The Design and Organization of Data Centers/Fire Protection
Fire alarms systems are designed to detect and notify building occupants of a possible fire condition, so that proper reactive steps can be taken.
Some examples of fire alarm equipment include the following:
- Smoke Detectors
- Heat Detectors
- Beam Detectors
- Pull Stations
- Sprinkler System Monitoring Equipment
- Audible and/or Visual Notification Appliances
Sprinkler systems
[edit | edit source]Water and computers don't mix. A damaged sprinkler head will spray water regardless of a fire, and smoke detectors can be set off by dust.
Avoid sprinkler systems that hold water, instead use a pre-action sprinkler system, preferably a double-interlocked pre-action system. With a double-interlocking pre-action valve, water is prevented from entering the sprinkler piping until two different kinds of heat/smoke detecting devices trigger the valve to open. The typical devices used are pneumatic actuation by a sprinkler head activating and releasing pressurized air stored in the piping and an electric actuation from heat or smoke detectors.
Gas Suppression
[edit | edit source]Halon
[edit | edit source]Not used any more
FM200
[edit | edit source]Energen
[edit | edit source]More expensive, but free refills, non-toxic
May require separate under-floor nozzles, and ceiling tiles restrained with clips.
Fire Extinguishers
[edit | edit source]Special fire extinguishers
Low residue
Expensive
Power and Air conditioning issues
[edit | edit source]Emergency shut off for power and air conditioning
Very Important stuff.
- sci.engr.heat-vent-ac newsgroup