Modular Data Center Fire Suppression: Protecting Racks with FIRESCI DLP and ILP Clean Agent Systems

Why Fire Protection Is Essential in Modular Data Centers

Modular data centers are quickly becoming the go-to solution for organizations that demand reliable, scalable, and efficient IT infrastructure. These prefabricated or modular server rooms pack servers, battery storage, networking, and power equipment into high-density racks and enclosures. With valuable data and mission-critical systems at stake, a single fire incident can lead to devastating downtime, equipment loss, and business interruption. That’s why choosing the right fire suppression system for modular data centers is crucial.

Common Fire Risks in Modular Data Centers

Modern modular data centers and edge data centers face unique fire risks:

• Electrical faults in server racks or power distribution units (PDUs)

• Battery overheating and thermal runaway (lithium-ion or other chemistries)

• Short circuits or overloaded cables and components

• High-density environments that can allow rapid fire spread if not contained early

Water-based fire suppression is not suitable for IT and electronics environments. Clean agent fire suppression systems are the industry standard for safe, fast, and residue-free fire protection.

What Is Clean Agent Fire Suppression?

Clean agent fire suppression uses advanced chemicals (such as FK-5-1-12 or HFC-227ea) to extinguish fires without damaging electronics or leaving any residue. These systems are:

• Non-conductive: Safe for sensitive IT and network equipment

• Fast-acting: Suppress fires within seconds, reducing heat and smoke damage

• Easy to clean up: No water or powder mess to remove

• Code compliant: Accepted by major fire codes and insurers for data center fire protection

The FIRESCI Advantage: DLP and ILP Systems for Rack-Level Protection

Direct Low Pressure (DLP) Clean Agent System

• How it works:
  FIRESCI’s DLP system features a heat-sensitive detection tube routed around key components inside each rack or cabinet. When exposed to fire or high heat, the tube ruptures at the hottest point, instantly releasing clean agent right where the fire starts.

• Best for:
  Individual server racks, battery enclosures, and confined spaces within modular data centers that require immediate, localized fire suppression.

• Top benefits:

  • No electrical power or wiring required

  • Fast, automatic response at the source

  • Minimal installation footprint

  • Simple retrofit for existing or new server racks

Indirect Low Pressure (ILP) Clean Agent System

• How it works:
  The ILP system uses strategically placed nozzles inside each rack, row, or modular enclosure. Activation is triggered by heat-sensitive tubing, smoke detectors, or gas detectors. Once a fire is detected, the clean agent is discharged through the nozzles, quickly flooding the protected space.

• Best for:
  Larger modular data center zones, multiple connected server racks, or areas requiring wide coverage and integration with fire alarm panels.

• Top benefits:

  • Multiple detection and activation options (heat tube, smoke, gas, manual)

  • Uniform and controlled agent distribution

  • One system can protect several racks or zones

  • Seamless integration with monitoring and building management systems

How to Design Fire Suppression for Modular Server Racks

FIRESCI DLP and ILP systems are engineered for ease of installation and scalability:

• DLP tubing can be routed around power supplies, battery modules, cable trays, and high-risk spots inside each rack

• ILP nozzles are positioned for maximum coverage across rows, aisles, or rack clusters

• Detection options (smoke, heat, gas sensors) allow for early warning and rapid response

• Clean agent selection and cylinder size can be tailored to each enclosure or cabinet size

Installation is quick and non-disruptive:
FIRESCI’s pre-engineered systems can be retrofitted into existing modular data centers or integrated during new construction, with minimal downtime and no need for large, complex piping.

Operation, Maintenance, and Reliability

• Low maintenance: No moving parts or complex electronics in DLP systems; ILP requires only periodic inspection of detectors and actuation

• Pressure gauges enable fast status checks at a glance

• Quick refilling and reset after discharge to minimize downtime

• Durable construction: All components are corrosion-resistant and built for data center temperature and humidity conditions

DLP or ILP: Which System Fits Your Modular Data Center?

• DLP Systems:
  Ideal for rack-level or compartment-level fire protection, offering immediate and highly localized suppression for the most critical assets.

• ILP Systems:
  Best for protecting multiple racks, rows, or larger zones, and for projects that require integration with building fire alarm or management systems.

Many modular data centers benefit from a hybrid approach—DLP for high-risk or critical cabinets, ILP for broad-area coverage.

Scalable Fire Safety for Modular IT Environments

As organizations adopt modular data center solutions for speed, flexibility, and reliability, fire protection must keep pace with modern infrastructure. FIRESCI’s clean agent fire suppression systems—both DLP and ILP—deliver proven, code-compliant protection that’s easy to install, simple to maintain, and scalable for any data center configuration.

Distributors:
Offer your customers trusted, advanced fire safety solutions that protect their IT investments and ensure business continuity.

End Users:
Rely on FIRESCI systems to safeguard your modular racks, maintain uptime, and meet industry fire safety requirements.

Ready to protect your modular data center with clean agent fire suppression?
Contact FIRESCI for a tailored solution or to connect with a distributor near you.