BSI Standards PublicationInformation technology -Data centre facilities and infrastructures -Part 2-1: Building construction... Data centres are housing and supporting the information t
Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions in EN 50600-1 and the following apply
An access floor system features fully removable and interchangeable floor panels, supported by adjustable pedestals linked by stringers This design enables the utilization of the space beneath the floor for building services.
3.1.2 access provider operator of any facility that is used to convey telecommunications signals to and from a customer premises
The building entrance facility is essential for facilitating the entry of telecommunications cables into a structure It provides all necessary mechanical and electrical services, enabling a seamless transition from external to internal cabling systems.
3.1.4 modular construction method which uses standardized prefabricated construction elements with the possibility to add extra elements when more space is required
3.1.5 pathway defined route for different media between identified points
Note 1 to entry: Examples for media are bus bars, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes
3.1.6 plenum compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms part of the air distribution system
3.1.7 room in room construction method to have a physically independent chamber (walls and ceiling) in a new or existing building
3) Draft for CENELEC enquiry under preparation
Note 1 to entry: Room in room can provide high level fire rating, water tightness, smoke tightness and intrusion protection required for IT environments.
Abbreviations
For the purposes of this document the following abbreviations apply:
HVAC Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
To ensure compliance with the European Standard, a data centre must be located based on a thorough site assessment, adhere to specific site requirements, and fulfill building construction criteria if situated within a building Additionally, it must conform to building configuration standards, implement fire protection measures, and uphold quality construction practices Furthermore, all local regulations, including safety standards, must be met.
Assessment of location
When assessing a site for a data centre, whether for a new "green field" construction or an existing location, several key criteria must be considered These include the geographical location, the natural environment, nearby facilities, infrastructural factors, budgetary considerations such as site costs and utility access, and local regulatory issues.
Personnel factors (operational personnel, security personnel) are not covered in this clause
Geographical location
The elevation above sea level can have a direct influence on the performance of technical equipment and shall be considered
When selecting a site for a new data center, it is essential to evaluate its environmental impact and explore opportunities to utilize renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, and biogases.
Natural environment
An environmental risk analysis must include key factors such as flooding, active seismic zones, high wind velocities, natural air contamination (including volcanic activities), proximity to coastlines, areas below sea level, and locations on designated flood plains.
Where the placement of a data centre in a location with negative environmental influences is unavoidable, these influences shall be mitigated by protective constructional, technical, and/or organizational measures
Adjacencies
A comprehensive risk analysis must be performed, focusing on proximity to critical factors such as facilities handling hazardous materials, major transportation routes, sources of vibration, electromagnetic interference, public gathering places, unstable structures, and unrelated operations in multi-tenant environments.
Where the placement of a data centre in a location with negative infrastructural influences is unavoidable, these influences shall be mitigated by protective constructional, technical, and/or organizational measures
It is important to ensure that sufficient space is provided around the area or the building to enable the creation of buffer zones and a secure perimeter
Data centres should be strategically situated near key infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency This includes proximity to emergency response services, vendor support and service personnel, and external security monitoring stations.
Infrastructure factors
When planning a data centre, it is crucial to evaluate access to essential utility supplies such as electricity, telecommunications, water, sewage, and gas throughout its operational lifespan Key considerations include the accessibility of utility services, redundancy from multiple sources, historical reliability trends for availability, and capacity requirements like short circuit current for electricity, pressure and flow for water, and sizing for sewage.
General
EN 50600-1 contains a schematic representation of the typical spaces required by a data centre within a building Figure 2 provides a simplified schematic and shows an example of the Protection Classes of
The EN 50600-1 standard is applicable to data centre spaces, categorizing them under Protection Class 2 As the significance of the facilities and infrastructure within these spaces rises, the level of protection also escalates accordingly.
Docking bay Personnel entrance to data centre
Computer room space Main distributor space Data centre office space
Docking bay Personnel entrance to data centre
Computer room space Main distributor space Data centre office space
Holding space Testing space Storage space
Figure 2 — Site of a Data Centre
Site selection
The size and shape of a new site shall be suitable to accommodate the intended functions
A site survey shall be commissioned to include both surface and geotechnical aspects The results of the survey shall be relevant (i.e based on current information)
The geotechnical survey for the data center must assess several critical factors that could impact its construction and operation This includes identifying buried cavities, whether natural or man-made, as well as existing utility infrastructures Additionally, it is essential to measure soil resistivity and groundwater conditions, along with evaluating any potential contamination present in the area.
