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What It’s Like to Work in One of America’s Data Centers

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Powering the country's massive AI build-out requires a lot of walking, checking for burning smells and monitoring for bird damage. Employees spend much of their day walking vast aisles of servers, checking for burning smells, and monitoring for bird damage that could short-circuit critical systems. The environment is relentlessly noisy, dominated by the hum of cooling fans and backup generators.

Temperatures stay precisely controlled to prevent overheating, while humidity levels are carefully managed to avoid static electricity. Security is tight, with biometric scanners and strict badge requirements limiting access. Technicians in white "bunny suits" handle delicate hardware, replacing failing components while the systems remain online.

The work is physically demanding, requiring long hours on concrete floors, but it is essential for keeping the nation's AI infrastructure running smoothly.