Understanding The 3  Levels Of Data Center Fire Protection

Data center fire protection is paramount for IT and telecommunication companies. That’s because these centers contain a lot of wires, cables, electrical components, generators, backup systems, and more. A single short circuit or electrical malfunction can instantly cause a fire that might engulf the whole center, causing damages worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, implementing the right data center fire protection system can give you more peace of mind and protect your IT or telecommunication business. Keep reading to find out the three layers of fire protection for data centers.

What Is NFPA 75?

NFPA 75 is the standard required by data centers to function legally when it comes to fire protection systems. Without the NFPA 75 standard implemented, data centers are considered unsafe and the authorities could fine owners for not complying with the law. This standard involves a series of safety systems and security measures put in place to prevent fires and minimize their damages if they occur. For example, fire sprinkler systems are included in the NFPA 75 code as well as having an established evacuation plan, multiple fire extinguishers placed at certain intervals, and fire-retardant equipment.

Building Level

The first layer of fire protection for data centers incorporates security measures implemented at the building level. This means having a functional sprinkler system that reaches all corners of rooms to put out fires quickly if they occur. These sprinklers should be activated by heat and smoke detectors installed all around the data center rooms. At the same time, fire extinguishers need to be installed in the data center as well as flame-resistant assemblies for floors and roofs to contain fires if they start.

Room Level

There are fire protection systems at the room level too. These are more focused on detecting fires happening within the space where large IT infrastructure is stored. Fire sprinkler systems again come into play here and the fire protection professionals can equip these systems with more sensitive heat and smoke detectors. Although the sprinkler system provides excellent fire suppression capabilities, the water coming out of the sprinklers can also do damage to the electrical components. That’s why you might want to go for clean agent fire suppression systems that use an inert gas to put out fires. As a result, your electrical components and IT equipment will not be damaged in case of fire.

Rack Level

Rack level fire protection is also possible and this is ideal for data centers where IT and telecommunication components are worth a fortune. The sprinkler systems are installed at rack level for each unit and they can instantly detect a wire or cable that catches fire. The system will immediately put out the small fire before it spreads to other wires or electrical components.

You might be happy to find out that ASCO Fire provides the utmost protection and safety systems against fires of all kinds. If you have a large data center with valuable equipment inside, you need to protect it at all costs and secure the future of your business. Contact one of our specialists today to find out what type of fire protection system suits your business the best.

You might be happy to find out that regular fire safety equipment maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in damages and protect your employees against injuries. It’s great to have fire protection systems installed within your establishment but they also need to be maintained periodically to ensure proper functioning.

If you’re still not sure about why fire safety systems require regular inspections and maintenance then keep reading this article. You will discover how annual inspections can provide so many benefits for your business.

It Detects Expiring Equipment

You probably already know that fire extinguishers have a limited lifetime. They are guaranteed to last for a couple of years, but once they are expired, they cannot put out fires efficiently. That’s because the agent that gets sprayed on fires contains substances that expire after a while and you need to replace the fire extinguisher altogether once every couple of years. Fortunately, a regular fire safety inspection can quickly detect if your fire extinguishers are still operational and you can replace the expired ones if necessary. The same is true for other fire protection equipment and systems within your establishment such as evacuation plans, fire alarms, smoke detectors, and others.

It Ensures that Equipment Works Properly

Another great benefit of yearly fire inspections consists of proper equipment functioning in case of emergency. Having a damaged sprinkler system, for example, cannot stop fires accurately if they occur and this can cause a lot of problems for your company. Maintaining the sprinkler systems and ensuring that the pipes are not clogged or leaky can go a long way when it comes to putting out fires quickly. This is also true for smoke and heat detectors, fire alarms, and other fire systems you might have installed in your establishment.