The site survey report shall be used to assist in the design of:
1) foundation configurations (taking account of any load increases due to possible building growth);
The design of earthing connections shall be based on the soil resistivity information produced by the geotechnical survey
The site survey must account for the necessary spaces to accommodate support equipment, including underground fuel tanks for diesel or natural gas to power the generator(s) and HVAC heat rejection systems.
When selecting a site, it is essential to consider any existing restrictions related to land use and environmental impacts, particularly concerning hydrocarbon emissions and noise generation, as these factors may limit fuel storage and generator operations.
Effective drainage and foundation systems must be designed based on geotechnical survey data, ensuring they meet the building's long-term needs and accommodate potential future expansions.
Assessment of existing premises
The suitability of current premises for a proposed data centre will be evaluated through a risk analysis tailored to its specific needs, including the criteria outlined in Clause 5 If available, a survey conducted within the last six months may be utilized Additionally, an existing risk analysis can be referenced only if it was performed with a similar objective as specified in Clause 5.
Utilities
The provision of external utilities to the premises shall be adequate for the intended availability class of the data centre as defined in EN 50600-1
Documentation shall be collated, which allows the risk to data centre operation arising from utility infrastructures to be assessed
A composite utilities plan showing all underground and above ground utilities shall be provided
Access routes
When designing access routes to the data centre, it is essential to consider the potential risk of blockage that could hinder the delivery of labor and materials The design and construction must account for the expected loads and dimensions of vehicles to ensure efficient access.
A secondary access route should be considered.
Deliveries
The docking bay shall be designed to accommodate the largest items expected to be delivered or removed from the data centre during operation
The docking bay should provide protection against precipitation.
Parking
Parking restrictions related to security are detailed in EN 50600-2-5
Consideration should be given to any additional parking facilities which would be necessary during emergency situations including those involving disaster recovery scenarios.
Exterior installations
Vehicular traffic shall not be routed over underground facilities unless they are protected by appropriate slabs installed above the facility
Above ground exterior installations adjacent to access routes shall be protected
The requirement for visual or acoustic screening of exterior installations shall be assessed
Underground fuel storage tanks should be installed in proximity to the generator(s) but outside of potential future building expansion areas
Pumps and refill stations must be strategically placed at the edge of Protection Zone 1, as outlined in EN 50600-2-5, to prevent fuel vehicles from needing access to the site Additionally, fuel storage tank areas should be situated away from any potential future building expansion zones.
Refer to EN 50174-3 for guidelines on information technology cabling installations outside buildings It is essential to clearly indicate all potential conflict routes on plans and include relevant details.
Perimeter
The perimeter of the date centre shall be provided in accordance with the outcome of the risk analysis in
A data centre should be enclosed by a secure fence or wall, with a limited number of gates and entrances for personnel and vehicles These access points must be designed and secured based on the selected security level, in accordance with EN 50600-2-5 standards.
The exterior areas should be maintained and buffer zones created to minimize disturbance to or by neighbours
Building structure
The design and materials used for constructing the data center's protective structure must ensure that the desired availability class is maintained, as determined by the risk assessment of external environmental events outlined in Clause 5 and the security requirements specified in EN 50600-2-5.
Unobstructed clearance above floor slabs in data centre spaces must be determined according to the environmental control guidelines outlined in EN 50600-2-3, taking into account factors such as cabinet heights, access flooring requirements, and pathways.
It should be noted, that data centres typically require a higher physical protection level than is specified by local building regulations
The load-bearing structure must be engineered to accommodate both point and distributed loads throughout the expected lifespan of the data center, while also factoring in future expansion needs.
