Top 4 Benefits of IT Automatic Fire Suppression Systems
Introduction
Automation is essential for a wide range of operations. It streamlines previously tedious processes and enables people to focus more on tasks requiring a human touch. Automation can be seen in a wide range of applications, from your email automatically filtering spam messages to a car driving itself. In the IT industry, automation is used extensively to resolve tickets, facilitate employee onboarding, and enhance cybersecurity, among other things.
Automation goes beyond the usual IT operations. While some automated processes run your hardware and software for you, another aspect of automation protects your equipment from hazards such as fires. In data centers where computers and servers are prone to overheating, an automatic fire suppression system makes fire detection and prevention more efficient and faster than human intervention.
If you haven’t installed it yet, now’s the time to set up an automated fire suppression system in your facilities. If you need more convincing, read this article by InfoBahn Communications, Inc. to learn more about the benefits of using this system in your IT spaces.
How Does Automatic Fire Suppression System Work?
An automatic fire suppression system uses components to detect the start of a fire, usually when smoke, heat, or a flame builds up in a space. When such hazards are detected, the system triggers an alarm that notifies building occupants and first responders. It also activates its fire extinguishing agents to prevent the fire from breaking out and causing damage.
The fire-suppressing agents the systems use vary depending on the space requirements. Most public buildings are equipped with automatic water mists, some industrial spaces with chemical foams, and technological facilities with gas extinguishers. In addition to putting out the fire using these agents, a reliable automatic fire suppression system will shut down HVAC systems to prevent the fire from spreading further.
As technological advancements continue to grow, automated processes such as fire suppression are expected to be more efficient and seamless in protecting both occupants and equipment.
4 Advantages of Installing Automatic Fire Suppression Systems in IT Spaces
An automatic or self-contained fire suppression system makes hazard prevention convenient and safe, as it does not require a person to be present in the location of the fire to put it out. Aside from protecting humans (and, by extension, your IT equipment), installing this system provides the following benefits:
Provides 24/7 Protection
Technological hubs are prone to fire hazards because their equipment often requires 24/7 runtime, making the hardware susceptible to overheating. As such, an automatic fire suppression system for IT spaces such as server rooms and data centers can help prevent fire at any time of the day, including during late hours when occupants aren’t present in the building.
Data centers need 24/7 fire protection to maintain their runtime. If uncontrolled, a fire will cause downtime, making websites, applications, and online processes inoperable and inaccessible. This will disrupt operations and cause user inconvenience. Offices that need to be online all the time, such as law enforcement agencies and public transportation, might find the downtime especially disruptive.
Helps Minimize Damages
Fire suppression systems activate extinguishing agents at the first sign of a hazard in the space. This prevents the fire from spreading and further collateral damage. However, the system can only minimize damage, not totally prevent it, as the root of the fire, whether it’s a piece of equipment or an electrical socket, may likely be beyond repair.
Damage reduction is not limited to hardware, either. Sounding an alarm at the sign of a fire may raise the chances of occupants leaving the vicinity promptly before any accidents that may cause them harm happen.
Fast Emergency Response
Reliable automated suppression systems are connected to a control panel that sends notifications to the occupants and first responders, enabling them to act immediately. Prompt notifications may also help reduce the fire’s reach and damage to the facility. Every second counts in emergencies and a fast response can mean the difference between safety and total damage.
Enabling machine learning and analytics in fire suppression systems may also benefit IT facilities. The platform could document and make sense of data from previous fire incidents, resulting in enhanced system actuation and better risk management.
Saves on Costs
Uncontrolled fires in IT facilities such as data centers can cost a lot — you can easily spend thousands on repairs and replacements of computers and other hardware. Some damages are so extensive that the hub requires an infrastructure redesign or overhaul, which easily adds to your expenses. In addition, you might need to install a more reliable fire suppression system to lower the chances of another fire breaking out.
Aside from the physical costs, a fire damaging your facilities may result in downtime, which in turn will cause public inconvenience. Downtime may also make websites and online services inaccessible. For example, if you maintain a public site for National ID or passport applications, users wouldn’t be able to use it, resulting in frustration and a deluge of complaints.
Partner With InfoBahn for Reliable Automatic Fire Suppression System Integration
Installing an automated fire suppression system for IT facilities requires auxiliary systems and infrastructure design expertise. The system should work seamlessly with hardware and software, removing as much human intervention as possible for safety while retaining access to data and patterns for post-assessments and manual controls in case of power outages. Along with fire protection experts, working with IT professionals from companies like InfoBahn Communications, Inc. will ensure you equip your facilities with the best systems to prevent and manage fire hazards.
Consult us today to discuss your needs and enhance your facility’s protection.
Conclusion
An automatic fire suppression system is part of people’s growing reliance on automated processes. This particular system provides convenience by keeping human intervention at a minimal level, promoting safety. It also raises the chances of hardware being safe from burns and total damage.
With an automated fire suppression system, you can expect 24/7 fire protection, reduced damages, quick emergency response, and cost savings. The key is to have the system properly installed and set up for seamless activation in case of fire.
InfoBahn Communications, Inc. has a team of IT engineers and professionals who can design, implement, and work with fire protection experts to ensure your facility is equipped with an industry-standard system. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your IT facility needs!