In January 2023, FM Global released the latest revised version of Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 5-32 for data centers and related facilities. With this document FM Global allows equipment in data rooms using lithium-ion batteries in distributed power systems to be protected with automatic water mist systems.
With this decision, the international organization fully approved the water mist systems for the protection of all areas in data centers.
FM Global constantly updates its data sheets based on new but proven technologies. FM Global’s acceptance of water mist as a viable data center protection technology is the next big news in the fire industry, after 3M announced phasing out of Novec 1230 as part of the company’s decision to exit of all PFAS products by the end of 2025. Novec 1230 is one of the main clean agents that have been used in recent years for fire suppression in data centers.
According to experts in the firefighting industry these events will significantly and quickly affect the development of the sector. There will be increased demand from contractors and investors for water mist solutions as proven to be the greenest, the most effective and the most cost-efficient technology that brings value to people, business and the environment.
VID FIREKILL, as a leading company in the firefighting industry, has already had a FM approved low pressure water mist system specifically designed for data center protection. The system is approved to protect all areas in modern data centers including server rooms, sub floors and false ceilings, technical rooms, offices, and more. Compared to traditional sprinklers, the system uses significantly less water while operating at low water pressure – a significant advantage over high-pressure water mist systems. The VID FIREKILL system is completely safe for people, the environment and equipment.
