News

For organisations that rely on data centres to power their critical infrastructure and operations, fire represents an existential threat. The concentration of expensive equipment, extensive cabling, and combustible materials in a compact space makes data centres particularly vulnerable to fire risks. The impact of a data centre fire can be catastrophic, leading to prolonged operational downtime, data loss, loss of revenue, equipment destruction, and steep recovery costs. 

Data centre fires are unfortunately not uncommon occurrences. A 2021 report found that an average of 30 data centre fire incidents occur annually in the United States alone. The root causes range from electrical faults and overheated components to human error and arson. Regardless of the ignition source, once a fire starts in a data centre environment, it can quickly rage out of control and become extremely difficult to contain.

To mitigate these risks, robust fire prevention and suppression infrastructure are essential for any data centre facility. This starts with adhering to stringent fire codes and regulations during the design and construction phase. Data centres must have a dedicated fire detection and alarm system, incorporating multi-sensor technology to rapidly identify smoke, heat, or other signs of combustion. 

As in any potential fire situation, early detection is key. For over twenty years – Alien System Technologies (AST) have been industry leader in the field of early detection and suppression fire systems. Central to this fire detection capability is the Cirrus CCD.

Boasting an unparalleled sensitivity range, the Cirrus Cloud Chamber Detectors elevate fire detection capabilities to unprecedented levels. Their vast sensitivity spectrum surpasses even the most advanced previous models, establishing the Cirrus CCD as the epitome of versatile fire detection technology. This exceptional sensitivity range is the hallmark feature that sets these detectors apart, enabling seamless operation across a diverse array of environments with its high sensitivity applications making it ideal for clean rooms, computer rooms, data centres. Specialised features on the CCD unit includes a programmable pre alarm warning, 7”full colour multi-function LCD display, a live camera stream from up to 6 IP colour cameras and built in IP interface.

The Cirrus Cloud Chamber Detectors can be deployed with confidence as their uncompromising performance ensures early and accurate fire detection, safeguarding data, businesses, and personal wherever the Cirrus units are operating.

In addition to installing highly specialised fire protection systems and solutions tailored for data centre environments, comprehensive fire planning and prevention protocols must be developed and drilled. This includes implementing rigorous processes around reducing ignition hazards, controlling combustible materials, maintaining equipment and ensuring proper training.

However, even with robust preventative measures in place, the possibility of a data centre fire can never be completely eliminated. That is why advanced providers of fire protection services like Alien Systems Technologies offer comprehensive fire protection systems for data centres to mitigate damages of a data centre fire – should one actually happen.

For data centres that power modern enterprises, failing to prioritise fire safety can lead to catastrophic consequences. Investing in state-of-the-art fire detection, extinguishing, prevention and recovery solutions from a specialised fire protection firm like AST is essential for safeguarding these vital digital facilities against the ever-present threat of fires.