| After installing thousands of dollars in servers and | | | | as FM-200. This halocarbon, when discharged, is |
| IT equipment, you need to protect your | | | | not harmful to the ozone layer but is considered a |
| investment with a fire suppression system. When | | | | powerful green house gas. |
| shopping for these systems, you will be | | | | However, its true benefit for you is that it leaves |
| confronted with a variety of options. | | | | no residue and can be "cleaned up" merely by |
| However, before getting into the common types | | | | ventilating the data center. This means there is no |
| of suppression systems, a quick review of fire | | | | server down. These attributes make it a strong |
| types is helpful. Fires are classified into five classes | | | | contender for your final choice in a suppression |
| by the National Fire Protection Association based | | | | system. |
| upon the fuel type for the fire: | | | | A second choice are aerosol systems. These |
| Class A fires are fueled with combustible materials | | | | systems are easy to clean up like FM-200 |
| such as wood or paper | | | | systems and have zero impact on the |
| Class B fires are fueled with flammable liquids and | | | | environment. Additionally, cost effective and |
| flammable gases | | | | space saving as they have a much lighter |
| Class C fires involve electrical equipment | | | | footprint. Unlike a gas system, they do not |
| Class D fires use ignitable metals as a fuel source | | | | require an extensive piping network for |
| Class K fire uses cooking oil or fat as a fuel | | | | suppressant delivery. |
| source | | | | Water based systems are the third type of |
| In a typical server room, classes D and K are not | | | | system you might encounter. These systems are |
| a likelihood. As such, any system you choose | | | | not generally recommended as they do not |
| should be rated for classes A, B, and C. Failure to | | | | address class C fires. Water systems also |
| have system rated for all three fire classes will | | | | destroy equipment which is clearly something to |
| leave you vulnerable to a much more catastrophic | | | | be avoided. They may be used in certain |
| data loss than you would otherwise endure. | | | | circumstances but you should consult closely with |
| The first systems you might encounter utilize a | | | | fire suppression experts before installing such a |
| gas suppressant. These systems basically deny | | | | system. |
| the fire an oxygen supply which causes it to | | | | With due diligence you will be able to find a |
| expire. A very common gas suppressant is Halon | | | | system that works for your needs and protects |
| although it has been banned as it is very harmful | | | | your equipment in the best fashion possible. |
| to the ozone layer. Any Halon system still | | | | Hopefully, this information has provided a suitable |
| operational was installed before the ban. | | | | jumping off point. |
| A popular Halon alternative is HFC-227, also known | | | | |