Fire detection and extinguishing

All server rooms and technical spaces in the data center are equipped with gas extinguishing installations. These ensure that in case of fire rapidly a special atmosphere in these rooms is blown, which quickly mixes with the available air. The gases used are a highly effective extinguishing agent for electrical and electronic equipment, but no risk for the people who are possibly in the server rooms and are also harmless to the environment: they are naturally in the ambient air. The gas extinguishing bring the oxygen level in the room down to 15% or less. That’s enough oxygen for people to survive but not enough for fire a chance.

A gas extinguishing installation creates a considerable pressure. Specially installed pressure grids thus prevent the walls of the server rooms to be blown out. After the installation has done its work, the extinguishinging gas is approximately twenty minutes stuck in the room. This gives the local fire department plenty of time to pluck up and to start work with the fire that may still be necessary. The firefighters are aware of data center equipment present and know that they are not allowed to extinguish with water.

 

 

 

The first system consists of conventional smoke detectors. The second, an early warning system, actively monitors the air in the server rooms. The system will all end with the beginning of smoke if only a few ppm (parts per million) smoke in the air are found.

fire panels are connected to the emergency room of the fire. Also, the alarms via a separate system reported to a private alarm. The local fire department have a clear agreement. There is a detailed plan ready, so the firefighters know what they may encounter and what they must take into account: extinguishing with water in a room full of electronics is not a good idea.