The cost of a fire in the data center is not just hardware, but outage and data loss. Spot detectors are delayed because the high airflow dilutes the smoke; the solution is very high sensitivity detection with air sampling and clean gas extinguishing without damaging the equipment.
Fire risks in this environment
- High airflow smoke dilution → late detection
- Combustion for cable and panel welded (odorless start)
- Extinguishing with water destroys the equipment
- Outage cost (downtime)
- Elevated underfloor and attic hidden volumes
Regulations and standards
Fire detection is mandatory under BYKHY; gaseous extinguishing systems are calculated according to EN 15004/NFPA 2001 and related standards. Coincidence from two independent detectors is essential in extinguishing triggering.
Recommended technologies
Data Center Fire Safety — the right solution combination and the reasons behind it.
Aspirated Detector (ASD) — Class A
It captures smoke at a very early stage by taking an air sample; the only correct solution in high airflow.
Related products →Intelligent Addressable Optical Smoke Detector
Second detection layer for site-wide and cross-approval.
Related products →Gas Extinguishing (NOVEC / FM-200 / Inert)
It extinguishes the equipment without damaging it, without leaving any residue.
Related products →Extinguishing Control Panel
Manages the cross-approval, delay, cancellation and evacuation scenario.
Related products →Typical system architecture
The space is sampled by ASD piping separately between the raised underfloor and attic (Class A. Addressed optical detectors form the second layer. When the extinguishing panel receives cross approval from two independent zones, it discharges gas at the end of the delay period; door/damper closure and air conditioner stop are included in the scenario.
Common field mistakes
- Putting dot detector on ceiling only (airflow sweeps smoke)
- Not sampling the underfloor and attic
- Discharging gas in single detector alarm (no cross approval)
- Not installing the air conditioning/damper stop scenario before unloading
- Failure to perform space sealing (integrity) test
Frequently Asked Questions
Why an aspiration detector in the data center?
The high airflow dilutes the smoke and delays the spot detector. The ASD detects smoke at a much earlier stage (Class A sensitivity) by taking a continuous air sample.
Which gas extinguishing is appropriate?
Clean gases (NOVEC 1230, FM-200) or inert gases that do not damage the equipment are used. Selection is made according to volume, human presence and cost analysis; unloading calculation is mandatory.
Why is cross-approval (coincidence) required?
The approval of two independent detectors is awaited to prevent gas discharge with the false alarm of a single detector. This is standard practice in terms of both safety and cost.
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