[SunHELP] Samll Computer Room Fire Suppression

[James Fogg]

Sorry, more detail here.
Yes, Halon is considered an ozone depleating agent, so its banned. There are
substitutes that work simularly.

CO2 is good for hand extinguishers. Halon or its substitute is available in
handhelds too, but I wouldn't use them if I could avoid it (halon has some
health issues, CO2 is much more lung-friendly).

There are water systems in data centers now, but they usually have a couple of
specific features.
1) they are dry systems (pressurized CO2 or air is in the pipes). This prevents
problems with small leaks.

2) they are usually a sub-system of the main system, so an accidental trip in
the warehouse won't kill the data center.

3) they don't use the drop-pressure trigger, so water hammer or pressure surge
won't set them off.

On Thu, 26 Jul 2001, THOU SPAKE:
> David,
> 
> All the computer rooms that I have seen use halon (that is, in companies
> that recognize the importance of their computers).  If you have the
> resources, an automatic halon system is very nice and has its own
> "sprinkler"/dispersal system.  (One great plus is that you don't have to
> be in the room with the fire!)
> 
> I have not seen a CO2 system and have no experience with them.
> 
> One caveat, the EPA (or OSHA or some other federal entity) has declared
> halon an unwanted substance and is trying to ban its use.  This is in
> the US but may apply to your location.
> 
> I have heard of "knowledgable" groups recommending water just like your
> insurance agent.
> 
> 
> Hope this helps,
> 
> Michael
> 
>  
> 
> "Sangbutsarakum, Patai" wrote:
> > 
> > FM200
> > 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: James [mailto:jfogg at vicinity.com]
> > Sent: Friday, July 27, 2001 02:09
> > To: SunHelp List
> > Subject: Re: [SunHELP] Samll Computer Room Fire Suppression
> > 
> > noooo... noooo....
> > 
> > Water bad, very bad.
> > 
> > CO2 or Halon.
> > 
> > I am surprised that the insurance company said water. They will be
> > replacing expensive computers for false sprinkler triggers.
> > 
> > =======================================================
> >          James D. Fogg, Network Engineer
> >         Vicinity Corporation - Lebanon, NH
> > 
> >      DESK (603) 442-1751 - CELL (603) 252-1864
> >      PAGER (802) 742-0280 - HOME (603) 526-7729
> >             EMAIL jfogg at vicinity.com
> > 
> > If you can read this e-mail, Thank a Network Engineer!
> > =======================================================
> > 
> > On Thu, 26 Jul 2001, David Rouse wrote:
> > 
> > > At work we've got a smallish computer room with 11 servers, mostly Mac
> > > minitowers plus a Sun U250 and a 670MP. Currently for fire suppression
> > > we have a one-liter-ish hand-held Halon canister. There are no
> > > sprinklers, halon, etc. in the computer room. Our insurance company says
> > > that the canister isn't enough and says most folks are putting in
> > > sprinklers.
> > >
> > > I'm leary of saying yes to sprinklers. I'd like to hear from other folks
> > > who have worked in smaller installations on what they have used for fire
> > > supression in smaller computer rooms.
> > >
> > > --
> > > David Rouse
> > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > SunHELP maillist  -  SunHELP at sunhelp.org
> > > http://www.sunhelp.org/mailman/listinfo/sunhelp
> > >
> > 
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-- 
=======================================================
	 James D. Fogg, Network Engineer
	Vicinity Corporation - Lebanon, NH

     DESK (603) 442-1751 - CELL (603) 252-1864
     PAGER (802) 742-0280 - HOME (603) 526-7729
            EMAIL jfogg at vicinity.com

If you can read this e-mail, Thank a Network Engineer!
=======================================================