The use of fire resistant materials is required
All open or rough surfaces shall be sealed to prevent dust or chemically-active particles being distributed by the constant airflow in air conditioned spaces
The design of, and the materials used to construct, spaces intended to contain gaseous fire extinguishing systems shall provide the required level of air-tightness
The design of, and the materials used to construct, spaces that have an identified risk of flooding shall provide the required level of watertightness
Building materials shall be selected which minimize the particulate matter produced during construction, operation or alterations
Building materials shall be selected to minimise mould growth and rodent damage
Building materials shall be selected to minimise repetitive maintenance tasks
The amount of insulation shall consider both the ambient environmental conditions and technical equipment heat rejection
Prefabricated modular construction elements can be selected based on the criteria in 7.1.3.1 Materials should be selected to minimise the emission of toxic gases and smoke during combustion
The building should be insulated to minimize operating cost.
Foundations
Foundations supporting data center structures must account for site survey results, particularly when evaluating below-grade floors It is essential to address potential water infiltration issues, including the elevation relative to surrounding drainage systems, and to implement secure, continuous vapor barriers along with effective water and vapor extraction systems.
The building's foundation and structure must include an earthing and bonding system to safeguard against lightning and electromagnetic interference The design will differ based on the necessary Lightning Protection Level (LPL) and specific site conditions, as outlined in EN 50600-2-2 and the EN 62305 series.
The design strength and extent of any foundations should consider any forecast expansion of the data centre spaces (vertical or lateral).
Exterior walls
Requirements for Protection Class boundaries and access at them are specified in EN 50600-2-5
Exterior walls defining Protection Class 1 must be designed to withstand anticipated external climatic conditions throughout the lifespan of the enclosed data center Alternatively, the construction of Protection Class 2 boundaries should consider the necessity for exterior wall repairs.
Exterior walls defining Protection Class 2 must be engineered to withstand the anticipated external climatic conditions throughout the lifespan of the enclosed data center spaces.
Where exterior walls provide the boundary of Protection Classes 1 or 2, the number of openings shall be minimised consistent with the access requirements during both operation and emergency situations
The position and size of openings that will provide pressure relief for gaseous fire suppression systems shall be addressed in the design phase
Recommendations for Protection Class boundaries and access at them are given in EN 50600-2-5.
Interior walls providing boundaries of Protection Class
According to EN 50600-2-5, the requirements for Protection Class boundaries and their access stipulate that the number of openings at these boundaries should be minimized while still meeting access needs for both operational and emergency scenarios.
Interior walls must ensure adequate physical security against internal fires and environmental events Non-load bearing walls should be designed for easy modifications while still offering protection against intrusions, as outlined in EN 50600-2-5 Additionally, openings in walls and doors along transportation routes must be sufficiently wide and tall to accommodate the largest equipment expected to be moved.
If the wall constitutes a fire barrier then any penetrations shall meet the requirements of Clause 9
All doors shall be fitted at minimum with a mechanical security lock
Recommendations for Protection Class boundaries and access at them are specified in EN 50600-2-5.
Roofs
Roofs covering data centre spaces must be designed and built to safeguard these areas from anticipated external weather conditions and airborne debris, including their sub-structures like drainage channels.
The design of roof sub-structures must consider the necessity for roof repairs and ensure adequate protection throughout the repair process.
The roof and its sub-structure must be designed to support extra loads and ensure permanent access to the data centre facilities and infrastructure located at the roof level.
The requirements for visual screening of roof-top facilities and infrastructure shall be included in any calculations of loads to be supported
Aesthetics are not a prime requirement for a data centre project In some cases architectural features such as rooftop HVAC equipment screening can be necessary
Where the roof acts as a Protection Class boundary, it shall meet the requirements of EN 50600-2-5
Openings in roofs shall be protected against unauthorized access and external environmental events in accordance with EN 50600-2-5 Openings in roofs shall maintain the intended function of the roof
Rain water drainage
The roof and its drainage sub-structure must be designed and built to prevent rainwater accumulation that could impact data center areas, while also ensuring efficient rainwater management through a suitably sized drainage system.
The drainage system shall be designed and constructed to facilitate inspection, cleaning and repair
The routing of drainage systems shall respect Protection Class boundaries in accordance with
Floors and Ceilings
Within data centres spaces containing telecommunications equipment the requirements of EN 50310 and
EN 50174-1 shall be applied in relation to functional bonding structures and electro-static discharge respectively
When selecting flooring for human-occupied areas, it is essential to choose materials that minimize noise In testing and holding spaces, the flooring should have properties similar to those used in computer rooms Conversely, flooring in secondary areas such as storage and corridors can have lower conductivity requirements.
