Why Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems Are Now More Important Than Ever
As the digital backbone of modern society, your data centre must have fire suppression systems in place to protect your data assets and sensitive information from potentially catastrophic incidents.
With over 500 data centres across the UK, more and more businesses are relying on AI to improve efficiency and cloud storage to keep their data secure. For example, in London alone, there are over 200, and this number is only expected to increase further in the coming years.
You might not realise, but almost all modern industries depend on data centres to function. This includes banking, the NHS and other healthcare sectors, online government portals, emergency services, eCommerce, telecommunications, streaming platforms, and much more.
The Most Common Causes of Data Centre Fires
Whilst fires in data centres are rare, they can happen, and when they do, the risks aren’t worth dwelling on. By installing a fire suppression system, you won’t eliminate the causes of fires, but you can minimise the damage and downtime before they escalate into serious hazards.
To name just a few of the causes of fires in data centres:
Combustible Electrical Materials
In data centres and server rooms, you will find combustible materials, such as electrical wiring, network cabling, IT servers, and peripherals. If your circuits are overloaded or wiring or units are faulty, this could lead to overheating, short circuits, or sparks, which could cause a fire. Additionally, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems use lithium-ion batteries, which, when damaged, faulty, or overcharged, can cause rapid, uncontrollable fires.
If your HVAC system fails, your data servers and electrical infrastructure could overheat, potentially causing a fire. Your local electricity supply can also cause your system to ignite.
Human Error
Whilst the above causes are potentially out of your control – sometimes human error can impact the risk of fires in data centres. If your cables are tangled and messy or incorrectly installed, these can trap heat or cause sparks, whilst if your hardware is covered in dust due to a lack of maintenance, this could block ventilation and cause your system to heat up, which, in turn, could contribute to a fire.
Alongside fire suppression, don’t forget to take proactive steps to minimise your fire risks – such as regular inspections of your equipment, keeping your cables clear and organised, routine cleaning to prevent dust build-up, and fire safety training for your staff. You should also keep your exits clear and make sure that fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency procedures are up to date.
The Real Impact of Data Centre Fires for Your Business
You might be thinking, if data centre fires are rare, what’s the point of installing Fire Suppression Systems? However, as we mentioned above, there are still fire risks, and the consequences aren’t worth thinking about!
Not only will your assets and electrical equipment be physically damaged and need replacing, adding to your business expenses, but also your valuable data could be lost forever, without any chance of recovery. Not to mention the potential risk of injuries or fatalities if the fire escalates.
Even if your data centre’s equipment isn’t damaged during the fire, it can still cause a significant period of downtime, causing a loss of profits and damaging your reputation as a business.
For example, the OVHcloud data centre in Strasbourg suffered a €105 million loss due to a fire. Whilst this massive loss can mostly be covered by insurance, think of your insurance premiums afterwards!
Benefits of Using Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems for Your Data Centre
The good news is – Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems are designed to prevent the above from happening to your valuable assets. For your peace of mind, our Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems offer reliable, 24/7 protection for your equipment and data. A few more of their benefits include:
- UL-recognised Fire Detection Tube: detecting fire along its entire length.
- Rapid Data Centre Fire Suppression within seconds: minimising damage & downtime.
- UL-recognised FK-5-1-12 Clean Agents: with low environmental impact, outstanding extinguishing performance & broad safety margins.
- 50 times faster than water: swiftly absorbing heat & interrupting the chemical chain.
- Disperses through nozzles: strategically placed for effective vapour concentration to extinguish fires.
- Leaves no residue after discharging: no cleanup required or damage to your electrical equipment. (Unlike water or foam)
- No false alarms: only activating & discharging during a fire or heat impingement.
- Integrates with your existing monitoring, alarm & HVAC systems
- Quick & cost-effective to service & recharge after a fire.
UK Regulations & Standards
As an employer or business owner with a data centre, you will need to comply with certain UK regulations and standards. This not only safeguards your business against legal and financial risks but also assures continuity.
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: This requires you to carry out fire risk assessments & implement fire safety measures, such as suitable fire suppression systems.
- ISO/IEC 27001: This international standard highlights the need for risk assessments & protective controls for data & infrastructure, including physical protection against fires.
- NFPA 75: This standard provides guidance on the protection of information technology equipment from fire damage.
Looking for Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems?
If you need a fire suppression company to install your Data Centre Fire Suppression System, feel free to contact us for a free quote or to answer any questions you may have. You can get in touch by calling 01392 691891 or filling out the contact form on our website.
As members of the Fire Industry Association (FIA – SP203-3) and an ISO 9001:2015 Registered company (Cert. No. 493782025), we use UL Recognised Components so you can trust that your data centre’s safety is guaranteed.
Additionally, our partnership goes beyond installation – we also offer ongoing Fire Suppression System Servicing to ensure your system stays in excellent working order.