AI Data Centres and the Rising Need for Fire Suppression in High-Density Server Environments

AI data centre fire suppression should be a primary concern for any facility operator, due to the unique nature of high-density AI servers and the amount of electrical energy passing through them.

While all data centres need significant amounts of cooling, AI server farms in particular can run especially hot. Their exceptionally high processing power and leading-edge rate of operation means a lot of excess energy is exhausted as heat.

In this guide to fire protection for high-density server environments, we will look at some of the characteristics of these facilities, the basics of data centre fire risk management, and the best Fire Shield fire safety solutions for data centres running AI installations.

AI Data Centres and Their Unique Demands

Artificial intelligence, sometimes called ‘machine learning’, has surged in recent years. The Stanford University AI Index Report 2024 found that private investment in generative AI increased eight-fold in 2023 to pass $25 billion (nearly £20 billion) worldwide.

There are many different types of AI. Some of the most familiar to the public include ‘large language models’ like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, as well as AI image generation tools like Midjourney and Bing Image Creator.

Machine learning can process vast quantities of cloud-based data to analyse trends and make accurate forecasts. This ability to cut through enormous swathes of ‘big data’ is why AI’s economic potential is so huge.

Understanding the Fire Risks in High-Density, High-Energy Server Environments

Data centre fire risk management is a growing concern worldwide. In 2020, the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) estimated that over 38.5 TWh of electricity was consumed by UK data centres, equivalent to 11.4% of the country’s total annual electricity generation.

As work continues to make data centres more energy efficient, recommended running temperatures are increasing. The UKERC noted that data centres historically had a target running temperature of 18-21 C, but that in recent years this has increased to 18-27 C, while equipment datasheets often state a maximum acceptable temperature of 35 C.

Meanwhile in the UK, many data centres are built to make use of free indirect fresh-air cooling, as the country’s climate averages 6-14 C annually; however, this raises the risk of overheating during summer, when temperatures can reach up to the high 30s.

Higher Fire Risks in AI Server Farms

The high-density server racks used in AI server farms generate even more heat in a smaller area, creating the perfect conditions for overheating and the start of electrical fires.

Some of the ways for these fires to start include:

• Electrical faults
• Overloaded circuits
• Lithium-ion battery fires in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

Human error, accumulated dust and liquid spills can all introduce a source of ignition into AI data centres when equipment is running at very high temperatures.

AI data centre fire suppression is made more challenging by the layout of these facilities. With pressure to reduce physical footprints, more AI server farms are becoming much more tightly packed, causing restricted airflow that can raise fire risks further.

The Importance of Specialised Fire Suppression Systems in AI Data Centres

Traditional fire suppression systems are not enough to adequately protect AI data centres. The presence of UPS lithium-ion batteries is a specific risk, while more generally, there is a need for rapid response systems that minimise damage to hardware.

Fire Shield fire safety solutions for data centres running AI installations are designed to detect the earliest signs of fire, including rapid rises in temperature, to respond with fast, targeted suppression that can allow server operations to continue uninterrupted.

Our high-density server fire suppression systems are tailor-made to rise to the unique challenges posed by AI, so that you can meet and exceed your AI data centre fire risk management obligations.

Preventing Pain Points in AI Data Centres

Fires in AI data centres can have significant negative outcomes in terms of business interruption, equipment damage and complex compliance issues. Installing AI server room fire suppression systems like watermist can help to mitigate all these pain points.

Preventing costly downtime

Rapid response watermist systems control fires more effectively and, where possible, extinguish the initial flames to allow your business to continue operating without any downtime.

Ensuring compliance with complex regulations

Installing comprehensive fire protection for AI data centres demonstrates that you have met your obligation to conduct an adequate fire risk assessment and act on the findings, as well as meeting building regulations in newly constructed data centres.

Protecting expensive and sensitive hardware

Targeted fire suppression from low-pressure watermist systems means only the immediate vicinity of the fire is affected, and total volume of water is substantially reduced. This can minimise (and in some cases eliminate) fire and water damage to your most valuable hardware.

How Fire Shield Systems Supports Fire Safety in High-Density AI Data Centres

Fire Shield Systems’ data centre and server room fire suppression systems are professionally designed solutions to all the risks associated with running a top-end data centre.

This includes the risk of overheating and electrical faults in AI server rooms, but it also extends to other assets, including the switch room and specific fire suppression for your cooling system.

Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices for AI Data Centre Fire Safety

We can advise you on industry standards, regulations and best practices for AI data centre fire safety.

ISO/IEC 22237-2:2024 Information Technology. Data Centre Facilities and Infrastructures – Building Construction is one of the British Standards that sets out guidance for incorporating firefighting systems into new-build data centres, as well as requirements and recommendations for fire compartments and barriers.

For existing facilities, ISO/IEC 22237-6:2024 Information Technology. Data Centre Facilities and Infrastructures – Security Systems Chapter 8 includes detailed information about protection against internal fires igniting in data centre spaces.

Fire Shield Systems’ fire suppression solutions are designed and regularly updated to comply with all relevant current industry standards, giving you peace of mind in issues of operational safety and regulatory compliance.

Importance of Early Detection in AI Server Farm Fires

Early detection and non-damaging suppression agents allow for immediate control of fires, either extinguishing the blaze, or keeping it in check until further response by emergency services is possible.

Our fire protection for high-density server environments benefits from our partnerships with cutting-edge technology developers, to ensure that we always offer the best fire mitigation solutions possible.

Supporting AI Data Centres with Proactive Fire Safety Solutions

Fire protection for high-density servers has always been a priority, but the blistering pace of growth in AI server installations makes it more important than ever to invest in reliable, regulatory-compliant fire suppression systems like those available from Fire Shield Systems.

We have the expertise, the experience and the cutting-edge technology needed to create AI data centre fire suppression solutions that meet the unique challenges of your facility, using methods like low-pressure watermist to minimise preventable damage.

By paying attention upfront to high-density server fire suppression systems like ours, you meet your obligations regarding data centre fire risk management. But more than that, you improve the longevity and resilience of your AI server room, preventing costly downtime and data loss.

To find out more about any of the issues raised on this page, contact Fire Shield Systems now at info@fireshieldsystemsltd.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)800 975 5767.