Where used access floors shall be in accordance with EN 12825:2001, grade 5 They are highly unlikely to be used in a docking bay
Where the finished floor height is above 500 mm independent standing steel grid floors shall be considered
The assembly must be leveled and securely locked at a chosen height, ensuring that any height adjustments require intentional effort to prevent unwanted vibrations It should allow for an adjustment range of ± 5 mm.
The edge trim for the tile coverings shall be bonded to the panel surface and flush with the surface covering
Ventilation panels shall be selected to provide the required airflow Ventilation panels shall support the same load as solid panels
Corridors and doors
Access routes for delivering equipment and goods to and from data centre spaces must be wide and tall enough to accommodate the largest expected equipment Additionally, doors should be designed without a door sill, and double doors must not have a center post.
All data centre doors must have a minimum fire rating of 1 hour, while doors separating different security zones and those leading to IT, computer, communication, and technical rooms require a minimum fire rating of 2 hours Additionally, all doors should be smoke-tight if early smoke detection systems are in place.
Doors along access routes for delivering equipment and goods to data center spaces must have a minimum clearance of 2.4 meters It is also advisable to consider the installation of double-width doors to facilitate easier access.
A combined freight and passenger lift is suitable depending on the building's size and occupancy, with the cabin designed to accommodate large IT and technical components The dimensions of the freight lift door must adhere to the criteria for interior wall openings, and the lift cabin should have a minimum load-bearing capacity of 1,500 kg Additionally, the interior material of the lift cabin should be scratch-resistant, such as brushed stainless steel.
8 Data centre spaces and access routes
Accommodation
The size and complexity of a data centre determine the variety and quantity of its spaces It is essential to consider modular construction techniques that facilitate future expansion.
The provision of on-site monitoring and/or management functionality shall be considered for all data centres
Consideration shall be given to locating toilet facilities in such a way as to minimise the requirements that the personnel has to cross the boundaries of Protection Classes
The accommodation of data centre spaces should consider the impact of: a) new technologies (flexibility); b) adaptation to changing parameters (adaptability); c) increasing demands for space (scalability)
The spatial relationship between the different data centre spaces should facilitate the overall operation based on adjacency factors
The floor plan should minimize the amount of demolition during any expansion phase
The design of a data center must align with its operational and security needs, featuring a well-organized layout that includes dedicated areas for utility and data services This entails having separate and redundant entrance rooms for telecommunications, fuel lines, water, and sewage Additionally, the building should accommodate essential spaces for electrical and mechanical systems to ensure efficient technical operations.
The control room space typically houses computer system and network traffic monitors, and increasingly building automation systems and security systems monitoring equipment
As needed, office(s) and meeting rooms should be provided adjacent to the control room space for supervisory functions and to form an emergency trouble-shooting area
The computer room space shall be designed to provide adequate space for initial and predicted quantities of
When designing a computer room, it is essential to align cabinets, racks, and frames in rows to create efficient aisles Key factors influencing the location of the computer room include its proximity to power sources, which minimizes the length of bus bars and cabling; closeness to mechanical distribution rooms to shorten the length of pipes and air ducts; and nearness to the communications distribution point, such as carrier entrance rooms, within the building.
Computer rooms should be limited to a maximum area of 600 m², with row lengths not exceeding 20 cabinets, racks, or frames The layout must adhere to the 'cold aisle / hot aisle' methodology, where the fronts of cabinets face each other in a cold aisle, and the rears face each other in a hot aisle To enhance energy efficiency, it is crucial to prevent the mixing of cool input air with hot exhaust air and to ensure a direct path for hot return air to the air conditioning units, as outlined in EN 50600-2-3.
Office areas should be at or near the main building entrance on the building perimeter to allow outside visibility.
Protection
When data center spaces and their connecting pathways are situated below the anticipated groundwater level or are at risk of flooding, it is essential to address potential water infiltration issues Key considerations include the elevation relative to surrounding drainage systems, the implementation of secure and continuous vapor barriers, and the installation of effective water and vapor extraction systems.
Floors
In the design phase, it is essential to establish the floor loading requirements, which encompass the weight of access floors in data center areas and the access routes leading to them.
