Understanding the Technology of Data Centre Fire Suppression
Financial institutions such as banks and mortgage companies, and medical records departments typically store their data on multiple servers in a dedicated server room, where high temperatures can pose a fire risk if cooling systems fail. Consequently, effective data centre fire suppression systems should be regarded as an essential security measure to protect staff, the building, and confidential client information, even though such events are rare.
In the following paragraphs, we at CCI Technologies will review the main systems used in suppression tech, fire detection, early warning systems, and the recommended procedures for maintaining server safety.
Types of Fire Detection Systems
To ensure that data centre fire suppression systems are activated when required, they must be linked to suitable fire detection systems. The following are just four of several commonly used systems:
- Ultraviolet Detectors: When a fire occurs, the point of ignition is accompanied by a burst of UV radiation that persists for just a few milliseconds. UV fire detection systems have a built-in delay feature that eliminates false readings due to sunlight and artificial lighting.
- Infrared Detectors: Beyond the opposite end of the visible spectrum, IR radiation is a product of heat. When a fire causes temperatures to rise, the increased output of infrared light activates this type of detection system.
- Fixed Temperature Detectors: This type acts as an early warning system by triggering an alarm if the ambient temperature in a server room exceeds a preset reading.
- Ionisation Detectors: These systems use traces of radioactive material to generate a current between a pair of electrodes, which, if disrupted by smoke, triggers an alarm.
Data Centre Fire Suppression Tech and How it Works
When smoke, flames, or an abnormal increase in temperature is detected and poses a risk to server security, a rapid response is vital. While some detection systems only trigger an early warning system, others are designed to initiate some form of fire suppression tech.
In addition to extinguishing the fire, these systems must also be designed to minimise collateral damage – a serious potential threat, as anyone who has witnessed the aftermath of a fire brigade’s efforts will confirm.
Accordingly, each of the following three types of fire suppression systems used in data centres is designed to meet this essential requirement:
- Chemical Fire Suppressants: In this type of system, a chemical agent is used to extinguish the fire quickly while avoiding any water damage. Because these chemical fire suppressants are also non-conductive, their use eliminates the risk of short circuits in electrical components.
- Inert Gases and Other Clean Agents: A fire cannot continue to burn without an adequate supply of oxygen. These systems displace oxygen using inert gases such as argon, helium, neon, and nitrogen, or halocarbon agents such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs). The latter has a two-fold action – both depleting oxygen levels and interrupting the chemical processes involved in combustion.
- Water Mist Systems: For obvious reasons, the use of overhead sprinkler systems for data centre fire suppression has been largely discontinued. That said, water remains a highly effective means for extinguishing fires and forms the basis of this type of system. When released as a fine mist, the sprayed liquid cools the surrounding air and douses the flames while minimising any collateral damage.
Data Centre Fire Suppression Regulations in South Africa
Although not specifically confined to data centres, owners of buildings taller than 30 metres or with more than 5 000 square metres of floor space are legally obliged to comply with the fire detection system requirements mandated by SANS 10139 and SANS 10400. In addition, installed fire detection systems must be serviced and certified every six months.
Your company or client data is an invaluable resource which, if lost or damaged, could have serious consequences to your business. If, in the event of a fire, you have any doubts about adequate server safety, you need to take immediate action. Don’t delay, talk to an established data centre fire suppression specialist at CCI Technologies today.