Regular Maintenance Is Required by Law

Believe it or not, regular fire inspections are mandated by local authorities, so you need to comply with the law in your area. Keep in mind that a fire that spreads uncontrollably can cause serious damages to your business, adjacent buildings and can severely injure people. It’s virtually a matter of life and death and that’s why the authorities require companies to perform yearly fire inspections. By doing so, you avoid fines and secure the future of your business.

It Serves a Duty of Care

At the same time, you as a business owner, have a duty of care for your employees. You are responsible for providing safe and comfortable working conditions for your personnel and protecting their lives and wellbeing at all costs. Regularly maintaining the fire protection system is a key factor when it comes to keeping your workers safe and their morale up.

As you can see, it’s highly recommended to regularly inspect your fire equipment and fix flaws or replace expired fire extinguishers if necessary. This enables you to comply with the law and protect your business in case of fire. Contact ASCO Fire today to learn more about regular fire system inspections and what are their benefits for your business.

Having a fire protection system is great for your business, but it’s not enough just to have it installed. You also need to schedule annual fire inspections to ensure that your system is working properly and that there are no damaged or expiring parts.

Having a poorly functioning fire protection system exposes you to a multitude of risks, and you can avoid all of them with a simple annual inspection. If you’re still in doubt, then read on to discover the importance of scheduling regular fire inspections each year.

Gives Your Employees More Peace of Mind

As a business owner, you have a duty of care for your personnel. You need to provide them with safe and comfortable working conditions so that they can perform their job with peace of mind. 

Inspecting your fire system every year ensures that your building is protected against fires, and in case of emergency, the damages and casualties are minimized. At the same time, your employees will feel much safer knowing that you care about their well-being and that you do your best to protect them against fire hazards.

Help You Comply with Fire Codes

Annual fire inspections are not only highly recommended, but they are also required by law. Again, having a damaged fire protection system is no different than having no fire protection system. 

Therefore, you need to be proactive and schedule a fire inspection every year. If the professionals discover faults or expired equipment, you should prioritize fixing and replacing these products with new ones. As a result, you comply with fire protection codes in your area, and you can avoid fines and penalties worth thousands of dollars on average.

Ensure that Your Fire Suppression Systems Work Properly

Speaking of expiring equipment, did you know that fire extinguishers have a limited lifetime? In other words, they can be used effectively up to the date inscribed on their label. That’s because the mixture designed to put out the fire is made of chemicals and substances that can expire in a few years. 

Therefore, you should inspect your fire extinguishers annually to ensure they’re still functional. Since you’re probably a busy property owner, the professionals can check your fire extinguishers for you during the annual inspection.

Enjoy a Smaller Insurance Premium

You might be happy to find out that certain insurance companies can provide a lower business premium for buildings that have fire inspections done each year. That’s because these establishments pose a lower risk of heavy damages and casualties in case of a fire. As a result, an annual fire inspection doesn’t only help you comply with the law, but it can also save you some money in the long run.

Identify Problems Early On

Annual fire system inspections allow businesses to detect potential issues before they escalate into serious threats. Inspectors can identify signs of wear or damage in critical components such as the fire sprinkler system, control valve, or switch. 

For example, a minor leak in a pipe might go unnoticed during daily operations but could drastically reduce the water pressure needed for effective firefighting. Addressing such problems on a yearly basis not only protects your building but also strengthens fire prevention efforts by maintaining operational readiness across all systems.

Address and Resolve Weak Points

Routine yearly inspections can highlight areas of vulnerability within your business’s fire protection setup. An evaluation by a professional can potentially uncover misaligned components or faulty equipment, such as a malfunctioning fire pump or compromised valve, that could impede the fire department’s response during an emergency.

By examining the fire alarm system and related components like the smoke detectors and control switches, businesses can act on these weak points promptly. Such action keeps systems in compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards while improving workplace safety.

Staying Up-to-Date With Building Changes

As buildings evolve through renovations or layout modifications, fire safety systems must adapt in response. Conducting inspections annually allows experienced technicians to verify that the fire sprinkler configuration matches current structural and occupancy changes. 

