• power
• cooling
• network
• security
• fire protection

Fire Protection

With thousands of servers and other electronic equipment operating around the clock, there is a small, but real, risk of a fault developing which could lead to an electrical fire developing in the datacentre. We have taken extensive steps to mitigate this risk, with the installation of a state-of-the-art VESDA smoke detection system and FM200 gas suppression.

VESDA Fire Detection

VESDA stands for 'Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus'. VESDA is a highly advanced smoke detection system which works by continuously actively drawing air samples from the monitored area through a network of sampling pipes throughout the room into a sampling unit. A laser beam is fired through each air sample in order to analyse the particles present. The fire alert level is then increased or decreased depending on the type and concentration of particles found.

FM200 Fire Suppression Gas

Upon detection of a fire FM200 fire suppression gas is automatically discharged into the affected room. There are separate FM200 systems in place for the main data room, and the UPS plant room.

Chemically known as Heptafluoropropane, FM-200 is a compound of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen that will completely extinguish Class A, B and C fires in seconds. FM-200 works by physically cooling the fire at the molecular level. It belongs to the same class of compounds used in refrigeration and, as such, is an effective heat transfer agent. FM-200 literally removes heat from the fire to the extent that the combustion reaction cannot sustain itself. FM-200 is colourless, odourless and electrically non-conductive. Like all clean agents, it leaves no residue, eliminating costly after-fire clean up.

FM-200 is a Registered Trademark of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation.