What type of fire suppression system is often used in data centers?

Clean agent systems, such as FM-200 or Inergen, are commonly used in data centers due to their effectiveness in protecting sensitive electronic equipment. These systems release a gas that suppresses fire without damaging equipment or leaving residue, unlike water or foam-based systems, which can cause significant impairment to electronics and the infrastructure of data centers.

This type of suppression is essential in environments where safeguarding vital technology and data is critical, as traditional sprinkler systems can lead to water damage that can be catastrophic for servers, cables, and other components. Clean agents work by interrupting the combustion process and are designed to extinguish fires quickly while allowing for safe re-entry into the area almost immediately after discharge, minimizing downtime and risk.

Moreover, clean agent systems typically provide a fast-acting solution that aligns with the high demands of data center operations, making them the preferred choice over other suppression methods like portable extinguishers, which are more suited for smaller or localized fire incidents.