Fire protection systems in data centers require specific considerations to protect equipment.
Data center insights
- Fire protection in data centers focuses on resistant materials, clean agent systems and early detection systems.
- High-density equipment, limited space and heat generation create unique challenges in data center fire protection.
- Engineers must closely follow changing codes and local standards to ensure that systems are designed to meet the necessary requirements.
Respondents:
- Chris Barth, PE, Senior Mechanical Engineer, HDR, Inc., Phoenix
- Jarron Gass, PE, CFPS, Fire Protection Discipline Leader, CDM Smith, Pittsburgh
- William Kosik, PE, CEM, LEED AP, Lead Senior Mechanical Engineer, kW Mission Critical Engineering, Chicago
- Corey Wallace, PE, NICET IV, Principal Engineer – Fire Protection, Southland Industries, Las Vegas
What are some of the unique challenges regarding fire/life safety system design that you’ve encountered for such projects? How have you overcome these challenges?
Chris Barth: Evolving battery technology to support uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems poses significant challenges to the design of fire protection systems. Both large, centralized battery banks and smaller, rack-mounted UPS systems can have drastic impacts on fire sprinkler systems. The type and quantity of electrochemical storage systems can drive the need for large fire sprinkler water pumps, on-site water storage and large fire sprinkler piping. Emerging battery technologies further complicate the matter, as local municipalities implement updated codes and standards as they relate to fire protection design.
Jarron Gass: Designing fire and life safety systems for data centers presents unique challenges due to high-density equipment, significant heat generation and limited space. Traditional fire suppression methods, such as water-based sprinklers, can damage sensitive equipment, necessitating the use of alternatives like clean-agent suppression systems. Integrating fire safety with heating, ventilation and air conditioning or building management systems, while maintaining optimal airflow, adds complexity to the design process. Redundancy and backup power are essential to ensure system reliability, and compliance with evolving NFPA standards is crucial. Careful calibration is required to prevent false fire alarms, which may be triggered by heat or airflow changes. Additionally, coordinating evacuation routes and maintaining security access during emergencies while ensuring life safety adds another layer of complexity. Environmentally friendly suppression agents must also align with sustainability goals. An effective design must balance these fire and life safety considerations with the need for continuous operational performance.
Corey Wallace: Use of Lithium-Ion batteries and other construction materials for servers or other equipment has created new fire scenarios that are still being investigated. The new battery technology and electric room configurations may make previous design solutions obsolete.
What clean agent, aerosol, oxygen reduction or other fire suppression systems typically specified? Describe a project and the system specified.
Jarron Gass: Water mist fire suppression systems are gaining popularity in data center design, particularly for high-value equipment and space-constrained environments. These systems use micron-sized water droplets to suppress fires, significantly reducing the risk of water damage compared to traditional sprinklers. Their effectiveness in enclosed spaces and ability to minimize water usage make them especially appealing for data centers, where protecting information technology (IT) equipment is critical. Regulatory standards like NFPA 750: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems support their use in special hazard areas. However, water mist systems come with higher installation costs and complexity, and their performance may be less reliable in extreme heat or large-scale fires. Despite these challenges, they are increasingly being considered for retrofit projects or high-density server areas, where traditional suppression methods may not be ideal.
Corey Wallace: Clean agents and special suppression systems have not been utilized as much in recent projects. The current trend is limited to water-based single and double-interlock pre-action systems.
How have the trends in fire/life safety changed in data center projects?
Jarron Gass: Trends in fire and life safety for data centers are shifting towards clean agent systems like FM-200 and Novec 1230, which effectively protect sensitive equipment without causing damage and facilitate quicker cleanup to minimize downtime in business operations. Early warning fire detection systems and artificial intelligence-driven analysis are enhancing fire detection and response times. Stricter regulations, such as NFPA 75: Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, emphasize the importance of compliance and safety. Fire prevention strategies are placing greater focus on fire-resistant materials and compartmentalization to better manage fire loads. Redundancy and reliability remain key priorities in fire safety systems, while sustainability is becoming an increasingly important concern, leading to the use of eco-friendly suppression agents. Additionally, fire and life safety systems are more frequently being integrated with security systems to ensure data protection during emergencies.