For instance, a relocated pipe or altered ceiling height may affect spray coverage and reduce the effectiveness of the entire fire sprinkler system. Routine checks also ensure proper regulation of new installations and confirm that the system operates effectively within the updated building layout.

Save Money Through Preventative Action

Investing in annual fire system inspections can potentially lead to long-term savings. Early detection of a failing valve, low pressure in a fire pump, or pipe corrosion allows for targeted repairs before full-scale replacements become necessary.

Maintaining fire protection components, like the water delivery network and fire alarm system, supports efficient operation and reduces unexpected downtime. In the context of regulatory compliance, proactive maintenance also helps avoid fines or penalties by meeting inspection mandates and fire prevention regulations.

Call ASCO Fire Today for Your Annual Inspection

As you can see, scheduling annual fire alarm and sprinkler system inspections within your establishment can provide plenty of benefits. ASCO Fire specializes in fire protection services, inspections, and maintenance. 

Our experts use the latest technology to inspect your fire protection systems and perform repairs and improvements if necessary. Contact one of our specialists today to schedule your annual inspection. 

You probably heard in the news about a fire in healthcare facilities that caused significant damages and injuries to patients and personnel. Such unfortunate events can be prevented by using the right fire suppression systems. One of the reasons why fires start in hospitals and clinics is that these establishments incorporate a plethora of electrical components, health-monitoring systems, and other similar devices. A single short-circuit is enough to cause a problem.

Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent fires from starting in the first place. Here are some of the best tips and tricks you can take advantage of to avoid fires in your healthcare facility altogether.

Monitor Kitchens Properly

Believe it or not, most fires in healthcare facilities and commercial buildings start in the kitchen. This might happen because of unattended cooking appliances, untrained staff, and other reasons. You should prioritize fire containment and prevention in your kitchens. For example, make sure that you have a few fire extinguishers placed in every kitchen and ensure that your personnel knows how to use them. Secondly, you might want to consider installing hood sprinkler systems. These devices are placed above the cooking appliances and they can immediately spray water and put out fires if they occur.

Inspect Fire Suppression Systems Regularly

Having a poorly-functioning fire suppression system is equal to not having it at all. These devices can save lives and thousands of dollars in damages if they are properly maintained. An annual fire inspection is required by law, so you should prioritize having your fire sprinkler systems checked by professionals on a regular basis. For example, the fire experts will look at your fire extinguishers and see if they are expired. They will check the sensitivity of heat and smoke detectors, see if the sprinkler systems are clogged, and so on. Inspecting your fire suppression systems regularly also gives you more peace of mind.

Educate Employees on How to Use Fire Extinguishers

As mentioned earlier, you should train employees on how to use fire extinguishers. Although using one is not difficult, periodic training about this topic will help the information to sink in at a deeper level. This is necessary because if a fire starts, employees shouldn’t waste time trying to remember how to use a fire extinguisher. Also, keep in mind that a fire starting in your establishment is an emergency situation that can create panic and confusion. You need to rely on trained employees to keep their composure and act quickly to put out the fire.

Designate Smoking Areas Away from Oxygen Tanks

Oxygen tanks and smoking cigarettes don’t make a good pair. Make sure that you create smoking areas outside the perimeter of your healthcare facility and most importantly, away from oxygen tanks. Employees smoking near oxygen tanks is one of the leading causes of fires in hospitals and clinics.

Healthcare facilities should go the extra mile to prevent fires in the first place and contain them if they occur. Protecting the lives of patients and valuable personnel working in hospitals and clinics should be a top priority for owners and managers. Contact ASCO Fire today to learn more about the various fire protection systems that can be implemented in healthcare facilities today.

