New Euralarm guideline on selection of fire protection systems for data centers
With the rapid rise of digitization, cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, data centers are becoming increasingly important. The expensive equipment deployed in data centers, the high economic importance and the often irreplaceable data make fire protection for data centers crucial. A new Euralarm guidance document provides insight on aspects to consider and some of the options available when protecting data centers.
The new Euralarm document will aid in the understanding of how protection objectives can differ, client to client, region to region, and assist in the practical application needed for any specific circumstance. There is no one-size-fits-all, but this will allow insight as to the differences to establish what is optimum for the reader.
The guidance document is written for data center designers, operators and those providing fire protection to this type of application. It is presumed the reader knows the importance of fire protection and is seeking clarity about the implications of one solution over another. It therefore covers not only standards and regulations but provides insight on aspects to consider and some of the options available when protecting data centers. For the various technologies (sprinkler, water mist, gaseous, oxygen reduction systems, condensed aerosols), the paper indicates their suitability at different stages of a fire incident.
This guidance will not explain about the difference between a Tier I or Tier IV data center but will identify issues that might arise if one fire protection approach is selected over another. It is intended to help the reader understand what is relevant to them and their specific application.
By leveraging this guidance, stakeholders can ensure that their data centers are not only compliant but optimally protected against fire hazards. The reader will understand the different options to be considered, beyond the local minimum requirements of building and life protection, or that of limiting asset damage. The concepts that are introduced in the document, help formulate an appropriate business continuity plan.
Copies of the document can be downloaded here.
