Lancaster University chooses inert fire suppression for IT
Communications and IT rooms at Lancaster University include an argon-nitrogen inert-gas (IG55) fire-suppression system installed by Nobel Fire Systems. The work for the five rooms was commissioned by M&E contractor Smith Group.
The system was sized to meet the requirements of five server rooms across the university campus, with diverter valves and distribution pipework and nozzles immediately protecting four server rooms that are currently in use. A diverter valve and pipework have been installed to a fifth room for extension in the future.
Traditional water-based agents conduct electricity, so current could flow and damage sensitive equipment such as computers. The university wanted to avoid the potential problems associated with cleaning up and drying out equipment and any resultant loss of service capability, as nearly all the campus depends on the continuous smooth and efficient running of the system.