As you probably know already, fire extinguishers are an absolute must when it comes to putting out fires quickly and avoiding injuries and damages to personal belongings. These devices are easy to use, easy to store and they can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

But how many fire extinguishers do you need in your building? And are all fire extinguishers the same? Keep reading this article to learn more about these fire protection products and how to choose the right ones for your establishment.

It Depends on the Size of Your Building

Fire extinguishers are required by law to be placed at certain intervals inside a commercial building. This ensures that in case of a fire emergency, people can easily find a fire extinguisher nearby to put out the fire quickly. As a general rule of thumb, fire extinguishers should be placed at around 50-100 feet distance from one another. This is true for every floor of your commercial building and it significantly minimizes the chances of having fires spreading to other spaces or adjacent buildings.

It Depends on the Type of Fire You Might Be Exposed to

At the same time, there are multiple types of fires that can start in a commercial building depending on what fuels the flames. For example, common fires caused by paper, plastic packaging items, and other regular items that you might find in an office or commercial space are classified as type A fires. Similarly, fires started by flammable gasses and liquids such as oil, gasoline, or kerosene are known as type B fires. Lastly, fires started by faulty electrical wiring or short-circuits are categorized as type C fires. Following this trend, fire extinguishers are designed to put out these specific types of fires, so you’ll have type A, type B, and type C fire extinguishers respectively to install in your commercial building.

It Depends on Whether Your Building Has Cooking Areas or Not

If your establishment also features kitchens and cooking areas, you might need to have type K fire extinguishers installed. These products are specifically designed to put out fires started in cooking areas and they are highly effective at doing so. If your commercial building features a lot of kitchens, you need to prioritize acquiring more type K fire extinguishers.

Your Personnel Must Also Know How to Use Them

Having a lot of fire extinguishers in your commercial building is great, but if your employees don’t know how to use them in an emergency situation, these products are virtually useless. Therefore, make sure that you schedule frequent gatherings to instruct your personnel on how to use a fire extinguisher properly. There’s no time for confusion or “reading the label” if a fire has started in your building.

You might be happy to find out that ASCO Fire is ready to assist you in finding the right fire extinguishers for your commercial building, according to existing rules and regulations. Contact one of our specialists today to learn more about the importance of fire extinguishers and their types. We have years of experience in the fire protection industry and we have already worked with hundreds of clients to provide appropriate fire suppression solutions.

A fire suppression system provides one of the best automatic safety measures against fires of all kinds starting in a commercial or office building. These systems have been developed by experts to spray water or a special agent to put out fires almost instantly if they are detected indoors. As a result, they can save lives and thousands of dollars in damages done to IT infrastructure, furniture items, and so on.

If you’re not yet aware of the full benefits fire suppression systems provide then keep reading. You will soon discover why it’s so important to have a fire protection mechanism in place 24/7 within your establishment.

It Minimizes Potential Damages

Fires can start in a building for various reasons. It’s almost impossible to eliminate the risks completely, but you can do so much to minimize the damages done to your equipment. For example, if a fire suppression system detects flames in a certain room, it will automatically spray water or a clean agent to put it out. As a result, the fire is contained, the damages have been minimized and the flames didn’t spread to adjacent rooms. In this case, you might need to spend just several hundred dollars replacing damaged equipment in that room instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars replacing equipment engulfed by a large fire.

You Avoid Fines and Penalties

You probably already know that not having a working fire protection system installed within your business might result in fines and penalties from local authorities. This happens because a regular fire can cause so much damage and so many injuries to personnel working in an establishment. The authorities enforce laws to make business owners add fire suppression systems and protect their employees. Therefore, one of the advantages of installing a fire protection system is that you avoid fines and penalties from local governing bodies.

It Minimizes Injuries

You can do a lot to prevent fires from starting within your commercial or office building, but sooner or later, a fire emergency will likely occur. In this case, having a fire suppression system put in place can minimize injuries to your personnel and even save lives in some cases. Fire protection systems can quickly take out a fire and contain it in a single room, giving your workers a chance to escape. Minimizing injuries to your personnel is probably the most important benefit of installing fire safety equipment.

