Yes Virginia, Data Center Fires Really Do Happen November 26, 2014
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, Fenwal, fire, fire alarm, fire alarm systems, fire protection, fire suppression, fire suppression systems, Fire Systems
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Responding to recent comments from a facility manager that fires in data centers are rare, Onward and Upward offers a recap of three such fires that have happened in the previous 11 months with details on each.
♦ A fully-powered, but unused transient-voltage surge suppressor (TVSS) failed in the Hoover State Office Building’s basement l
evel data center on the afternoon of February 18, 2014. The failure caused significant damage to the unit and produced smoke throughout the room. A quick-thinking employee activated a manual release station that discharged over 2,400 pounds of FM-200 clean fire-suppressing agent throughout the room and raised floor. In addition, the agent release also triggered the emergency-power-off circuit dropping power to critical equipment.
The Des Moines, Iowa fire department responded within minutes of receiving the signal from the building’s automatic fire alarm system. Upon arrival, the fire was extinguished and personnel were assessing the fire damage and working to restore operations.
♦ The catastrophic failure of a capacitor caused dense smoke to be generated within the cabinet of an uninterruptible 
power supply (UPS) unit at a central Iowa data center on March 19, 2014. The FM-200 clean agent fire suppression system incorporated a VESDA air-sampling smoke detection system that quickly sensed the smoke and automatically released 385 pounds of agent. The fire was extinguished by the time local fire teams arrived on the scene.
While the facility itself was unaffected by smoke damage or the clean agent discharge, it took over a day and a half for personnel to locate the failed component deep within the UPS unit.
♦ The malfunction over-heating of evaporator coils on a self-contained computer room air-conditioner ignited collected dust and paper filaments in the raised floor of a Des Moines area data room. The slow smoldering of the materials was sensed by a smoke detector located under the raised floor on the evening of September 18, 2014. A second smoke detector confirmed the smoke condition and initiated the discharge sequence that notified the building’s automatic fire alarm system and released 274 pounds of FM-200.
The small data room was unoccupied at the time of the event. When facility and fire department personnel arrived, the fire was extinguished and there was no damage caused by the agent’s discharge.
While it maybe uncommon to have three events occur within a short time span, it’s clear that it’s not uncommon for fires to occur in data centers. Each of these incidents could have easily gotten out-of-hand and escalated into major disruptions for these facilities. However, because of forethought by prudent operators and well-designed and maintained clean agent fire suppression systems, the effects of each of these fires was minimized so that mission-critical functions could return to normal.
NFPA Considering New Standard for Hybrid, Gas and Fine Water Droplet Systems May 23, 2013
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: clean agent, clean agents, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, fire suppression systems, Fire Systems, FSSA, insurance underwriters, life safety, NFPA, nfpa standards council, Protex Central, water droplet, water mist systems
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The NFPA Standards Council is considering a proposal by Victaulic for a proposed new standard for Hybrid, gas and fine water droplet systems. The Council is soliciting public comments on the need for the project, information on resources on the subject matter, those interested in participating on a technical committee if established, and experience in the intended application of this technology. The Council is specifically looking for manufacturers that 
are actively developing hybrid droplet systems and whether there are enough common installation practices and procedures available to support a standard, and the intended application for this technology. The Council is also seeking input on whether the subject matter could be covered by an existing technical committee or possibly through the creation of a new document.
I’ve written to NFPA in support of such a standard’s creation. Here’s my pitch:
As a 28 year veteran of the special hazards fire suppression industry and from my vantage point as past president of the Fire Suppression Systems Association, I write in support of a new standard for hybrid, gas and fine water droplet systems.
The innovative technology involved with these hybrid systems is not adequately addressed by any existing NFPA standard whether it be NFPA 13, NFPA 15, NFPA 750 or NFPA 2001. Because of the lack of any clear and definitive standard, these new hybrid systems are at a disadvantage in the marketplace. AHJ’s, insurance underwriters, owners, engineers and other stakeholders are reluctant to embrace these systems because of no nationally recognized standard to which they can look for guidance in the design, installation, testing and maintenance of these systems. Moreover, independent third party testing agencies are prevented from listing such systems without the existence of a nationally recognized standard from an organization such as NFPA.
