Early Warning Fire Detection for Edge Servers and Telecom

Small on-site server rooms are a common part of modern infrastructure which are at once a fire hazard and a key asset in need of advanced fire protection. Sometimes known as edge servers, server rooms are now common in hospitals, business parks, universities and other data-hungry businesses and buildings. The telecommunications industry has a longer tradition of local server infrastructure and it continues to grow rapidly.

These server rooms and telecommunications facilities provide mission critical services for their clients. Any operation interruption due to a fire event – or even a false fire alarm – could lead to an unacceptable extended downtime. 

While of course important, general Deem-to-Satisfy (DtS) prescriptive building and fire codes for building protection and life safety are important, they do not prioritise business continuity or seek to minimise downtime and damage to highly sensitive equipment. Therefore, Very Early Warning Fire Detection backed by Performance-Based Design (PBD) is a central element for designers and operators to consider. Securiton has deep expertise in this area and its state of the art Aspirating Smoke Detectors protect over 100 datacom facilities worldwide.

Securiton offers high quality detection solutions for every aspect of edge data and telecoms infrastructure. SecuriSmoke ASD is a byword in early warning detection in server rooms, HVAC areas and return air grilles. It also effectively covers the hidden hazards of raised floors and suspended ceilings. The SecuriHeat range is effective for generators; while battery rooms can be comprehensively covered with a combination of heat, smoke and off-gas detection.

Causes for fires in Edge Servers and Telecom

• Failure in electrical and electronic equipment (overloading, malfunction of components)
• Failure in mechanical systems (malfunction, defects in HVAC components, generators and fuel lines)
• Organisational issues (bad practises for storage and general housekeeping)

Challenges for Early Warning Fire Detection in Edge Servers and Telecom

• High airflow
• Forced ventilation
• Diluted smoke
• High operational temperature and high heat loads
• Complex design considerations and containment strategies
• Obstructed access

Key benefits of an Early Warning Fire Detection in Edge Servers and Telecom

• Business interruption and economic damage is minimised
• 5 warning levels allowing for a staged response along the fire development
• Split-second, highly sensitive reaction to incipient fires
• Simple handling by way of mounting the detector in easily accessible areas
• Very low maintenance requirements, very low maintenance frequency and long service life
• Developed in Switzerland, made in Germany