Table 1 provides guidance on such loads
Load capacity guidance Data centre spaces and access routes to those spaces
Other spaces Electrical and mechanical spaces Computer room
Floor loads Uniform load (min) 5 kN/m 2 12 kN/m 2 20 kN/m 2 -
Point load (min) 2,0 kN 5,0 kN 7,5 kN 1,5 kN
Ceiling loads Hanging load (min) 1,5 kN/m 2 2,5 kN/m 2 3,0 kN/m 2 -
The floors and flooring materials shall be capable of supporting the required static and dynamic loads Flooring materials shall to be resistant to the expected levels of abrasion
Future expansion should be considered when determining the finished floor elevation
Incorporating an access floor in the design phase of a data centre is crucial, as it significantly impacts infrastructure delivery and any decisions made are often irreversible.
To effectively manage the pathways for data center infrastructures, including power, environmental control, and telecommunications cabling, an access floor should be utilized beneath the equipment it supports, as outlined in this sub-clause.
Access floors are made up of interchangeable square or rectangular panels designed to meet specific load requirements in accordance with EN 12825 These panels are supported by adjustable pedestal assemblies that securely engage and position the panels while allowing for horizontal stringers The pedestals are anchored to the floor using glue and/or bolts.
PVC is not an ideal choice for flooring material It is essential to bolt stringers securely The access floor must maintain a minimum clear height of 500 mm above the slab If the environmental control concept or infrastructure distribution during the data centre's lifespan prevents a 500 mm access floor installation, higher access floor heights should be considered.
Ceilings
During the design phase an assessment of the ceiling loading requirements in data centre spaces shall be made
Table 1 provides guidance on such loads
Where suspended ceilings are installed in data centre spaces, a ceiling system constructed from non- particulating materials shall be installed
The minimum clear height for computer rooms, measured from the finished floor to the ceiling or ceiling beams, should be at least 3.0 meters This requirement is influenced by the environmental control concept and various infrastructure elements, such as raised flooring and overhead cabling.
In rooms with freely circulated air, the ceiling should be smooth and free of beams If beams are necessary, they must be aligned parallel to the airflow to avoid obstructing air circulation When beams are positioned perpendicular to the airflow, installing a suspended ceiling is advisable.
When designing spaces such as control centers, offices, and lobbies that are frequently occupied, it is essential to incorporate suspended ceiling systems for improved acoustics However, in technical rooms, including computer and telecommunication areas, suspended ceilings are generally not advisable unless necessary for specific functions, such as facilitating air return.
Access to data centre spaces
In data centre spaces and in access routes to those spaces along which equipment and goods will be transported, stairs shall be avoided in favour of ramps or lifts
The width of ramps and lift doors shall be in accordance with those of doors in interior wall specified in 7.4.2
Vapour density
Effective humidity control is essential in data centres to ensure optimal conditions for IT and telecommunications equipment Inadequate humidity management can lead to equipment malfunctions and reduced performance Additionally, the absence of vapor barriers can result in harmful ice or condensation forming behind exterior walls and under roofs during colder temperatures.
A comprehensive risk assessment for vapour seal requirements will be performed, followed by the implementation of necessary measures The vapour seal is essential for regulating humidity levels and preventing vapour infiltration into controlled environments.
To prevent future humidity issues, it is essential to install vapour barriers during new construction, as they are challenging to install and seal in existing buildings Flexibility is crucial to accommodate ongoing expansion, making it necessary to analyze and identify areas that currently need vapour barriers or may require them in the future.
9 Fire compartments, fire barriers and fire suppression systems
General
Data centre spaces, along with their access routes and infrastructure pathways, must be designed as defined fire compartments These compartments should be bounded in three dimensions and equipped with appropriate fire performance levels to effectively prevent the spread of fire and its byproducts, thereby minimizing potential losses.
When selecting compartment boundaries, it is essential to consider the fire impact within each compartment Fire compartments must be defined by the boundaries of Protection Classes outlined in EN 50600-2-5, which also specifies the fire performance requirements for these boundaries Notably, the density of fire compartments can exceed the areas defined by these boundaries.
To minimize fire hazards in a compartment, it is essential to implement containment, detection, and suppression systems, allowing for the disregard of materials' smoke and flame-spread characteristics Additionally, when the compartment houses electrical equipment, these systems must also address the corrosive gas emissions from materials, ensuring comprehensive safety measures are in place.
