Protect electronics with clean agent fire suppression
Key takeaways:
- Water-based fire suppression systems can cause even more damage than the fire itself when they are used in server rooms and around electrical equipment.
- A clean agent fire suppression system uses gasses to eliminate the oxygen that is feeding a fire.
- Such a system should be installed by a qualified contractor.
While sprinkler systems are an important method for fire suppression in schools, they aren’t the right choice for all locations. Two important examples: Server rooms that house the school’s information technology infrastructure, and audiovisual rooms that have expensive electrical equipment.
In these particular areas, water-based suppression systems are more damaging than the threat of fire itself. That’s why the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires facilities to use clean agent fire suppression systems.
A clean agent fire suppression system is a gaseous fire extinguishing method that leaves no residue. That means it’s ideal for protecting electrical equipment and other valuable assets that could be damaged by water.
Some examples of clean agents include carbon dioxide, inert gases and halocarbons. However, since large amounts of carbon dioxide is fatal for humans in an occupied space, inert gases and halocarbons are the safest options. They work by removing oxygen so the fire cannot continue. They also provide a cooling effect, which inhibits the chemical chain reaction of the fire.
Room integrity
One important aspect of using clean agents for fire suppression is maintaining strict room integrity. The room should be sufficiently sealed to retain the minimum concentration of clean agent needed to suppress the fire. It needs to be able to support the initial discharge of pressure from the system and then be able to hold clean agent above minimum concentration.
Because room integrity is so vital, schools should maintain an internal inspection schedule to ensure it hasn’t been compromised. They will need to check for:
- Leakage – All penetrations, including gaps in the walls and pipes, must be sealed.
- Door and ceiling problems – Doors should have automatic closers and tight seals. Walls should extend from the slab to the deck above the ceiling.
- HVAC systems – Some of these systems may have dampers that fail to close. For this reason, regular inspection is crucial.
Conversion of a wet suppression system
If a school currently has a “wet suppression system” (meaning a system that uses water to extinguish the fire) in its information technology areas and server rooms, it should take steps to remediate that. Those could include:
- Replacing the wet pipe sprinkler system with clean agent systems, as noted above.
- Using a pre-action sprinkler system, which requires a dual trigger to prevent accidental discharge. This may be the best option if total removal of water is not an option.
- Installing air conditioning units to keep the humidity level below 60%.
- Using water sensors and alarm systems to detect leaks early.
It’s important for schools to do their research before jumping straight into this project. The NFPA requires the use of a qualified contractor to install clean agent systems and any other fire suppression equipment. This will significantly reduce the risk of both fire and significant damage from a fire.
Find more risk control information on fire prevention and fire suppression systems here.
Q&A about clean agents for fire suppression Q: Why aren’t sprinkler systems suitable for all areas in schools?
A: In places like server rooms and audiovisual rooms, water from sprinklers can damage sensitive and expensive equipment more than a fire might.
Q: What is a clean agent fire suppression system?
A: It’s a gaseous system that extinguishes fires without leaving residue, making it safe for protecting electronics and valuable assets.
Q: Which clean agents are safest for occupied spaces?
A: Inert gases and halocarbons are safest because carbon dioxide can be fatal in large amounts.
Q: Why is room integrity important for clean agent systems?
A: The room must be well-sealed to maintain the proper concentration of the agent needed to effectively suppress a fire.
