A data center is a highly sensitive structure. In the more than 3,000 centers with more than 40 kW IT connection power in Germany, millions of websites and immensely large amounts of data are processed. However, a data center not only accommodates computing technology, i.e. computers, storage or network components, but also infrastructure such as power supply, cooling units or access protection. These are all sensitive and failure-prone structures. That is why data centers are also exposed to special risks: cyber attacks, vandalism, theft, destruction of servers or arson. But weather risks such as floods, earthquakes or heat waves are also risks that should not be underestimated. The most serious danger, however, comes primarily from electrical fires. According to statistics, six percent of data center infrastructure failures are related to fire. For example, the major fire in a Strasbourg data center in March 2021 is due to security deficiencies. The complete destruction caused by the fire alone wiped out over 3.6 million websites forever. These were primarily electrical fires, which in many cases could have been avoided with careful planning and regular maintenance.
High electrical power density, heat generation and numerous technical interfaces make careful fire protection planning essential. Risks are assessed jointly for the power supply, IT, batteries, standby power equipment and ancillary rooms. A single extinguishing agent or portable extinguisher cannot replace a coordinated protection strategy.
High Knowledge incorporates fire protection into the planning and commissioning of data centre infrastructure. This includes interfaces between structural measures, detection, alarms, technical shutdown and suppression. Implementation and operation follow the approved strategy and the requirements applicable to the specialist contractors involved. Firefighting measures require suitable instruction and safe procedures.
Fire protection is divided into passive and active components
In addition to the planning and arrangement of the data center, this also requires a fire protection concept that is constantly kept up to date. This includes seamless and permanent maintenance of all components when the facility is in operation. Before that, however, it is important to implement all active and passive fire protection solutions in the planning. “It is important that all rooms in the data center are separated from one another. In particular, F90 fire protection walls and doors must be planned and installed for this purpose,” says Vogt. If cables are pulled through the individual rooms, it must be ensured that bulkheads and ducts are absolutely tight. This not only has to be taken into account during planning, but also always conscientiously checked later during operation. “The human factor is also very important,” warns Vogt. “For example, doors must not be held open by wedges. It must always be ensured that doors remain closed and that there is no draught, which could supply possible fires with the oxygen they need.” Special alarm systems report, for example, if a door in the data center is not closed in order to prevent the risk of drafts.
The active fire protection solutions also include a forward-looking cooling concept that can also switch off certain electrical systems in the event of a fire, such as the air circulation system. An extinguishing and fire alarm system will also be installed. However, these technical systems must be continuously monitored and maintained. "Constant monitoring significantly reduces the risk of fire," says Vogt.
Plan carefully and execute safely
The planning and installation of an effective fire protection system for data centers should only be undertaken by trained personnel. Because only those who are certified according to DIN 14675 in Germany may carry out such work. It is important that not only the pure IT room is included in the planning, but also all adjoining rooms. This also increases the number of fire alarms and the entire data center can be divided into three so-called surveillance zones:
- Zone 1 includes the IT room itself, i.e. the server room, for monitoring purposes
- Zone 2 covers all adjoining rooms of the server room
- Zone 3 monitors the rooms below and above the IT room
In addition, all smoke detectors must be completely replaced after eight years at the latest to prevent them from becoming soiled by dust, for example, which means that they no longer function properly. "However, merely replacing the detectors represents a significant environmental burden if the old detectors are disposed of," Vogt points out the associated consequences. Instead, fire detectors should be completely cleaned in order to be able to use them again in the long term and without any problems.
The heart of efficient fire protection in a data center is the fire alarm control panel. This has to be set up intelligently – preferably centrally at the entrance to the building so that the fire brigade has a direct contact point in the event of a fire. This control center should also have a modular structure so that it can be constantly expanded and modernized. Because a data center can grow over the years due to the constant demand for higher data volumes, the fire alarm control panel must therefore record new systems and premises.
In the best possible case, however, the fire brigade does not even have to rush to action if, thanks to well thought-out fire protection solutions, smaller fires can be quickly detected and extinguished themselves. However, there must always be a trained employee on site who can make the right decisions independently. Nevertheless, a close exchange with the fire brigade is important. Among other things, the fire alarm system concept must be checked and approved by the fire brigade. "The bottom line, however, should always be that the data center can practically delete itself," emphasizes Harry Knopf, Managing Director of High Knowledge.
The right extinguishing agent
Fire protection is part of data centre planning from the outset. Structural separation, early fire detection, suitable suppression technology and organisational measures must work together. The appropriate systems depend on fire loads, room use, personal safety and the coordinated fire protection strategy.
Oxygen reduction and gas suppression systems require professional design and defined access, alarm and operating procedures. A single oxygen concentration does not provide a general guarantee that fire is impossible. Extinguishing agents are assessed against their suitability, product data and current requirements; blanket statements such as “environmentally friendly” or “harmless to health” are inappropriate for this purpose.
After a fire or system discharge, the prescribed inspections and approvals are required. Immediate unrestricted use cannot be promised in general. Operation, maintenance and restart procedures are therefore considered during planning.
Conclusion
A well-designed fire protection strategy aims to limit ignition, fire spread and consequential damage. It combines structural, technical and organisational measures with maintenance, training and controlled restart procedures. High Knowledge incorporates these requirements into infrastructure planning and coordinates the interfaces with the specialist designers and relevant authorities involved. This does not guarantee complete freedom from damage or uninterrupted operation.
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