As an installer of special hazards systems including clean agent and water mist systems, I see a clear need for an independent standard. Too often we see applications that have to settle for a less than optimum solution because there is no national standard to which they can turn for reference and support. This is a disservice to a marketplace that is innovating new products and systems, yet is prevented from the benefits of similar fire suppression innovation because of the lack of a standard.
I encourage NFPA to seriously consider the establishment of a separate standard for hybrid, gas and fine water droplet systems. If need be, I would be willing to consider submitting my qualifications and resume for membership on such a new standard committee. Feel free to contact me if I may be of further assistance to the Standards Council in considering this important request.
The public comment phase is open until May 30, 2013. Persons wishing to submit comments should address them to Amy Cronin, Standards Council Secretary and e-mail to mmanyard@nfpa.org.
Industry To Gather for FSSA 31st Annual Forum February 22, 2013
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, FSSA, hot aisle cold aisle, NFPA, Protex Central
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Over 170 industry leaders will gather for the 31st Fire Suppression Systems Association Annual Forum in Bonita Springs, Florida beginning Saturday, February 23rd through Tuesday, February 26, 2013. 
A variety of topics ranging from economic outlooks to environmental impact trends will engage the attendees. Mixed with industry networking opportunities and social events The 31st Annual Forum is shaping up to be another great meeting.
Onward and Upward will blog daily from the meeting site with observations and industry insights. Stay tuned!
To learn more about FSSA, visit www.fssa.net
Happy 47th Birthday, Protex Central! February 1, 2013
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems.Tags: alarm, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, life safety, low-voltage, Protex Central, security
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Protex Central, Inc. marks the start of its 47th year in business today, February 1, 2013.
Through its first 46 years, Protex Central, as a 2012 SAMMY Award Finalist for Installer of the Year, has become a nationally recognized systems integrator in the fire and security market space.
Starting with only himself and a helper, Dennis Mullen, Chairman of the Board, has provided the vision and leadership of this dynamic and reliable enterprise. Operating from three fully-staffed office locations, Protex Central provides a variety of installation, testing and maintenance services across numerous vertical markets.
With second generation firmly in place, Protex Central’s envisioned future is to become the premier systems integrator in its marketplace by continuing to provide premium-level customer experiences. To learn more about Protex Central’s envisioned future click here.
Protex Central Presents to Hawkeye State Fire Safety November 1, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Iowa Alarm Association.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, iowa state fire marshal, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central
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Protex Central recently presented to annual meeting of the Hawkeye State Fire Safety Association at the new Fire Department in Ankeny, Iowa. The gathering of over 100 building, fire and code officials from across Iowa featured education sessions on a variety of current topics including the latest 
revisions to the International Building Code and International Fire Code.
Protex Central presented a noontime review of recent changes in agent design concentrations featured in the 2011 edition of NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Shawn Mullen, President and Chief Energy Officer at Protex Central, delivered the presentation and fielded questions from the attendees.
For more information about the Hawkeye State Fire Safety Association click here.
Lund Fire Protection Appointed As Waukee Plan Reviewer September 30, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, Iowa Alarm Association.Tags: alarm, clean agent, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, life safety, Mass Notification Systems, NFPA, Protex Central, security
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The City of Waukee, Iowa has appointed Lund Fire Protection of Norwalk, Iowa as the third party plan reviewer. According to the official announcement from Cory Pergande, of the Waukee Fire Department, “starting September 24th, 2012 all new construction projects inolving a fire protection system (e.g. fire alarm, Type I hood extinguishing systems, fire pumps, sprinkler, standpipe and clean agent systems) submittals must be submitted to our third party reviewer.”
The announcement further indicates “questions about code interpretations should still be directed to Cory Pergande at the Waukee Fire department for consideration, our third-party reviewer only reviews plans to the extent of the applicable codes and standards and does not approve any alternative designs. Submittal approval, disapproval, and the granting of permits to start work must still be obtained for the City of Waukee.”
