Having a dedicated data center gives your business an advantage when it comes to having complete control over your systems and maximum security. However, you must do everything you can to protect your server rooms from disasters, especially fires. Discover some of the best fire prevention tips for your data center below.
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Bar Flammable Materials From Entry
You need to prevent any flammable materials from entering the room. Break down packaging materials, such as cardboard boxes or plastic wrap, in a separate space away from your data center. Without potential fuel sources available that can cause a fire to spread rapidly, you can quickly contain flames if they do happen to sprout up.
Install and Regularly Inspect Fire-Fighting Systems
The quicker you can tamp down on a fire outbreak, the more of your equipment you can save from considerable damage. That is why you must install firefighting and suppression systems, such as wet pipe sprinklers, pre-action sprinklers, and specific systems like clean agents or inert gas. Even more importantly, ensure you’re regularly inspecting and servicing these systems to ensure they’re ready to go in case of an emergency.
Use Plenum Cabling When Possible
You should use plenum cabling, when possible, in any air handling space, such as the air ducts above your data center. These cables have unique insulation that’s especially resistant to smoke and flames. When a fire erupts, you can reduce the potential hazard that wires positioned in the cold aisle and hot aisle pose using plenum-rated cables.
Get Rid of Clutter
Any debris or litter that makes it harder to navigate your data center can also become a tripping hazard and block exits when people need to escape due to a fire. You’ll need to make sure you’re keeping walkways clear at all times to keep everyone inside safe. Clear computers and other electronics of dust regularly, as dust is highly flammable.
Train Your Staff
Everyone who works in and around your data center should know what to do if a fire happens. You’ll need to extensively train your staff and provide an evacuation plan that you rehearse repeatedly. Also, make sure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher effectively and what situations call for what type of extinguisher.
Knowing the best fire prevention tips for your data center will help you keep your specialized systems and electronics safe from harm. The data you house is invaluable, so it’s important to do everything you can to protect it.
