Data centres are critical national infrastructure. Fire safety design must balance protection with operational continuity.. Data Centre Fire Risks Data centres contain high concentrations of electrical equipment, cable runs, and lithium ion UPS batteries — all significant fire risks. Fire Protection Strategy Early detection — VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) systems Gas suppression — clean agent systems (FM 200, Novec 1230, IG 541) Compartmentation — fire rated separation between data halls Cable management — fire resistant cable trays and low smoke cables Operational Considerations Suppression system discharge must not damage equipment False alarm management critical to avoid unnecessary shutdowns Hot aisle/cold aisle configurations affect fire development Emergency power off (EPO) procedures and implications Standards and Guidance BS EN 50600 series for data centre infrastructure NFPA 75 and 76 for IT equipment protection Insurance requirements (often exceed code minimums) For data centre fire safety design, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.