Fire protection in electrical engineering and information technology (IT)

Passive fire protection measures in electrical and information technology, such as in server rooms, are essential to safeguard critical IT infrastructure, data, and equipment from fire damage. These measures aim to contain and suppress fires, limit the spread of smoke and heat, and maintain the structural integrity of the server room. Intumescent and ablative materials from Hensel are used in passive fire protection to minimize the impact of fire and heat on the building structure and the equipment within.

On the other hand, active fire protection in server rooms refers to measures and systems that actively combat fires or minimize their effects. These measures include fire detection systems that continuously monitor temperature and activate automatic fire suppression systems, releasing extinguishing agents (water or special gases), or smoke extraction. They are designed to extinguish fires or suppress their spread before they can expand and cause significant damage.

It is important to note that active and passive fire protection in electrical and information technology, especially in server rooms, must be coordinated and comply with local building codes, regulations, and industry-specific standards. Regular inspections and maintenance of these components are also crucial to ensure their effectiveness in the event of a fire.

Applications of intumescent materials

Intumescent materials, such as expandable graphite, expand when exposed to heat, significantly increasing in volume. This formation creates a protective insulation layer that delays heat transfer and can also seal voids created by the burning of combustible materials.

1. Fire protection coatings: Intumescent coatings are applied to surfaces such as steel beams, walls and ceilings. These coatings are capable of expanding or foaming in the event of a fire, creating a thick, insulating layer that slows the transfer of heat to the underlying structures or equipment and protects them from heat exposure, e. g. special fire protection chambers or boxes.

2. Cable fire protection: Intumescent materials are also used to seal off cable and pipe penetrations or to fully encase cable trays. In the event of a fire, these materials expand and seal the openings to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through these penetrations or reduce burning drips and the release of smoke gases by encapsulating the toxic fire gases.

3. Doors, window frames and interior linings: Intumescent materials can be incorporated into fire doors and window frames to improve their fire-resistant properties. By forming an insulating layer on critical components such as closing devices, hinges, the integrity and function can be maintained longer.

4. Joint seals: Fire-rated joints are special connections between structural elements to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and gases between different areas of a building. Intumescent joint seals are designed to foam up when exposed to heat to seal openings and voids.

Applications of ablative materials

Ablative coatings are also fire protection coatings, but they have a different mode of action. Instead of foaming as in the case of intumescent materials, ablative materials delay the passage of heat to the materials to be protected by releasing chemically bound water. In addition to this “cooling effect”, the fire gases are diluted, i.e. the toxicity of the gases is reduced. Escape and rescue routes thus remain passable for longer and there is less smoke-related obstruction of visibility.

1. Fire protection coatings and bandages: Ablative fire protection coatings slow heat penetration and can preserve the structural integrity of electrical wiring and controls. The water-impermeable, oil- and petrol-resistant fire protection coating HENSOMASTIK® 5 KS paint is also weatherproof, UV-resistant, ageing-resistant and mechanically resilient.

2. Protection of critical structural elements: Ablative coatings are applied to critical structural elements to maintain their load-bearing capacity for longer during a fire. Special fire protection chambers or boxes can also be protected in this way.

3. Joint seals: Seals for fire protection joints made of ablative materials are special connections between structural elements to prevent the spread of fire, smoke and gases between different areas of a building.

4. Special adhesives: Heat resistant flexible special adhesive to bond fire-protection boards or serve as an installation aid when working with insulating materials.