Tech Brief5 min read
Data Center Safety: Choosing Between Inert Gas and Clean Agent Suppression
M
Michael O'Connor
Logistics Director
Water sprinklers are a last resort for life safety, but they kill IT gear. Gas suppression systems extinguish fires by removing heat or oxygen.
Inert Gas (Inergen)
Reduces oxygen levels to ~12%—low enough to starve fire, but high enough for humans to breathe. Pros: Cheap gas, environmentally neutral. Cons: Requires many high-pressure cylinders (large footprint).
Clean Agent (Novec 1230 / FM-200)
Chemical agents that absorb heat. Pros: Stored as liquid, very small footprint (good for modular containers). Cons: Higher refill cost and potential environmental regulation (PFAS).