Data Centers & Server Rooms
Fire Suppression

Both are clean agent systems that suppress fire without water or residue damage. FM-200 (HFC-227ea) has a global warming potential of 3,220 and is being phased down under F-gas regulations in some jurisdictions. Novec 1230 has a GWP of 1 and is considered more environmentally favorable. Both are effective at typical design concentrations (7–9%) and are safe for occupied spaces. The choice often depends on existing infrastructure, cylinder room constraints, and environmental compliance requirements.

Annual inspection per NFPA 25 is the minimum. The pre-action valve, detection system, supervisory devices, and all associated controls require annual testing. The dry-pipe valve trip test required every three years must be coordinated carefully in a live data center to avoid triggering actual discharge.

A room integrity test (door fan test) measures how quickly the clean agent would leak out of the protected enclosure after discharge. If the room cannot hold the agent concentration above the minimum design level for 10 minutes (the NFPA 2001 hold time), the agent will dissipate before the fire is fully suppressed. Integrity tests are recommended at installation and should be repeated whenever the room envelope changes — new cable penetrations, replaced doors, or HVAC modifications.

Yes, but the suppression contractor should review the changes first. Agent concentration calculations are based on the protected volume and any added obstructions. Significant rack additions can change airflow patterns or increase the volume requiring protection, which may require additional nozzles or agent quantity.