User Manual

Siemens Switzerland Ltd 6
Building Technologies Division
It must also be considered that modernization, reconstruction or remodeling of the data center can alter the fire
load.
If not already required by local codes and regulations, the chief engineer of the data center or a similarly qualified
person should be permanently on the look-out for changes in the fire load, and should initiate appropriate
measures to reduce fire risks as much as possible.
1.1.2. Fire risks
Fire risks result basically from the probability of occurrence and the effect caused by fire. There are four major
reasons why there is a potential risk of fire in a data center:
• Heavy power load: heavy power loads or a defective piece of equipment can very quickly lead to a short
circuit or overheating
• Electrical fire risk: constant ignition source (electricity) and combustible materials such as plastics in
printed circuit boards
• Infrastructure: extensive cabling, particularly below raised floors
• Ventilation: comprehensive air-cooling, resulting in a higher air exchange, increases risk of spreading the
fire
During the past years, integrated risk management has become increasingly more relevant for companies as well
as for data centers. Risk management must take into account external circumstances or requirements, such as
trends and new developments, legal stipulations or "best practice".
Not only the objective risk plays an important role in risk identification, but also the subjective risk perception and
the change of risks. It does not suffice to consider experiences made in the past. In the future, risks may occur that
have been hitherto unrecognized or underestimated, as single risk or in combination.
It is therefore of utmost importance for the fire safety and security managers to continually expand their expertise
in the fields of security and fire safety, to exchange knowledge and experience, and thus be able to learn from
each other.
1.2. Fire protection for data centers
The goals of fire protection are to efficiently protect people, assets, data and the environment from the dangers
and effects of fire, and to minimize material damages, loss of data, operational interruptions and the consequent
loss of business.
To guarantee adequate fire safety standards, national and regional directives have been established in the vast
majority of countries. Personal safety is generally regulated by laws and official requirements, while the protection
of material assets is mainly determined by the guidelines and directives drawn up by insurance companies.
Effective fire protection is based on the coordination of the appropriate structural, technical and organizational
fire protection measures.
Risk = probability of occurrence x effect