BLOWING OFF EXTINGUISHING GAS CAN AFFECT HARD DISKS

BLOWING OFF EXTINGUISHING GAS CAN AFFECT HARD DISKS 

Extinguishing gas installations have been installed on a large scale in DVR, NVR, NAS, Graphic Workstation, computer, IT, data storage rooms over the past decades. The design of these systems and components meet the relevant product and system standards, such as EN, ISO, and NFPA. These installations also meet national laws and regulations and / or insurance requirements. Recurring inspections and maintenance requirements of the aforementioned standards ensure the reliable operation of these fire extinguishing systems throughout their lifespan. The purpose of a fire extinguishing system in such a room is to quickly detect and extinguish a fire. The derived objective is to cause the least possible collateral damage and / or downtime. This ensures continuity and protects data and equipment against damage.

In recent years, some failures of hard disks have been known. Disturbances that may result from blowing off extinguishing gas in the event of a fire or test in the room concerned. This concerns the corresponding high-frequency noise level. The problems described relate only to high-pressure systems: Inergas, Argonite, Inergen, etc. with and without I-Flow technology.

Tests conducted under the guidance of the European Association in collaboration with test laboratories and suppliers of hard disks, learn that:

• A sound pressure level approaching 110 decibels can interrupt the operation of a hard disk and lead to permanent failure of the hard disk;
• The sound pressure during the extinguishing of the extinguishing gas when the fire extinguishing system or acoustic sources (alarms) are activated can influence the hard disks;
• Although the phenomenon occurs with all brands of hard disks, there are differences in the extent of the effect on the different types of hard disks. “Enterprise class” hard drives were less sensitive to these tests than the “near-line-class” hard drives.

THE FOLLOWING WAS NOTED WITH REGARD TO THE EFFECTS:

• The use of a damper-blow nozzle combination has positive influences;
• The damper-blow nozzle combination should not be aimed at the hard disk;
• The distance between the silencer nozzle assembly and the hard disk must be as large as possible, as permitted within the applicable standards;
• Reducing noise levels of alarms has positive influences. Mechanical-pneumatic alarms are more often the cause than electronic alarms. Mechanical-pneumatic alarms are not used in the Netherlands for extinguishing gas systems in IT rooms (in contrast to Germany where this is frequently the case);
• Installing discs in soundproof enclosures reduces observed effects;
• Use patented software to minimize the tolerance of hard drives.

WHAT NOW:

If there are concerns about the vulnerability of the hard disk, we recommend a controlled ‘shut down’ where the hard disks are first switched off before the extinguishing gas system is activated and with certain functional tests. The latest generation of Solid State Drives (SSDs) are, due to the lack of mechanical components, far less susceptible to external influences.

In addition, the placement of dampers on the blow nozzle or a damper-blow nozzle combination is recommended. In this case, the manufacturer issues a substantiated guarantee of the occurring sound pressure at the nozzle during an extinguishing. If there are very outdated systems or more expensive maintenance moments (such as inspections of cylinders), replacement with modern systems can also be a good alternative.

We like to think along with you to see the possibilities in your situation. Please contact our Service department by email ssaintegrate@gmail.com. Of course you can also contact your own account manager, contact person or project manager.

Smoke Detector Testing

Smoke Detector Testing 

Requirements for testing of smoke detectors vary by country, the common need is for a functional test where smoke, or simulated smoke, is introduced through the vents of the detector to the sensor.

Functional testing is required by all national standards around the world, including BS: 5839, DIN 14675 and NFPA 72. BS:5839-1 which, at its last update, stated: “Multi-sensor fire detectors should be physically tested by a method that confirms that products of combustion in the vicinity of the detector can reach the sensors and that the appropriate response is confirmed at CIE.” (45.4(j).  It highlights that each sensor on which a fire detection decision depends (e.g. smoke, heat, CO) should be physically tested individually. This means that functional testing needs to be carried out on both the smoke and heat sensors, this ultimately requires spending more time under each detector and on a site where multi-sensors are the dominant device, this can add significant time to a site visit.  In this situation access to an all-in-one test solution adds real value, not only does it mean less time spent changing between testers but it also means less tools are required to be carried around site – reducing disruption and improving productivity.

A functional test should be carried out using an appropriate test tool which is designed for purpose and will cause no damage to the detector under test.

If you have standalone smoke detector, test the alarm monthly. Replace the batteries at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or non-existent, replace your batteries. Most of Standalone detectors have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power. 

Before starting the testing job for 2wire / 4wire smoke detector, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments / authority. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc).

§  Prior to testing of Smoke detector see the LED status of the Smoke Detector it should be blinking red.

§  Check the voltage of the Smoke Detector, it should be + 30 Volts DC. This can be checked at the addressable base of the detector.

§  Now Smoke Detector is healthy and it is ready for testing.

§  Clean the Smoke Detector’s dust by cotton cloth and blower

§  Apply the aerosol spray to the Smoke Detector by solo Smoke detecting gun with the help of the Solo A10S/A5 aerosol bottle.

§  Keep applying aerosol spray for 10 seconds.

§  After 10 seconds LED status of the Smoke detector will change from the steady blinking red to steady red and after that alarm appears and hooter is activated on the fire alarm panel.

§  To silence the hooter press acknowledge key on the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  After alarm appears remove Smoke detecting test gun from Smoke Detector.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the smoke detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the smoke detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the colour change signals of the respective smoke detector on the graphics.

§  Reset the alarm of the Smoke detector from Fire Alarm Panel.

§  The LED status will change from steady red to blinking red.

§  Smoke Detector is now working normally.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining smoke detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages or LED colors sequence may change as per the vendor or model of the smoke detectors. Solo Smoke Aerosols is approved all over the world, its Non-toxic & Silicone free. Solo smoke aerosols (used with the Solo 330/332 dispensers) deliver smoke particles to the detector under test replicating the conditions of smoke from a fire. Our range of smoke aerosols has recently increased to allow continued use of Solo 330/332 dispensers in full compliance with latest regulations.

BS:5839-1 as the example once again, the 2017 update to the standard covered this by stating: “For remotely situated or hard-to-access detection equipment, consideration needs to be given to the feasibility of testing and maintenance at the design stage.” (Clause 22.1).

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), is a 16 character alphanumeric code which will soon be required to appear on the labelling of all products classified as hazardous by the ECHA. This new directive is designed to enable faster identification of product contents, with the UFI code used to detail the composition, product category and toxicological information of the product and enable faster reaction and treatment of potential harm.

UFI codes will become mandatory on relevant products across Europe from January 2021.

Do remember A10S is globally approved non-flammable UL listed product.