The ideal system would incorporate a clean
gas system and a pre-action water sprinkler
system in the ambient space.
Gas suppression
systems are friendlier to the hardware in the
event of a discharge. There is some concern
regarding the use of water on sensitive
electronic equipment, whereas the hardware in
a room subjected to a gas discharge can often
be brought back online soon after the room is
purged.5 Gas systems are, however, one-shot
designs. If the fire is not put out in the initial
discharge, there is no second chance. The gas
system cannot be reused until it is recharged
or connected to a backup source. Water
systems can continue to address the fire until it
has been brought under control. While a water
system is more likely to damage the hardware,
it is also a better means of protecting the
building structure. Water-suppression systems
are often preferred or mandated by building
owners or insurance companies. Water
systems are also highly recommended in areas
containing a high level of combustible material
use or storage. The decision of what means of
fire suppression to utilize must incorporate
numerous factors, including the mission and
criticality of the data center operations.6