The hidden fire risks lurking in data centres

Data centre fires are deadly events that require strong safety measures. Unfortunately, it's also an area that's easily bungled. Here are some anecdotes.

Earlier this month, an unfortunate data centre fire in Egypt killed four and injured 26. I never wrote about it because I didn't have insights to add.

It did spur some conversation with industry insiders. The following examples may or may not depict actual individuals or incidents.

Not all upgrades should be done

Lithium-ion UPS batteries have various advantages over traditional VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries.

• Higher energy density for smaller footprint.
• Longer lifespan of 10 years or more.
• Practically zero maintenance.

So when it's time to retrofit an older data centre, switching over to a lithium-ion UPS is surely a no-brainer for a data centre manager. Or is it?

"That's where the industry is heading, right?"

The issue is this: the facility was designed in an age of VRLA batteries. Lithium-ion batteries do have differing risk characteristics: Much hotter burns, risk of explosion, and inability to be doused.

In this case, switching to lithium-ion UPS brought minimal operational benefits, but increased risks. So maybe not all "upgrades" should be done.

Thankfully, not everyone is oblivious to the need to mitigate some of the risks. I'm aware of at least one upcoming data centre where battery modules will be housed in separate locations from UPS units.

Consolidated for safekeeping

Fire extinguishers play an important role in containing or even putting out small fires.

It is crucial to maintain them and regularly check their stored pressure.

So, why not gather them and put them together in the same spot, two floors down? Surely, it'll make it easier to keep an eye on them.

And when confronted: "It's always been this way."

I'll leave you to mull over this scenario.

UPS beside main exit

Then there's this data centre I visited that had its UPS units located right next to the main entrance. I peered in through the glazed window and saw lithium-ion UPS units.

Gulp.

I made sure to familiarise myself with where the secondary exit was.

Have you come across unsafe practices that could compromise fire safety?