Life Safety and Fire Protection Planning Guide

Introduction

Life safety and fire protection in data centers must balance the need to protect people and equipment with the operational requirement for continuous availability. This guide covers the planning framework for detection, suppression, alarm systems, and emergency procedures across all three GridCore deployment models.

Applicable Codes and Standards

Data center fire protection design must comply with a combination of national codes, local amendments, and insurance carrier requirements. The primary standards referenced in this guide are:

• NFPA 75: Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment. Covers IT equipment rooms including environmental requirements, fire protection provisions, and emergency procedures.
• NFPA 76: Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecommunications Facilities. Extends NFPA 75 requirements to telecommunications-specific environments.
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Defines detection, notification, and alarm system requirements.
• NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Covers gaseous suppression systems commonly used in IT spaces.
• Local AHJ Requirements: Authority Having Jurisdiction amendments that may impose additional or modified requirements based on local building codes and fire department policies.

Detection Technology Selection

Early and accurate detection is critical for minimizing damage and enabling rapid response. Different detection technologies are appropriate for different areas of a data center facility.

IT Spaces

Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) air-sampling systems are recommended for IT spaces. These systems continuously sample air from the protected space and can detect smoke at extremely low concentrations, providing early warning well before conventional detectors would activate. VESDA systems are configured with four alarm thresholds: Alert, Action, Fire 1, and Fire 2, allowing graduated response procedures.

Plant and Mechanical Spaces

Spot-type photoelectric smoke detectors are typically appropriate for plant rooms, electrical rooms, and mechanical spaces. Heat detectors may be added in areas with expected ambient conditions that could cause false alarms with smoke detectors (such as generator rooms or loading docks).

Under-Floor and Above-Ceiling

Air-sampling detection is recommended in raised-floor plenums and above-ceiling return air plenums in IT spaces. Spot detectors may be used in non-critical under-floor and above-ceiling applications.

Suppression Approach Evaluation

The choice of suppression system depends on the space classification, equipment sensitivity, occupancy conditions, and operational recovery requirements.

• Clean Agent (FM-200, Novec 1230): Gaseous systems that suppress fire without water damage or residue. Standard for IT spaces where equipment protection and rapid recovery are priorities. Require sealed room construction to maintain design concentration.
• Pre-Action Sprinkler: Two-event systems requiring both detection activation and sprinkler head activation before water flows. Provides water-based suppression with reduced risk of accidental discharge. Common in plant rooms and support areas.
• Water Mist: Fine water mist systems that use significantly less water than conventional sprinklers while providing effective suppression. Suitable for spaces where clean agent is not practical but water damage must be minimized.
• Dry Chemical: Used in specific applications such as generator fuel systems or battery rooms where other suppression methods are not appropriate.

Fire Compartment Zoning

Fire compartments define the boundaries within which a fire can be contained without spreading to adjacent areas. Compartment design considers fire-rated wall and floor/ceiling assemblies, penetration sealing for cables, pipes, and ducts, fire-rated doors and dampers, and pressurization strategies for containment.

In modular and building + skid deployments, particular attention is required at module-joining interfaces where fire compartment boundaries must maintain their rating despite the physical connection of separate structural elements.

Emergency Response Design

Emergency response planning covers egress pathway design, emergency lighting, communication systems, and coordination procedures with local fire departments. Key elements include clearly marked egress routes with adequate width and travel distance compliance, emergency power for egress lighting and alarm systems, fire department access provisions including key boxes and information panels, and documented pre-incident plans shared with local emergency services.