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JoinTheDiscussion 10 points ago +10 / -0

anyone familiar with NFPA 704? specifically the type of fire supression system inside that would warrant a 3-4-1-W?

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BUTERBALZ 13 points ago +13 / -0

A building of this sort would likely use Halon or a similar fire suppression system. This type of fire suppression is commonly used in data centers, communications hubs etc.

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Snapplebrisk [S] 2 points ago +2 / -0

I like data your pulling, would there be any justification for a chemical that reacts with water being at a data center?

edit: Could just be the company trying to keep fire fighters from using water (which would damage their tech).

The last question left to answer is the health hazard rating.

Fire rating 4 = Propane for back-up generators Instability Rating = Propane No Water = Save the Drives Health Hazard of 3 = ?....where is this coming from?

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BUTERBALZ 3 points ago +3 / -0

Likely the case in my opinion. Using water would not be the most effective way of extinguishing an electrical fire. Other collateral damage would also be caused when using water for electrical fires including residue, oxidation and possible damage to otherwise healthy equipment. Halon or "like" products have no oxidation nor residue left behind and simply starves the fire of oxygen.

In regard to health hazard 3: if Halon is indeed used, while in use, it can potentially cause a major health hazard to humans because like fires, humans also require oxygen to live.

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Snapplebrisk [S] 2 points ago +2 / -0

True. It's just there's something off about it. NFPA diamonds are meant for fire fighters, who wear oxygen tanks. Halon can be deadly to humans when it interacts with fire which could warrant the rating. Thing is, there's the oxygen tanks. Every other time I've seen a health rating of 3 was with benzene compounds which are carcinogenic, or highly corrosive compounds.

I think looking at other data centers NFPA diamonds could be helpful. I'll try and find some on google street view tomorrow. If they are similar, it's probably nothing, if they aren't then somethings up.

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deleted 2 points ago +2 / -0
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deleted 1 point ago +1 / -0