You Might Obtain a Lower Insurance Premium

Yes, you read it right. Some insurance companies are willing to offer a reduction in business premiums if you have a functioning fire suppression system installed in your building. This happens because the insurance company sees your business as a safer establishment and you can benefit from a lower premium. As a result, you can save thousands of dollars over the years just by having a working fire suppression system installed in your company.

Hopefully, you are now aware of the benefits provided by a properly-installed fire suppression system and you can make a more informed decision. Get in touch with one of our specialists today to learn more about sprinkler systems and other fire safety equipment suitable for your business. Our experts will help you find the right fire suppression system for your company.

There are many causes of commercial building fires and these can cause serious damages and injuries to employees and visitors. A commercial building usually incorporates restaurants with kitchens, numerous electrical components, wires, etc, so there are a lot of things that could go wrong. Fortunately, you can also do a lot to protect your business and prevent fires from happening in the first place.

But before you can prevent fires, you need to know what causes them from happening. Dive into this article and learn more about commercial building fires and their causes.

Malfunctioning Kitchen Appliances

Most fires in a commercial building, healthcare facility, or other establishment start in the kitchen. That’s because a kitchen provides a plethora of sources of an open fire. It only takes one spark or unattended kitchen appliance for a fire to start and spread all over the room. Therefore, make sure that you install a few fire extinguishers in every kitchen of your commercial building. Also, you should consider adding hood sprinkler systems that immediately detect fires starting on your cooking appliances. These sprinkler systems can put out a fire before it becomes dangerous and difficult to deal with.

Unintentional Fires

Unintentional fires can happen outside kitchens as well. For example, if someone doesn’t put out a cigarette properly, this might start a fire, especially if there are papers or packaging items around the ashtray. Fires can also start in mechanical rooms or in places where there are a lot of wires and electrical components. Ideally, you should inspect the electrical system of your commercial building every year and replace damaged or old wires that could cause a short circuit.

Intentional Fires

Unfortunately, there is also this possibility. Intentional fires or arson account for about 10% of all fires started in commercial buildings. These usually happen after business hours when most employees and visitors have left the building. As a result, the fire can spread easier because there’s little to no personnel to ring the fire alarm or attempt to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher. One way you can minimize the possibility of intentional fires is to enhance the security within your commercial building. Install surveillance cameras, lock entrances to your establishment after business hours and add more sophisticated heat and smoke alarms.

HVAC Problems

Not only can the electrical system become faulty and cause a fire, but HVAC installations can also become problematic. HVAC systems usually consume a lot of power and they ensure the transfer of heat to various places within your commercial building. These installations need to be properly maintained on an annual basis to prevent damages to the pipes, fittings, electrical components, heating wires, and other elements.

Preventing commercial building fires is not an easy thing, but you can do so much to mitigate the problem and minimize damages and injuries in case a fire starts. It’s all about being proactive and taking safety precautions to anticipate fires that might start by accident or intentionally. Contact ASCO Fire today to learn more about fire protection systems suitable for commercial buildings.

You might be happy to find out that you can protect commercial buildings from fire if you use the right equipment and safety systems. Commercial buildings are occupied by hundreds of people and finding ways to prevent and contain fires is paramount. Luckily, there are many things you can do to protect your commercial building against the damaging effects of fire.

Installing fire protection systems doesn’t only give you more peace of mind, but it’s also required by law. Keep reading to find out how you can protect your business against fire and secure the future of your commercial building.

Focus on Preventing Fires

The first line of defense against fires is prevention. You should do everything you can to prevent fire from starting in the first place. For example, make sure that your personnel doesn’t use candles or other similar items that could start a fire. If space heaters are used, they should be monitored 24/7. Also, make a habit to clear away clutter, papers, packaging items, and other goods that might provide fuel for a fire. Create smoking areas outside the building and empty ashtrays on a daily basis to minimize the risk of fire.

