We are updating our Gas suppression system to the IT server rooms: the cylinders need repressurising and apparently do not hold enough gas concentrate for the room size.

So we have had a look at the entire system and I am trying to determine why:

We need a gas hold off button, when there is a 30 second delay on the system prior to release?
Why we need air sampling units when there are state of the art detectors in place ready to recognise smoke and carbon?
Why would we need a gas extraction system, the oxygen levels are reduced to approximately 17% in a confined space if the gas is expelled, if the sytem is activated all staff would evacuate, and 17% oxygen levels is not especially harmful for a limited period
Could the air vent sytem be through internal walls to normal atmopheric conditions and be allowed to dissipate naturally

Not having the above would save £1000s

Any Comments would be appreciated


SBH

I'll try to answer your questions.
Hold off button: Gives the human, with eyes & ears, an opportunity to overide the automatic systems if required and to prevent it discharging. 30 sec delay is for people to get out before being "gassed". If someone has been taken ill, or collapsed at the same time as the "fire" emergency you may want an additional delay to get them out. I would guess not normally used, but it is there.
Are the air sampling units VESDA? These sample right inside the cabinets, drawing air back into an extreamly sensitive detector. I would expect Vesda to find something in the cabinet well before room detectors.
Gas extraction systems. Whoever sold your Co the protection system sold them the works! Idea may be left over from CO2 days where the gas would sink to the bottom of where ever and it was hard to get rid of heavier than air gasses. [use a bucket, open a window and wait - how long?]

Not clear whether it is just a few servers in offices for your Co, or whether you are a UK or global server hub. What is the Loss (££s) to your Co if they go up?. Need to talk to your IT dept. Perhaps it is time to get a review on the latest systems from a specialist fire Co and get boss accountant to pay up
best wishes. Peter