Tips on Practical Fire Protection in Computer Rooms and Data Centres
Advisory Note
December, 2010
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, including fire protection technology that is used to protect these ICT systems.
To follow are a number of key practical solutions for fire protection in computer rooms and data centres, as identified by leading fire protection and detection specialists, Walker Fire Protection.
The hints and tips cover all areas of fire protection services, including:
- Smoke detection
- Wet pipe sprinklers
- Pre-action sprinkler systems
- Gaseous suppression systems
- Passive fire protection
- Commissioning
- Inspection, testing and maintenance
Smoke detection
- Smoke detection is critical, given most computer rooms / data centres are often unattended.
- Locate smoke detectors at the return air of the Computer Room Air Conditioning systems; smoke from an incipient fire will often be drawn directly here. NOTE: Smoke detectors may also be required on the ceiling for code compliance.
- When utilising Multipoint Aspirated Smoke Detection Systems it is better to utilise separate detectors for each physical zone; it significantly improves the reliability and resilience of the detection system.
- Generally, high sensitivity alarm thresholds should be used for notification only; set thresholds with manual response in mind to avoid unnecessary interruption to the computer room / data centre operations.
- Automatic Fire Brigade notification should occur when the detected smoke obscuration is consistent with that of standard point type detectors (e.g. around 5% - 8% obs/m).
- Where required, adjust default settings during commissioning – particularly alarm threshold settings. Record all settings for future maintenance.
- Consider detection outside of the data/computer room as well as inside.
Wet pipe sprinklers (WPS)
- In a well installed and commissioned fire protection system, water leakage from WPS is a rare occurrence.
- WPS are useful to minimise the impact of a fire on the whole facility, however should not be the primary protection for critical assets.
- Flush plate sprinkler heads can be used within computer rooms to retain the benefits of sprinkler protection whilst minimising the risk of accidental breakage due to mechanical impact.
- Where WPS are installed over critical ICT equipment or ancillary plant, it is recommended to install an isolation valve in a readily accessible location so that water can be shut off quickly if required.
- Include professional remediation services as part of a disaster mitigation and recovery plan.
Pre-action sprinkler systems
- Double interlock Preaction systems require the operation of both the fire detection system and loss of pneumatic pressure in the system pipework before water is released.
- Fit all low points of pipework with a normally locked drain point.
- Conduct a pipe work hydrostatic pressure test before equipment is moved into the room.
- Ensure all pipework is corrosion resistant internally and externally.
- Install an isolation valve downstream of the pre-active valve to facilitate regular testing.
Gaseous Suppression Systems
- GSS are considered to be optimal primary fire protection for computer rooms as they can extinguish fire and prevent the spread with minimum clean-up.
- GSS provide little protection for fires beyond their enclosed area of operation; consider ways by which you can improve the passive fire protection of the computer room’s bounding construction, e.g. extend walls above the ceiling.
- If budget constraints prohibit total flooding systems, consider a local application system to protect just the critical equipment / racks in the computer/data room.
- Consider the installation of a reserve agent to ensure that the GSS is back to operational status in the shortest possible time. Passive reserve gas is also an option, where the agent containers are stored but not connected.
- Consider a full discharge test during commissioning; the cost is minor against potential costs of system discharge during operation.
Passive fire protection
- Where full fire separation cannot be readily be achieved, consider smoke separation of the walls, floors and ceilings forming the bounding construction.
- Maintain strict control over cable works, to ensure that cable penetration through walls, floors and ceilings does not affect the fire protection system; consider permanent cableway firestop solutions.
Commissioning
- Regular inspection, testing and maintenance of the fire protection systems is required to ensure its continued effectiveness.
- Commissioning data is recorded such as information surrounding the point type fire detection systems, aspirated smoke detection system, emergency warning system, water based fire protection systems, pre-action sprinkler systems and the gaseous suppression system.
Inspection, testing and maintenance
- Detect system degradation or failure through regular inspections and testing – compare system performance against commissioning data, in addition to generic standard requirements.
- Prevent system degradation or failure through regular maintenance.
More information
For more information, including an overview of related Australian Standards development, refer to the White Paper titled “Practical Fire Protection in Computer Rooms and Data Centres”, available on the A.G. Coombs website (http://www.agcoombs.com.au/resources/white_papers).
Further information can also be obtained by contacting:
Geoff Flower
Engineering Services Manager
Walker Fire Protection
T: +61 3 9279 7120
M: 0437 561 320
E: gflower@walkerfire.com.au
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication A. G. Coombs assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences of reliance on this publication.