Guidelines on fire protection systems for Data Centres issued by Euralarm

The European Trade Association’s publication will assist the understanding of how protection objectives can differ from client to client and region to region, while also helping with the practical applications needed for any specific circumstance. While there isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution, Euralarm’s guidelines pinpoint the differences in order to establish optimum safety regimes.

Aimed t Data Centre designers, operators and those providing fire protection for such buildings, the key deliverable is clarity about the implications of one solution over another. The guidance not only covers standards and regulations. but also provides valuable insight on key aspects to consider and some of the options available when protecting Data Centres from fire.

For the various technologies (ie sprinklers, water mist, gaseous, oxygen reduction and condensed aerosols), the document indicates their suitability at different stages of a fire incident.

This guidance explains the difference between a Tier I and a Tier IV Data Centre, while also identifying issues that might arise if one fire protection approach is selected over another. It’s intended to help practising professionals understand what’s relevant to them and the specific application.

By leveraging this guidance, stakeholders can ensure that their Data Centres are not only compliant, but also optimally protected against fire hazards. Importantly, the concepts introduced in this document assist practitioners in formulating an appropriate business continuity plan.

*Copies of the document can be downloaded from the Euralarm website