Gas Fire Suppression Systems in Server Rooms: Technology, Standards, and Planning

Why Water Is Not an Option in the Server Room 

Sprinkler or water mist systems have proven effective in many building areas. In IT environments, however, water causes short circuits, corrodes contacts, and destroys data storage media. The secondary damage often far exceeds the actual fire damage – and recovery takes weeks. For server rooms and data centres, water-free, gas-based extinguishing methods are therefore suitable, as they do not cause additional damage to electrical equipment.

Overview of Extinguishing Gases: Chemical Extinguishing Agents vs. Inert Gases 

Chemical Extinguishing Agents (e.g., Novec 1230, FM-200)

Chemical extinguishing agents such as Novec 1230 or FM-200 extinguish fires by removing heat and chemically inhibiting the combustion reaction. They are considered “clean agents” – leaving no residue and being electrically non-conductive. Advantages: compact storage, rapid flooding. From a planning perspective, concentration verification, room airtightness, and regular maintenance are crucial.

Inert Gases (e.g., Inergen, argon, nitrogen)

An Inergen fire suppression system or comparable inert gas systems reduce the oxygen content in the protected area to a level that stops combustion. The systems are generally designed so that the oxygen concentration remains acceptable for people – however, the specific design must always be planned on a site-by-site basis. Inert gases are natural components of air, leave no residues, and are not subject to regulatory restrictions.

Regulatory Context: Why New Systems Are Increasingly Relying on Inert Gas 

Fluorinated fire suppression agents are facing increasing regulatory pressure. The EU F-Gas Regulation 2024/573 is gradually tightening the conditions for the use of fluorinated gases. In parallel, the ECHA procedure for PFAS restrictions has been underway since February 2023, which may affect certain chemical fire suppression agents. For operators and planners, this means that risks related to refillability, lifecycle costs, and investment security are increasing. For new construction or modernisation projects, it is advisable to consider future regulatory compliance as a decision-making criterion at an early stage.

Note: This information is intended for technical guidance and does not replace a project-specific legal review.

Inert Gas as a Future-Proof Alternative for Server Rooms and Data Centres 

For fire suppression in data centres, inert gases offer clear planning advantages: no impact from F-gas or PFAS regulations, no persistent residues, and no environmental impact. After activation, there is no need for time-consuming cleaning or disposal – an inert gas-based fire suppression system in a data centre thus generally enables a faster restoration of operations.

How the Activation Works: Detection, Logic, Pre-Alarm Time, and Room Sealing 

Two-Detector Interlock and Pre-Alarm Time 

An extinguishing system in the server room does not activate in response to a single signal. The two-detector dependency requires two independent detection signals before the extinguishing process is initiated. This minimises false and misleading alarms. A pre-alarm period precedes the flooding, which people use to evacuate and responsible personnel use to assess the situation. Abort and hold functions are required by standards (see EN 12094-1) and are part of the standard design.

Room Sealing and Pressure Relief

Without sufficient room airtightness, the extinguishing concentration cannot be maintained – the flooding remains ineffective. Typical design components: airtightness testing (e.g., door-fan test), sealing of cable penetrations and leakage paths, as well as pressure relief dampers that controlled reduce the overpressure during flooding.

The Fire Alarm Control Panel as the Control Centre of the Fire Suppression System – Schrack Seconet Integration 

Without reliable detection, no fire suppression system will activate correctly. The Schrack Seconet Integral EvoxX fire alarm control panel serves as a modular platform for detection, alarm signaling, and control of the fire suppression system via defined interfaces and logic. For extinguishing control, the system provides functions – depending on configuration and equipment – as required by standards (e.g., EN 12094-1) for fire suppression control panels: release logic, pre-alarm control, abort functions, monitored outputs, event logging, and integration with building management systems.

The specific functions, available modules, and interfaces depend on the respective device configuration and country-specific approvals. Integral EvoxX is used in projects such as LUMI as a control and integration centre. For project-specific requirements, we recommend consulting directly with our technical team.

Standards and Guidelines for the Design of Gas Extinguishing Systems 

• DIN EN 15004: Requirements for fixed gas fire suppression systems – design, safety, testing.
• VdS 6003: Guideline for the planning, installation, and operation of gas fire suppression systems.

Recommendation: Coordinate early on with installers, experts, and insurers to ensure full compliance with documentation requirements and operational standards.

Planning Checklist: What Information You Need for an Extinguishing Concept

• Protected area: server room, multiple rooms, raised floor, false ceiling?
• Room volume and leak status (are leakage paths known?)
• Occupancy and time spent in the area
• IT loads, air conditioning, airflow
• Required shutdowns: HVAC system, electrical circuits, door releases
• Detection concept: Aspirating smoke detectors or point detectors?
• Alarm strategy and evacuation plan
• Interfaces: Fire alarm system ↔ fire suppression system, building management system, door control
• Maintenance and service concept, refilling
• Regulatory objectives: F-gas/PFAS risk as a decision-making criterion