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By Lance D. Harry, Contributor

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A complete and thorough fire protection strategy in the data center seems like an obvious priority.
However, often the decisions are left up to those without a vested interest in the assets and operation of the
facility. Here are a number of points you may want to address before deciding which fire protection
strategy is best for your data center.

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    The ideal protection strategy should include a smoke detection
package with a fire suppression system. There are a variety of possibilities to choose from in both
categories.

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  Typically, detection is cross-zoned using both photoelectric and ionization type spot
detectors. Cross zoning allows the end user protection against false discharges of the suppression
system, by requiring one of each type of detector to be in alarm, prior to the initiation of a
discharge. High sensitivity smoke detection is also an option. This air aspirating technology allows
the earliest possible detection of a combustion event. However, HSSD should never be used to
initiate the discharge of a suppression system.

u c   There are multiple options to choose from for both suppression agents, and
suppression systems. Understand what is important to you and your company« reputation,
product maturity, environmental profile, safety margins, known case studies, etc« Some
suppression agent brands you'll want to consider: FM-200, Inergen, Argonite, Novec 1230. Also,
because these halon alternatives are a more mature product set now, several application specific
systems are available. For example, 'in-cabinet' systems for protection of a small closet or cabinet
spaces; and one manufacturer provides FM-200 agent in a virtually 'drop-in' halon replacement
type system.

  
 
     Query other facilities, survey computer room
locations or control room facilities. Talk to risk management personnel. There may be diverging opinions
within your own organization, so be prepared to support your conclusions.

       The science of special hazards fire protection is not simple. Know enough to
know, you probably need help. However, even within the FP community, a thorough understanding of
'clean agents' can be difficult to find. Seek advice from colleagues within the data center community to find
the right subject matter expert for you. Also, be involved with contractors and subs, know what you are
specifying, and verify they are delivering it!

   
     Many local authorities and municipalities will have their own
interpretation of NFPA standards and other codes. A comprehensive understanding of these local
requirements will save time and money in the long run.
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  While some form of water
based system (i.e. sprinklers) are likely required by code in your facility, do you really want them to go off,
unless the assets are already a total loss? Understanding the levels of risk in your facility and the total cost
to protect (or not to protect) against them is crucial.

          All fire protection system manufacturers
require authorized, factory trained service organizations to maintain the system for warranty coverage. It
makes sense to do so. This is not an area where cost cutting should be considered. The only thing worse
than not having any protection is thinking you have protection, but the system is inoperable due to poor
maintenance!

  
      The last thing you need at the time of an alarm is panic. Ask the
installing contractor to provide on site training for all employees working in or near the facility being
protected. Most will do so free of charge. Schedule training periodically to make sure your people
understand and respect the protection systems installed.

î

 Lance D. Harry is the Business Development Manager for Fenwal Protection Systems, a
business unit of Kidde-Fenwal, Inc. Lance's primary responsibility is the establishment and enhancement of
relationships within the Fenwal sales structure including distribution, technical influencers and users.
Lance holds a master's degree from Boston University, and is a registered Professional Engineer, both in
Mechanical Engineering. Lance has worked in a variety of technical, managerial, marketing and sales
related positions within the fire protection community over the past 10 years including managing the
product development and design activities in clean agent systems for Kidde-Fenwal, Inc., in Ashland, Mass.
prior to joining the sales team with Fenwal. Click here to contact Lance.

09 May 2006