Have Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an absolute must in every commercial building. Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher available every 50 or 75 feet within your commercial building. They should be ready for usage and easily accessible by employees. Also, make sure that you periodically train your staff to use a fire extinguisher correctly. Having these items available but not providing the knowledge on how to use fire extinguishers will render them useless in case of a real fire.

Install a Fire Alarm System

Fire alarm systems can go a long way when it comes to protecting your commercial building against fires of all kinds. Not only that they are connected to the closest firefighter station, but they can also ring an alarm so that employees can get out of the building while the fire is still in its early stages. Fire alarm systems are based on heat and smoke detectors and they can instantly detect a fire if it starts within your establishment. You should collaborate with fire protection professionals to find out where the smoke detectors should be installed for maximum efficiency.

Consider Installing Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire sprinkler systems work in tandem with fire alarm systems and they provide utmost protection when it comes to putting out fires or containing them. These sprinklers consist of arrays of pipes positioned at roof level. If a fire is detected, they automatically spray water in rooms to put out the fire. This type of system can save you thousands of dollars in damages as well as save precious human lives.

At ASCO Fire, we strive to provide excellent fire protection services to businesses of all sizes. Whether you need more fire extinguishers for your building or your commercial establishment requires a sophisticated sprinkler system, our experts know how to help. Contact ASCO Fire today and learn more about our affordable and customizable fire protection systems.

Believe it or not, most fires starting in commercial or office buildings as well as healthcare facilities happen in the kitchen. If you think about it, this is quite obvious. Kitchens feature a lot of open fires, cooking appliances, and other fire hazards, so there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Fortunately, kitchen fire suppression systems have been around for a while and they can save lives as well as thousands of dollars worth of damage.

If you haven’t heard about these systems before and you’re curious about how they work then keep reading this article. You’ll find out everything you need to know about kitchen fire protection systems and their benefits.

Why Are Fire Suppression Systems Necessary in Kitchens?

A regular kitchen usually features a stove, oven, multiple cooking appliances, hot cooking oil, and open sources of fire. As a result, fires can start by accident at any time. For example, untrained or unattentive personnel might accidentally start a fire while preparing meals for clients or patients. On top of that, the numerous appliances present in any modern kitchen present a significant electrical hazard too. A single short-circuit or malfunctioning equipment could start a fire. That’s why you need fire suppression systems in kitchens – to put out and contain fires quickly before they get out of control.

How Does a Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression System Work?

You might be happy to find out that it’s possible to install hood fire suppression systems in your kitchen. Think of those as mini-sprinklers added on top of cooking appliances. They work based on heat and smoke sensors and have a high rate of effectiveness when it comes to detecting fires. If a fire starts in the kitchen, this system will immediately spray water or a clean agent on top of the fire to put it out. As a result, damages are minimized, lives are saved and the fire doesn’t get a chance to spread to other rooms in your building.

What Buildings Could Benefit from Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems?

As mentioned earlier, virtually any establishment or building that incorporates kitchens can benefit from fire suppression systems installed in these rooms. For example, restaurants and coffee shops are the main places where a kitchen fire suppression system is highly recommended. Hospitals, clinics, office and commercial buildings, kindergartens, schools, day-care facilities, and so on are other great examples of properties that could benefit from kitchen fire suppression systems.

What Are the Other Benefits of a Kitchen Fire Suppression System?

On top of the obvious benefit of putting out and containing fires, there are other advantages to this fire protection system. For example, your personnel working in the kitchen has more peace of mind. You minimize damages done to your equipment and you might even benefit from a lower premium from your insurance carrier as your establishment is considered safer.

Hopefully, now you know more about kitchen fire suppression systems and how beneficial they can be for restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other establishments incorporating kitchens. Contact one of our specialists today to learn more about kitchen suppression systems and how to install one suitable for your business needs.