.

• Airborne noise includes fan hum, airflow turbulence, and power supply buzzing. It passes through open vents, door gaps, or thin walls surrounding it.
• Structure-borne noise happens when vibrations from the machines pass into the building. This includes humming from chillers or footfall from raised access flooring.

Both types of noise need specific and different treatments. Airborne sound usually can be reduced with sound-absorbing panels and enclosures. Structure-borne noise requires vibration isolation pads, floating floors, or dampened equipment mounts.

 

Acoustic Challenges Unique to Data Centres

 

Even after you learn where the noise comes from, reducing it in a data centre isn’t as simple as in other facilities. These environments have specific and unique design constraints that make traditional soundproofing harder to apply.

Reflective Surfaces and Poor Absorption

Data centres are initially built for durability and airflow, not sound control. For example, most rooms have hard surfaces, such as metal racks, concrete floors, and tiled ceilings. All of these surfaces reflect sound instead of absorbing it. This leads to reverberation, where sound bounces around and even amplifies, creating a loud acoustic environment.

Furthermore, noise from fans, power units, and HVAC ducts doesn't stay near the source. It reflects and overlaps, making every surface a secondary noise source. In a room full of reflective materials, even low noise levels can feel overwhelming over time.

• Acoustic panels and suspended ceiling baffles help reduce echo and improve the room’s sound quality. These treatments work without blocking airflow or limiting access.
• DECIBEL uses metal perforated panels and noise-absorbing barriers designed for server environments. These solutions lower the acoustic load without disrupting operations or cooling efficiency.

Cooling Requirements Limit Traditional Soundproofing

Most soundproofing methods rely on mass and sealing, but data centres need open airflow to stay cool. This makes full enclosures or sealed rooms quite impractical.

The main challenge is to reduce noise without blocking the ventilation. That’s why DECIBEL uses custom-designed silencers and louvres that absorb and deflect sound while allowing air to pass freely. We also work around cooling systems by isolating vibration at its source. This is done by using anti-vibration mounts for generators and acoustic duct liners for HVAC systems.

 

 

According to occupational safety standards, including the guidelines from OSHA, noise exposure above 85 dB(A) over 8 hours needs to be addressed. Some data centres approach or exceed this level near cooling zones or generator rooms. In these areas, proper acoustic control is a critical compliance.

Soundproofing measures also reduce long-term wear on sensitive components by limiting vibration. Since it can otherwise accelerate equipment failure and wear it out faster. Quiet environments improve communication, as well as lower stress levels, and support staff productivity. 

 

Strategies for Reducing Noise Pollution

 

Once you know where the noise is coming from and what’s amplifying it. Naturally, the next step is applying the right solutions. The goal is to reduce sound at the source, absorb it before it spreads, and manage it without negatively affecting cooling or performance.

Soundproofing the Room, Not the Equipment

In most data centres, enclosing and isolating individual servers isn’t quite practical. Instead, it’s more effective to treat the whole room itself. This means using materials that absorb noise without blocking airflow or interfering with daily operations.

DECIBEL uses metal perforated PZP™ panels that blend absorption and durability. They are ideal for high-activity zones like server rooms.

These room-level treatments are designed to lower overall noise levels while keeping systems fully accessible and cool.

Using Enclosures and Barriers Wisely

Where higher noise sources exist, for example, as backup generators, cooling units, and power distribution hardware, partial enclosures or barrier systems can definitely make a big difference.

• Acoustic louvers absorb and deflect sound while allowing air to pass freely, making them ideal for interrupting noise paths without blocking ventilation. 
• Anti-vibration mounts and base isolators reduce structure-borne noise from machines like chillers or gensets.
• For mobile or temporary needs, soundproofing curtains can be placed around specific zones to create flexible noise control setups.

 

HVAC and Ventilation Noise Control

HVAC noise is one of the major sound issues in modern data centres. It travels through ductwork, ceiling voids, and open spaces. Also, it can’t be blocked without affecting airflow.

• Duct silencers absorb and diffuse sound waves inside ventilation shafts.
• Flexible connectors between equipment and ducting reduce vibration transmission.
• Internally lined plenums and multi-bend ducts help prevent noise from moving freely through straight paths.

DECIBEL’s approach is balancing airflow efficiency with acoustic control. The goal is to keep cooling effective, but make the space quieter and safer for everyone working inside.

 

Planning for Compliance and Long-Term Efficiency

 

Noise control in data centres is a regulatory and operational requirement. Planning ahead helps to make sure that your facility meets legal standards and avoids costly fixes later on.

Meeting Workplace Noise Standards

Regulatory bodies, such as OSHA, require employers to limit worker exposure to high noise levels. In the U.S., the maximum exposure without protection is 85 dB(A) over 8 hours (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95). For spaces with constant mechanical noise, such as cooling zones or generator rooms, exceeding this limit can lead to health risks and compliance issues.

Data centres that fail to manage noise may face:

• Increased risk of hearing damage for maintenance staff
• Reduced worker focus and communication
• Potential fines or restrictions if limits are exceeded

Applying soundproofing, isolation, and acoustic zoning early in the design phase helps you stay compliant and protect everyone on your team.

Acoustic Simulations and Ongoing Monitoring

It’s not enough to simply install panels and hope for the best. Acoustic modelling and measurement should be part of your planning and post-installation checks for best results.

• Use simulations during the design stage to predict noise levels and spot weak points.
• After installation, further verify performance with on-site sound testing.
• Monitor high-noise zones over time to make sure that acoustic treatments continue to perform as expected.

 

 

DECIBEL offers both acoustic simulation and noise measurement services to help data centres validate performance and maintain safe, efficient sound levels over time.

 

Quieter Data Centres Are Smarter and Safer

 

Noise pollution in data centres is a risk to equipment, staff, and long-term performance. The constant noise can slowly but steadily reduce the lifespan of your critical systems and interfere with communication. 

The good news is that these issues are preventable! At DECIBEL, we provide tailored soundproofing solutions for every part of your data centre. Starting from server rooms and control spaces to HVAC systems and modern generator enclosures. Our goal is to help you meet the acoustic challenges without compromising cooling or compliance.

Ready to reduce noise in your data center? Contact DECIBEL and let’s together design a more efficient environment that supports both technology and people.