Focus on Containment Systems to Achieve NFPA Compliance

JESSUP, Md., Feb. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As a producer of both raised access flooring systems and hot and cold aisle containment solutions, Tate often finds itself faced with questions about fire protection compliance and the role of NFPA 75, Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment. This data center standard is not only the single most important one for the protection of life and property, but also essential to the prevention of downtime in mission critical facilities. According to Underwriters Laboratories, fire is the least predictable cause of downtime and the one that poses the greatest risk to worker safety.

In many ways, NFPA 75 2013 was drafted to address the significant issues presented by the first containment systems manufactured. Since these systems were developed before any safety standards were established, they quickly became a dreaded topic for local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's). This document provided much-needed clarification on the fire safety issues presented by creating unprotected spaces within a protected room, or by creating air plenums where none existed before. The 2017 edition provides even further clarification of the rules set forth in 2013.

When cold aisles are contained with a ceiling, or hot aisles contained by creating a wall above the rack, there is no means for the fire-suppressing agent, either water or gas, to get to the fire. The challenge for manufacturers and code authorities is to define materials and methods that meet the demand for life safety while effectively creating supply and return air segregation to optimize the mechanical system and make it more energy efficient.

What's the strategy? Focus on two essential areas to make sure your containment systems comply with the requirements of NFPA 75.

First, you have to ensure compliance from a materials standpoint. Materials used to create the doors, walls, and partitions of the containment system must meet NFPA requirements. NFPA requires the polycarbonate and plastic materials used in these systems have a flame spread index of 50 or less, and a maximum smoke development of 450 in accordance with either ASTM E84 or UL723. This requirement limits the propagation of flame and creation of smoke should a fire occur.

Second, make sure there is no containment system interference. Doors, walls, and partitions must be incorporated into a framing system that can be tied into ? and released by ? the fire protection early warning system. Whether this is accomplished via pneumatic or electronic controls, the containment system should not interfere with sprinklers or agent in the event of a fire. Pneumatic and electronic release systems ensure that fall-away cold aisle ceilings and hot aisle partitions do not interfere in an emergency situation.

To help you overcome the design challenges involved with containment and NFPA compliance, Tate provides custom engineering and manufacturing for all of our data center containment and structural ceiling systems.

Learn more about Tate Containment.

SOURCE Tate