Why Fire Rated Glass is Essential for Data Centre Fire Protection

Modern data centres are expected to operate at 99.999% uptime, leaving almost no room for unexpected shutdowns.  

When fire strikes a data centre, it can disrupt business operations, cause financial losses, and affect millions of users worldwide. This is why protecting data centres from fire has become more critical than ever before. 

Let's explore how installing fire rated glass can transform your facility's fire protection strategy while maintaining the high standards your customers expect.

Certified fire rated glass provides passive protection that modern suppression systems cannot offer alone. This glazing system has become an indispensable part of fire protection best practices of data centres. Here are the five key benefits: 

1. Compartmentalises Fire and Smoke 

High-grade fire rated glass with E, EW, and EI classifications prevents fire and smoke from spreading between different zones within the facility. This compartmentalisation is crucial for data centre fire suppression because it helps enclose hot aisles and battery rooms while preserving safe evacuation paths.  

Most importantly, it helps maintain server uptime by protecting critical equipment in adjacent areas. The glass acts as a passive barrier that works continuously, even when active suppression systems might fail or be delayed. 

2. Maintains Visibility and Monitoring 

One of the unique advantages of non-interlayered fire rated glass like PYROSWISS, is its ability to maintain clear visibility while providing fire protection. This transparency allows facility staff to conduct visual oversight of equipment without exposing themselves to heat or smoke.  

During alarm events, maintenance personnel can assess server rooms and equipment status from safe locations without entering danger zones. This visibility is essential for making informed decisions about equipment shutdown procedures and emergency response strategies. 

3. Allows Fast Reactivity While Containing Fire 

Fire rated glass works in perfect harmony with sprinkler and clean-agent suppression systems. It delays fire spread, giving these active systems crucial time to engage and suppress the fire effectively.  

This coordination between passive and active fire protection systems significantly improves overall fire safety outcomes. The glass barriers buy precious reaction time that can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic failure. 

4. Supports Regulatory Compliance and Uptime Requirements 

Installing fire rated glass supports data centres in meeting internationally recognised industry standards for fire resistant construction, including widely adopted guidelines such as NFPA 75/76 and the TIA 942 data centre standard. While these frameworks originate outside the UK, they are commonly used across the industry as best practice benchmarks and support the tier classifications expected of mission critical facilities operating in the UK.  

Compliance with these fire protection best practices for data centres also ensures audit-readiness and can reduce insurance costs while building customer confidence. 

5. Enhances Safety in Electrical and UPS Bays 

UPS and battery units represent some of the highest-risk zones in any data centre. These areas contain large amounts of stored electrical energy and can generate significant heat during normal operation.  

Using fire rated glass with blast resistance glass and system in these areas creates an additional safety barrier that reduces the chance of fire spreading to adjacent critical systems. This targeted protection is a cornerstone of data centre fire suppression strategy. 

In facilities like data centres, choosing the right type of certified glazing can make or break your fire protection strategy. Different areas of a data centre require different levels of fire resistance based on their risk profiles and operational requirements. 

Each product addresses specific data centre fire protection needs. CONTRAFLAM® provides the highest level of protection for critical equipment areas, while PYROSWISS® offers cost-effective protection for lower-risk zones.  

Looking to upgrade your data centre fire safety with tested glass systems?

Beyond fire rated glass, comprehensive data centre fire protection best practices include several other critical elements. 

• Multi-level Protection: Implement fire protection at rack, room, and building levels. This layered approach reduces fire risk and limits spread. 
• Clean Agent Suppression Systems: Use gas- or chemical-based systems (like FM-200, Novec 1230, or inert gases) to suppress fires without water, preventing equipment damage. Pre-action sprinklers are a backup option, but water is generally avoided near sensitive IT equipment. 
• Very Early Detection: Install air-sampling smoke detectors and advanced detection systems for early warning, as even small fires can cause major disruption. 
• Advanced Alarms and Emergency Power-Off: Ensure alarms are audible and visible. Emergency shutoff switches and overrides are essential for quick response and safety. 
• Maintenance and Inspections: Routinely inspect, test, and maintain fire protection, HVAC, and electrical infrastructure. Address dust, debris, and cable management issues promptly. 
• Environmental Monitoring: Monitor temperature, humidity, and airflow for early identification of electrical overheating risks. 
• Staff Training & Response Planning: Train personnel in emergency response, conduct regular fire drills, and maintain clear evacuation routes and communication protocols. 
• Coordination with Local Fire Authorities: Work with local fire departments for pre-incident planning and compliance.