What fire, smoke control and security features might you incorporate in these facilities that you wouldn’t see on other projects?
Chris Barth: Due to the significant downtime and disruption to service that is associated with a fire, engineers use advanced fire protection systems to protect these facilities specifically. Dry pipe pre-action systems, early detection systems, gaseous systems and chemical agent systems are amongst a few types of fire protection systems available to owners and engineers to protect facilities.
Jarron Gass: In data center design, fire and smoke control features are specifically tailored to protect sensitive equipment and ensure uninterrupted operations. Clean agent systems like FM-200 and Novec 1230 are commonly used for fire suppression, as they prevent damage to IT infrastructure. Very early smoke detection apparatus (VESDA) systems are deployed to detect smoke at low concentrations, allowing for early intervention. Thermal imaging systems are also utilized to detect heat or smoke anomalies, providing early notifications. Smoke control systems, including smoke vents and pressurized stairwells, help keep escape routes clear in case of an emergency. Airflow management through cold/hot aisle containment is designed to prevent the spread of smoke and heat. Additionally, redundant fire suppression zones and backup power systems are essential for ensuring reliability and maintaining operation during emergencies.
Corey Wallace: The use of VESDA versus standard fire alarm detection is more prominent in a data center environment.
Do you see any future changes/requests to the structural design of these buildings regarding fire/life safety systems?
Jarron Gass: Structural design will likely focus on increasing the use of lightweight, fire-resistant materials to support the emerging modular approach while still prioritizing sustainability. The implementation of compartmentalization to reduce fire loads and prevent the spread of damage during a fire or smoke event will necessitate the use of more fire- or smoke-rated barriers. Collaboration between all disciplines (architectural, structural, fire protection, MEP, etc.) will be crucial to ensure that these advancements work together seamlessly and enhance overall safety within data centers.
How has the cost and complexity of fire protection systems involved with data center projects changed over the years? How did these changes impact the overall design process?
Jarron Gass: Over the years, the cost and complexity of fire protection systems in data centers have increased due to the adoption of advanced suppression technologies such as clean agents and water mist systems, as well as early warning detection systems like VESDA. These systems come with higher installation and maintenance costs, but offer significantly better protection compared to older technologies. Additionally, the need for redundant systems and compliance with stricter fire safety regulations adds further complexity. Sustainability concerns also drive the use of eco-friendly fire suppression agents that contribute to both initial and ongoing costs. These developments have led to the early integration of fire safety into the design process, necessitating more customized solutions. The use of both active and passive fire protection measures has played a crucial role in reducing downtime after adverse events.
How have changes to codes, BIM and wireless devices/systems impacted fire and life safety system design for these buildings?
Chris Barth: We have seen local municipalities across the country adopt amendments to fire codes governing fire protection systems for electrochemical battery storage. It is common for local code amendments to require fire sprinkler water flow densities for battery storage systems that are higher than the baseline code values. Engineers and contractors must stay informed on the latest adopted codes for the jurisdiction in which their project is active and regularly check for updates.
Jarron Gass: Changes in codes, BIM and wireless systems have had a significant impact on the design of fire and life safety systems in data centers. Stricter fire safety codes now require more robust systems, including increased redundancy and enhanced smoke control, which have raised both complexity and cost. BIM has facilitated better collaboration by enabling accurate 3D modeling with clash detection for fire safety and other building systems, ensuring improved integration, reducing errors and supporting fire modeling simulations for optimized design. Wireless systems reduce installation complexity and allow for easier upgrades without major disruptions. These advancements also support energy efficiency and sustainability. Together, these technologies enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of fire protection systems.
