Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) Practice Exam

In the context of fire suppression in data centers, it is crucial to have a primary and secondary system that provides effective and complementary protection against different types of fires. The selection of fire suppression systems often depends on the potential fire hazards present.

Gas-based suppression systems, such as clean agent systems (like FM-200 or Inergen), are highly effective as a primary fire suppression method because they do not leave residues, making them suitable for environments with sensitive electronic equipment, such as data centers. These systems work by displacing the oxygen or interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire, thus effectively extinguishing the flames.

Using a pre-action system as a secondary measure adds a layer of safety. A pre-action system is a type of sprinkler system that requires two events to occur before water is released—such as the detection of heat or smoke and the activation of the system. This dual action helps mitigate the risk of unwanted water damage from accidental sprinkler activation, providing a sound approach for data center environments where preserving the integrity of equipment is paramount.

By combining a gas-based primary suppression system with a pre-action system as a backup, the fire protection strategy becomes robust, catering to both immediate fire suppression needs and the minimization of water damage risks. This combination is