With each fire compartment, different approaches may be taken in relation to fire containment, detection and suppression Fire containment, detection and suppression are addressed in EN 50600-2-5
This sub-clause addresses the management of fire barriers together with the constructional aspects of fire compartments and associated spaces related to specific suppression systems
Fire barriers
Fire compartments are separated in three dimensions by fire barriers with a defined fire rating performance
All penetrations of fire barriers (e.g walls, floors or ceilings) shall be protected by appropriate fire-stopping techniques (see EN 50600-2-5) that reinstate the original fire rating of the barrier
NOTE Such techniques include fire-stopping materials and/or penetration sealing systems
Fire-stopping techniques must be installed following the manufacturer's or supplier's instructions Each fire stop should be clearly labeled or marked to indicate its function, ensuring easy identification during future construction activities.
Fire barriers and seals that support fire suppression systems should only be penetrated when absolutely necessary and must be resealed after work is completed to restore the original fire rating The reinstatement of fire ratings for these barriers must utilize the designated fire-stop materials and fire-stopping techniques.
When periods of infrastructure installation work are interrupted and unattended, the penetrations shall be at least temporarily sealed with appropriate materials (fire cushions, etc.)
Fire compartments for gaseous extinguishing systems
In the design and engineering of fire compartments within data center spaces, it is essential to consider air-tightness when implementing a total flooding suppression system.
Longer standing time is recommended to create longer safe period, as fire can ignite again, when the suppression gas disappears
In the design and engineering of data center fire compartments, it is essential to ensure air-tightness when utilizing a total flooding suppression system The fire compartment must meet the specified N-50 value for optimal effectiveness.
Fire suppression
When implementing a fire protection concept that incorporates a gaseous suppression system, it is essential to allocate space for the storage of fire suppression medium containers Additionally, the placement of these storage facilities should prioritize ease of maintenance.
Fire suppression medium storage containers should be installed in a dedicated room, ideally located near computer rooms, to ensure effective fire safety measures.
Even if no fire suppression system is considered initially an appropriate space should be allocated
Design phase
During the design phase consideration shall be given to the use of modular prefabricated construction elements which offer the possibility to add extra elements when more space is required
Multi-layered constructions such as room in room should be considered at the design phase.
Inter-relationship of functional spaces
During project initiation the requirements shall be defined by considering, as a minimum, the following: a) security level, b) capacity requirements, c) spatial layouts, d) project-specific technical and functional requirements
The entry to the computer room(s) should be positioned away from the direct access to the exterior
Support equipment in a data center includes secondary or tertiary power distribution systems, static switches, and fire suppression tanks While prioritizing the layout of IT systems, it is essential for data center designers to collaborate early with mechanical and electrical systems engineers Given that a data center's IT equipment inventory can change significantly within a 3 to 5 year period, the installation of IT equipment in cabinets, racks, or frames must be designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate future changes.
For spacing between the rows of racks see EN 50600-2-4
The computer room spaces are essential to data centres, offering a suitable physical and functional environment for sensitive IT and telecommunications equipment Key considerations include floor size, shape, height, load capacity, and interior fit-out features such as single person interlocks, raised access floors, racks, and cabinets.
To ensure future growth of the computer room, it is advisable to include expansion options next to the computer room within the Protection Class 4 area Given the various factors influencing the IT environment, accurately predicting expansion requirements can be challenging Therefore, it is beneficial to assess the facility's expected lifespan, analyze historical trends, and plan for at least a 20% increase beyond the projected growth.
Consideration shall be given to the accommodation of incoming fibre and/or copper cables See EN 50600-2-4
When planning telecommunications spaces, it is essential to account for the incoming fiber and copper backbone, along with the necessary electronics, telecom switches, and components Additionally, proper consideration should be given to fiber and copper patch and termination panels for effective distribution to patch panels and racks within the computer room.
Utilities
Underground utility services are always preferred Overhead services can only be accepted if there is more than one feed and for data centres of a lower availability class
To ensure safety and efficiency, a minimum separation of 20 meters should be maintained along the entire route for redundant services Additionally, different utility feeds must be spaced at least 1.2 meters apart If these distance requirements cannot be met, it is essential to implement special physical protection measures.
