Supply & Installation of Control Room & Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems across the UK.
Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems
Fire Detection & Protection for Data Centres
With our DLP Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, we offer temperature detection for process optimisation, in addition to fire detection and suppression for your data centres. These systems ensure reliable, round-the-clock protection for your equipment and data, minimising damage and downtime.
The Importance of Data Centre Fire Suppression
Fire suppression is a vital infrastructure component within server rooms and data centres, which contain combustible materials, such as electrical wiring, network cabling, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, IT servers, and peripherals. Additionally, they present an ignition source through the local electricity supply.
Although fires in these environments are rare, they can lead to significant losses, including damage to your data and IT systems, as well as potential injuries or fatalities. Our Data Centre Fire Control Systems are designed to prevent these unfortunate incidents from happening. Utilising the AutoFireX® FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent, we can protect your critical assets and special hazards, such as server & electronic control rooms, telecommunication or switchgear rooms, etc.
Benefits of Our Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems
As an effective alternative to Halon, the UL Recognised Component AutoFireX® FK-5-1-12 Clean Fire Suppression Agent, which has similar components to FM200™, offers a unique combination of broader safety margins than standard clean agents, low environmental impact, and exceptional extinguishing performance for your data centres.
Dispersing through nozzles, this clean agent rapidly transitions from liquid to gas, effectively achieving the vapour concentration needed for extinguishing fires. When discharged, it absorbs heat and interrupts the chemical chain reaction, evaporating 50 times faster than water due to its lower boiling point and high vapour pressure. What’s more, the clean discharge leaves no residue, simplifying post-fire cleanup and preventing damage to your electrical equipment.
Feel free to read our blog post on Data Centre Fire Suppression Systems: Everything You Need to Know to learn more.
Data Centre Fire Suppression FAQs
Choosing fire protection for server rooms and data centres raises questions about safety, compliance and downtime. Below, we answer the questions we’re asked most often about our DLP clean agent systems for data centres across the UK.
What is the best type of fire suppression system for a data centre?
For server racks, UPS cabinets and electrical enclosures, clean agent gaseous suppression is the most widely used choice. It puts out fires without water, foam or powder, so it doesn’t damage electronics. At Pyromatic, our DLP (Direct Low-Pressure) systems use the FK-5-1-12 clean agent, a UL Recognised Component. The agent leaves no residue and suppresses a fire within seconds of detection.
How does your data centre fire suppression system work?
A pressurised, heat-sensitive Fire Detection Tube is routed through the protected enclosure, such as a server rack or switchgear panel. When a fire occurs, the tube ruptures at its hottest point. The rupture forms a nozzle, and the FK-5-1-12 agent discharges through it directly at the source of the fire. The system does not need external power to activate. It also only discharges when there is real heat or flame, so false alarms don’t trigger it.
Is FK-5-1-12 clean agent safe for people and IT equipment?
Yes, when the system is designed correctly. FK-5-1-12 is used at design concentrations of 4-6.5%, which is below its No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 10%. That gap gives a wide safety margin for anyone in the space. The agent also has high dielectric strength, which means it doesn’t conduct electricity. It evaporates without leaving residue, so your servers and electrical equipment aren’t damaged by the discharge.
Why use gas suppression instead of water sprinklers in a server room?
Water conducts electricity and can permanently damage servers, cabling and stored data, and cleaning up afterwards extends downtime. FK-5-1-12 changes from liquid to gas as it discharges. It works by absorbing heat and interrupting the fire’s chemical chain reaction, and it evaporates about 50 times faster than water. This means your equipment can often return to service quickly after a fire.
Is FK-5-1-12 environmentally friendly?
FK-5-1-12 has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1. Once discharged, it breaks down in the atmosphere within about 5 days. These figures are much lower than older agents such as Halon and many HFCs, which makes FK-5-1-12 a lower-impact option for organisations with sustainability targets.
Can a fire suppression system be fitted to existing server racks and integrated with our alarms?
Yes. DLP systems can be retrofitted into existing server racks, UPS cabinets, switchgear and control panels without disrupting the equipment inside. An optional pressure switch can connect to your fire alarm control panel, BMS or SCADA system. It can then signal a discharge, shut down ventilation or cut electrical power automatically.
Is fire suppression a legal requirement for data centres in the UK?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires businesses to carry out a fire risk assessment and put suitable fire safety measures in place. The law doesn’t name a specific system, but automatic suppression is often the appropriate measure for high-value electrical risks. Standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and NFPA 75 also expect physical protection of IT infrastructure against fire. Insurers commonly require it too.
How often does a data centre fire suppression system need servicing?
Our systems usually need servicing once a year, although some insurers require 6-monthly inspections. At Pyromatic, our FIA-member & ISO 9001:2015 certified engineers carry out servicing across the UK, from England to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. After a discharge, your system can be recharged quickly and cost-effectively to restore protection.
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