Data center operators have stringent fire protection requirements to help safeguard the continuous availability of servers and data. And not every fire protection solution is suitable for use in highly electrified server rooms. Water-based extinguishing systems such as sprinkler systems quickly reach their limits.
Based on a risk analysis and your specific protection goals, our fire protection experts develop customized solutions that ensure the uninterrupted availability of your data and systems. This is where our solutions come into play: TITANUS® aspirating smoke detectors for very early fire detection, our FirExting® gas extinguishing system for residue-free, non-destructive fire extinguishing and/or our OxyReduct® fire prevention system, which creates a protective atmosphere by reducing the oxygen levels in the air so fires can no longer develop.
RISK ANALYSIS
Looking at the fire hazards in data centers, it becomes clear why there is such a high risk potential of a fire breaking out and spreading: The high density of electrical and electronic components and the associated heavy current load can quickly result in short circuits or overheating, presenting a constant source of ignition. Additional risks include the building infrastructure with extensive cabling, cable ducts and false floors, numerous combustible materials (particularly plastics) and high air exchange levels due to free cooling, which promotes fast spreading in the event of a fire.
PROTECTION GOALS
BETTER SOLUTIONS IN FIRE PROTECTION
With our customized fire protection solutions, we offer holistic protection. Depending on the requirement, these solutions are made up of systems for early fire detection combined with a gas extinguishing system and/or an active fire prevention system.
Detecting fires as early as possible is critical, because every second counts in case of a fire. The earlier a fire is detected, the faster appropriate countermeasures can be initiated to prevent major damage. Compared with conventional smoke detectors, our aspirating smoke detectors from the TITANUS® product family for early fire detection offer a crucial head start: They are up to 2000 times more sensitive than conventional smoke detectors and, by continuously taking air samples, they can detect even the smallest of smoke particles at a very early stage (pyrolysis). A smoldering cable, for example, can be detected before a real fire can develop.
With our TITANUS RACK·SENS ®, we have developed a tailored detector that can easily be integrated in server cabinets.
With the listed protection goals in mind, only certain extinguishing methods can be used to fight fires in data centers. Extinguishing systems with water-based extinguishing agents fight the fire and provide personal protection, but they cause subsequent damage to the building infrastructure and compromise the electrical and electronic systems.
Fire extinguishing systems such as the WAGNER FirExting® gas extinguishing system, combined with our early fire detection system, offer a good alternative and are particularly well suited to data centers with challenging protection goals. Generally, inert gases are used for this purpose. The major advantage of these gases is that they do not form chemical compounds, providing residue-free, non-destructive extinguishing. As a result, they are completely eco-friendly and safe for humans. Inert gases do not cause any damage to the IT infrastructure or building either.
After extinguishing a fire, our OxyReduct® oxygen reduction system for active fire prevention can be used to prevent subsequent re-ignitions. The oxygen reduction system ensures that the lower oxygen concentrations established after extinguishing can be maintained for a theoretically unlimited time, preventing the blaze from starting again and eliminating the need to cut power.
OxyReduct® generates nitrogen from the ambient air and uses the ventilation system to feed it into the protected area, where it continuously reduces the volume of oxygen down to a highly fire-retardant atmosphere. O2 concentrations of 15.9% by volume are below the ignition thresholds of typical IT materials, preventing fires from developing.
BENEFITS
Reliable protection for your data and servers against damage due to fire, extinguishing agents or smoke contamination
Continuous operational readiness with high availability of servers and data
No need to cut the power, therefore ideal for use in data centers
No consequential and reputational damage due to fire
Option to adapt our fire protection systems to changing conditions at any time, “growing” with your requirements
Achieving your sustainability goals thanks to innovative fire protection technology
VIDEOS
I’d be happy to advise you on fire protection in your data center.
