What is a common fire suppression system used in data centers?

The inert gas fire suppression system is commonly employed in data centers because it effectively extinguishes fires without causing damage to sensitive electronic equipment. This type of system displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion, by introducing inert gases such as argon, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide into the environment. These gases are safe for use in occupied spaces and do not leave residues that could harm equipment, making them particularly suitable for environments filled with computers and other critical technology.

In contrast, the other systems present challenges in a data center context. Water mist systems, while effective in some scenarios, pose a risk of water damage to electronic equipment. Foam-based systems are often used for flammable liquid fires, which may not be relevant in a typical data center setup. Chemical dry powder systems can cause significant mess and damage to hardware, which is detrimental in data centers where minimizing downtime and preserving equipment integrity is crucial. Hence, the inert gas fire suppression system is the preferred choice for protecting data centers against fire hazards.