Personnel entrance and lobby
As an intermediate room between IT rooms and public areas an entrance lobby shall be provided.
Docking bay
A data centre shall have an area where deliveries can be brought into the data centre and equipment or waste can be taken out of the data centre
Receiving rooms should be strategically placed on the building perimeter for convenience, with enclosures or shading to protect deliveries from adverse weather A well-designed loading dock is essential for accommodating delivery trucks and facilitating the distribution of electronic, electrical, and mechanical equipment The receiving area must be versatile enough to handle trucks of all sizes, with small facilities utilizing exterior areas like scissors lifts, while larger facilities can incorporate interior spaces with dock levelers Additionally, the design should include provisions for waste recycling.
Storage rooms should be strategically placed near receiving and equipment rooms to ensure efficiency It is essential to allocate adequate space for anticipated items, including paper, cabling, and hardware Additionally, these storage areas can be designed to adapt for future needs, such as housing electronic equipment and DC batteries.
Physical protection against external hazards
Physical protection against external threats is crucial for data center buildings and computer rooms Fire risks, along with heat radiation and smoke or toxic fumes produced during a fire, directly impact the operational safety and availability of these facilities.
In addition to the fire risk, IT equipment necessitates robust protection against water ingress from leaks, floods, and firefighting efforts, as well as intrusion threats The key challenge lies in balancing the necessary protection levels with the flexibility and modularity essential for adapting to the fast-evolving and expanding IT landscape.
Standard building codes for fire safety aim to protect occupants and minimize damage to neighboring properties A fire test is deemed successful if the cold face of the specimen remains below 180 °C throughout the test duration However, this temperature threshold does not satisfy the requirements for IT equipment, which has not been adequately addressed in these codes Consequently, the protection levels outlined in building codes are inadequate for areas housing IT equipment and data storage Additionally, these codes fail to account for protection against smoke and water from firefighting efforts.
B.3 Protection for IT equipment and data storage
To ensure adequate fire protection, it is essential to consider various types of safeguards First, protection against flaming and flashover, known as Integrity, must comply with standard building codes, requiring suppliers to provide fire test reports that demonstrate the fire rating is achieved A test is deemed successful if the cold face temperature of the specimen remains below 180 °C Second, addressing heat radiation from a fire is crucial; therefore, when selecting construction materials, it is important to base choices on the temperature levels recorded during fire tests, which can be found in the corresponding fire test reports.
Calculation of the thermal performance of a material (also known as thermal resistance)
The thermal resistance \( R \) of a material quantifies its capacity to impede heat transfer at a specified thickness, serving as a key indicator of insulation effectiveness This value is derived using Formula B.1.
R = t/λ (B.1) where t is the material thickness λ is the thermal conductivity (W/(m.K)
Thermal conductivity (\(\lambda\)) quantifies a material's capacity to conduct heat, expressed in watts per meter per Kelvin (W/(m·K)) Typically, denser materials exhibit higher thermal conductivity, making them less effective as insulators, while lightweight materials possess lower conductivity, enhancing their insulation properties Consequently, a lower Lambda value indicates superior insulation performance.
Fires can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 °C for varying durations, typically tested for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, corresponding to fire ratings F30, F60, F90, and F120 A crucial factor in these tests is the heat load, which refers to the amount of fuel available to sustain the fire.
Massive construction materials such as concrete and brick walls are ineffective insulators due to their density and moisture retention, which can persist for decades When one side of these walls is heated, the cold surface generates significant condensation, leading to water running down the wall As the wall heats up, the moisture transforms into steam, and the accumulated heat radiates into the protected area, causing temperatures to continue rising even after the fire has been extinguished.
Massive construction offers effective protection against intrusion, as concrete walls are rarely targeted by burglars However, the use of massive construction materials poses challenges in terms of modularity and future expansion.
Lightweight construction materials offer superior insulation due to their low density and reduced moisture content, which minimizes steam generation during a fire Achieving the required fire rating can be more complex, necessitating precise fireproof detailing at joints, door posts, and wall/ceiling cable entries.
To achieve the desired level of intrusion protection, additional measures are essential Lightweight construction materials offer significant advantages, including flexibility and modularity Numerous prefabricated solutions, such as sandwich panels, are available, featuring excellent insulation values and smooth surfaces.
