Do you mean FM200? as there are numerous gases used in suppression and this is just one of them. We have a range of inert and synthetic gas systems across our estate which are 'safe' gases to use if the space is occupied, as opposed to the cheaper carbon dioxide where the space needs to be occupied prior to discharge (we have decommissioned all of our CO2 systems). Some gases leave a residue, other operate in a cleaner manner If a gas system is to be installed, there will be a need to be able to vent the air from the space as the suppression gas enters. This can create design difficulties. Then there's the physical shock of discharging gas under pressure into a space within seconds. Getting the vent sizes right is key, but you may need to assess the physical structure of the room/space. We had to strengthen an unsupported block wall (to a mechanical riser) to prevent it being damaged by shock during a discharge. If you really want to try something different, we've just started using hypoxic air systems which limit the oxygen in the room to below that which a fire needs to develop, but allows people to breath and work normally. They don't suppress a fire, they stop it happening. There are no cylinders and small clean plant. It's easily retrofitted Have look here at various systems http://www.lpgfire.co.uk...ts/tabid/55/Default.aspx I have no connections with this company other than being a past customer http://www.lpgfire.co.uk...ts/tabid/55/Default.aspx

We use an inert gas drenching system in our data centre. The inert gas mixture is IG-541 (INERGEN), comprising 52% Nitrogen; 40% Argon and 8% Carbon Dioxide. Horses for courses though - as messy states, there are a few different types on the market. Ours has a separate control panel from our main alarm (although both are interlinked). This enables a lock-out system to be implemented when staff are working in the datacentre (control panel for this is immediately outside the door). Strict control measures are in place, and there is restricted entry via programmed entry fobs. Lone working is not permitted under any circumstances. If the lock-out system is not used for any reason, there is something like a 20 second delay (from memory) between the alarm sounding and the gas being deployed. This gives our guys plenty of time to exit the datacentre (it's not that big...) Personally, I wanted a hypoxic air system, but got over-ruled by my IT director...

Essentially, he didn't like it because he felt there would be potential/ pervceived issues as to whether it was 'safe' to work in the datacentre for extended periods of time. That and the fact he was really sold by the INERGEN system. And cost........ Also, as it was the first datacentre he'd really been involved in building from scratch, he was very much 'my way or the highway'.

In our case it was either we installed a fire suppression system or we didn't get insurance.

I would be very interested obtain a copy of any such evidence or guidance as we spend a lot of money on protecting our centres. Can you please identify where I may access this information? It's a difficult assessment to make as it centres on how vulnerable the data is which is being stored and how business sensitive it is. We have a small data centre area which stores just data/programmes which are also stored in 3 other sites. It's in a city centre location with plenty full time fire cover locally, 24/7 security on site and has aspirating detection throughout. So we have decided not to install any suppression whatsoever, safe in the knowledge if we lost it, we have sufficient IT capability elsewhere.

We only install water-mist systems and only then, where the location is already fire sprinkler protected. Otherwise, we don't fit fixed systems at all. After the Halon era, we decided to go inert (as in no health or environmental issues) or avoid the need for it at all. It's our Group Policy world-wide and we have our Insurers agreement on this, so everyone is happy.