Gas fire suppression in server rooms
Gas fire suppression is used in server rooms and data centers as the safest and most effective method of protecting equipment from fire. Its main advantage is that it does not use water or foam, which can damage servers, storage systems, and network equipment. The extinguishing agent is delivered to the room as a gas and leaves no residue after activation, preserving the equipment’s functionality and reducing downtime.
Gas fire suppression operates by quickly suppressing the combustion process. Depending on the gas used, the system reduces the oxygen concentration or inhibits the chemical reaction of the flame. The fire is extinguished at an early stage, before it has time to spread and cause serious damage. Inert gases or modern chemical compounds that are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and safe for electronic components are typically used in server rooms.
A gas fire suppression system includes extinguishing gas cylinders, pipelines and nozzles, an automatic fire alarm, a control unit, and notification equipment. A delay and audible and visual alarm are provided before gas release, allowing personnel to evacuate the room. After extinguishing, no cleaning or equipment replacement is required, which is especially important for facilities with 24/7 operation.
For gas fire suppression to be effective, the server room must be hermetically sealed. During the design stage, the required gas volume is calculated and the room’s ability to retain it for the specified time is tested. Automatic shutdown of ventilation and air conditioning is also provided for the duration of the fire suppression.
Gas fire suppression in server rooms is a reliable solution for protecting critical IT infrastructure. With proper design, installation, and regular maintenance, the system ensures a high level of fire safety, reduces the risk of data loss, and helps maintain business continuity.