Data Center Fire Suppression Basics
View PDF | Print View
by: Guest
Total views: 11
Word Count: 499
After installing thousands of dollars in servers and IT equipment, you need to protect your investment with a fire suppression system. When shopping for these systems, you will be confronted with a variety of options. However, before getting into the common types of suppression systems, a quick review of fire types is helpful.
sex shop | clitoral vibrators | lubes
After installing thousands of dollars in servers and IT equipment, you need to protect your investment with a fire suppression system. When shopping for these systems, you will be confronted with a variety of options.
However, before getting into the common types of suppression systems, a quick review of fire types is helpful. Fires are classified into five classes by the National Fire Protection Association based upon the fuel type for the fire:
Class A fires are fueled with combustible materials such as wood or paper
Class B fires are fueled with flammable liquids and flammable gases
Class C fires involve electrical equipment
Class D fires use ignitable metals as a fuel source
Class K fire uses cooking oil or fat as a fuel source
In a typical server room, classes D and K are not a likelihood. As such, any system you choose should be rated for classes A, B, and C. Failure to have system rated for all three fire classes will leave you vulnerable to a much more catastrophic data loss than you would otherwise endure.
The first systems you might encounter utilize a gas suppressant. These systems basically deny the fire an oxygen supply which causes it to expire. A very common gas suppressant is Halon although it has been banned as it is very harmful to the ozone layer. Any Halon system still operational was installed before the ban.
A popular Halon alternative is HFC-227, also known as FM-200. This halocarbon, when discharged, is not harmful to the ozone layer but is considered a powerful green house gas.
However, its true benefit for you is that it leaves no residue and can be "cleaned up" merely by ventilating the data center. This means there is no server down. These attributes make it a strong contender for your final choice in a suppression system.
A second choice are aerosol systems. These systems are easy to clean up like FM-200 systems and have zero impact on the environment. Additionally, cost effective and space saving as they have a much lighter footprint. Unlike a gas system, they do not require an extensive piping network for suppressant delivery.
Water based systems are the third type of system you might encounter. These systems are not generally recommended as they do not address class C fires. Water systems also destroy equipment which is clearly something to be avoided. They may be used in certain circumstances but you should consult closely with fire suppression experts before installing such a system.
With due diligence you will be able to find a system that works for your needs and protects your equipment in the best fashion possible. Hopefully, this information has provided a suitable jumping off point.
About the Author
Rating: Not yet rated