Effective fire protection in data centers and computer rooms is a complex challenge Relying solely on standard building codes may result in inadequate safety measures Implementing the appropriate fire protection strategies is essential for ensuring optimal safety and security.
IT equipment is always a combination of choice of the proper construction materials in combination with an assessment of the heat load and the risk of fire at the outside
EN 50173-1:2011, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50600-2-6 4) , Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-6:
4) Draft for CENELEC enquiry in preparation.
General
Physical protection against external threats is crucial for data center buildings and computer rooms Fire risks, along with heat radiation and smoke or toxic fumes produced during a fire, directly impact the operational safety and availability of these facilities.
IT equipment must be safeguarded against water ingress, including leakage, floods, and firefighting water, in addition to fire risks The key challenge lies in achieving the necessary protection while maintaining the flexibility and modularity essential for adapting to the fast-evolving and expanding IT landscape.
Building codes
Standard building codes for fire safety aim to protect occupants and minimize damage to neighboring properties A fire test is deemed successful if the cold face of the specimen remains below 180 °C throughout the test duration However, this temperature threshold does not satisfy the requirements for IT equipment, which has not been adequately addressed in these codes Consequently, the protection levels outlined in building codes are inadequate for areas housing IT equipment and data storage Additionally, these codes fail to account for protection against smoke and water from firefighting efforts.
Protection for IT equipment and data storage
To ensure adequate fire protection, it is essential to consider various types of safeguards First, protection against flaming and flashover, known as Integrity, must comply with standard building codes, requiring suppliers to provide fire test reports that confirm the fire rating is met A successful test is indicated when the cold face temperature of the specimen remains below 180 °C Second, addressing heat radiation from a fire is crucial; therefore, when selecting construction materials, it is important to base choices on the temperature levels documented in the fire test report.
Calculation of the thermal performance of a material (also known as thermal resistance)
The thermal resistance \( R \) of a material quantifies its capacity to impede heat transfer at a specified thickness, serving as a key indicator of insulation effectiveness This resistance is determined using Formula B.1.
R = t/λ (B.1) where t is the material thickness λ is the thermal conductivity (W/(m.K)
Thermal conductivity (λ) quantifies a material's capacity to conduct heat, expressed in watts per meter per Kelvin (W/(m·K)) Typically, denser materials exhibit higher thermal conductivity, making them less effective as insulators, while lightweight materials possess lower conductivity, enhancing their insulation properties Consequently, a lower Lambda value indicates superior insulation performance.
Fires can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 °C for varying durations, typically tested at intervals of 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, corresponding to fire ratings F30, F60, F90, and F120 A critical factor in these tests is the heat load, which refers to the amount of fuel available to sustain the fire.
Massive construction materials such as concrete and brick walls are ineffective insulators due to their density and moisture retention, which can persist for decades When one side of these walls is heated, the cold surface generates significant condensation, leading to water running down the wall As the wall heats up, the moisture transforms into steam, and the accumulated heat radiates into the protected area, causing temperatures to continue rising even after the fire has been extinguished.
Massive construction provides effective protection against intrusion, as concrete walls are rarely targeted by burglars However, the use of massive construction materials poses challenges in terms of modularity and future expansion.
Lightweight construction materials offer superior insulation due to their low density and reduced moisture content, which minimizes steam generation during a fire However, achieving the required fire rating can be more complex, necessitating specific fireproof detailing at joints, door posts, and wall/ceiling cable entries.
To achieve the desired level of intrusion protection, additional measures are essential Lightweight construction materials offer significant advantages, including flexibility and modularity Numerous prefabricated solutions, such as sandwich panels, are available, featuring excellent insulation values and smooth surfaces.
Effective fire protection in data centers and computer rooms is a complex challenge Relying solely on standard building codes may result in inadequate safety measures Implementing the appropriate fire protection strategies is essential for ensuring optimal safety and security.
IT equipment is always a combination of choice of the proper construction materials in combination with an assessment of the heat load and the risk of fire at the outside
EN 50173-1:2011, Information technology — Generic cabling systems — Part 1: General requirements
EN 50600-2-6 4) , Information technology — Data centre facilities and infrastructures — Part 2-6:
4) Draft for CENELEC enquiry in preparation.