In addition to Lund Fire Protection, owner Jonathan Lund, currently serves as President of the Hawkeye State Fire Inspectors Association.
For additional information about this new process, contact Cory Pergrande at the Waukee, Iowa Fire Department or via e-mail at: cpergande@waukee.org.
Popular Clean and Green Demos Set for July 25th and 26th July 18, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, Data Centers, fire, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, hot aisle cold aisle, life safety, NFPA, Protex Central
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Protex Central’s popular Clean and Green Fire Suppression Demonstrations dates are set for Wednesday, July 25th in our Urbandale, Iowa offices and Thursday, July 26th in our newly relocated Omaha, Nebraska offices.
If you’ve never experienced a clean agent fire suppression event, here’s your chance.
You can learn more by visiting:
Protex Central Earns A+ BBB Rating July 6, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Change Leadership, Fire Protection, Fire Systems, Good Stuff to Share.Tags: alarm, Change Leadership, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, life safety, Protex Central, security
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Protex Central has earned a Better Business Bureau A+ rating for customer complaint resolution.
According to the recently released BBB report, Protex Central “meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.”
Additionally, the report notes “BBB accreditation does not mean that the business’ products or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB, or that BBB has made a determination as to the business’ product quality or competency in performing services.”
The Better Business Bureau has not recorded a single customer complaint for Protex Central in the last three years. Protex Central has been a member of the BBB since 1999.
In announcing the report, Shawn Mullen, President and Chief Energy Officer, commented that “we are pleased to be recognized by the BBB for our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe it’s the cornerstone of our core purpose to strengthen our business by protecting yours.”
A copy of the report is available by clicking here.
$40K Electrical Fire At Iowa State University Extinguished with Hand-Held Extingusher June 30, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Iowa Alarm Association.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, NFPA, Protex Central
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According to press reports, an early morning fire at the Metals Building on Iowa State University campus on Friday, June 29, 2012, was extinguished with a hand-held extinguisher.
The Ames Tribune states no injuries have been reported in a fire that damaged electrical equipment at Iowa State University in Ames. http://bit.ly/N2Ekeq The Ames Tribune reports that firetrucks were sent to the university’s Metals Development Building at 8 a.m. Friday. Heavy smoke was pouring from a room on the second floor. Firefighters used an extinguisher to put out the flames.
Ames Fire Department Capt. Rich Higgins says the fire damaged only electrical equipment. The fire cause is being investigated.
Protex Central provides clean agent fire suppression systems featuring NOVEC 1230 Fire Protection Fluid by 3M to automatically protect hazards such as electrical rooms.
Visit www.protexcentral.com to learn more about NOVEC 1230 Fire Protection Fluid by 3M and other clean agent fire suppression alternatives.
Fire System Contractors Advisory Board To Meet February 20, 2013 June 8, 2012
Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, Iowa Alarm Association, Security Systems, Uncategorized.Tags: alarm, clean agent, clean agents, fire, fire alarm, fire protection, fire suppression, Fire Systems, life safety, low-voltage, NFPA, Protex Central, security
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The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office has announced that a Fire Extinguishing System Contractors and Alarm Systems Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 20, 2013 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the ICN Room #122 at the Public Safety Building – 215 East 7th Street in Des Moines.
The proposed agenda includes:
- Call to Order – Chairperson Hoover
- Introduction of New Licensing Clerk, Jeannie Shepherd
- Approve February 1, 2012 Meeting Minutes
- Continuing Education for the Fire Protection Installer & Maintenance Worker Licensing
- Licensing Endorsements for the Fire Protection Installer & Maintenance Worker for Pre-engineered kitchen and Pre-engineered industrial
- Jonathan Lund, City of Des Moines Fire Department
a) Underground piping for sprinkler systems
b) Fire alarm installation as it relates to electricians
c) Residential 13D systems
- Presentation on The Compliance Engine – Ray Reynolds
- Public Comment
- Other Business
For information about the Board or to contact the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, call 515-725-6156 or visit the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Web Site.
Onward and Upward 