Data Centers

Cooling infrastructure introduces a major safety consideration in data centers: refrigerant leaks from CRAC/CRAH units, chillers, in row coolers, and underfloor piping. Because refrigerants are heavier than air, they can pool in low lying areas, creating asphyxiation hazards and threatening cooling continuity. To mitigate this risk, sensors are typically installed in mechanical rooms, beneath raised floors, and strategically throughout hot aisle/cold aisle layouts so that leaks are detected before refrigerant migrates into occupied or equipment zones. Data centers also rely heavily on UPS battery banks and modern Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), both of which can generate hydrogen gas during charging, discharging, or fault conditions. Hydrogen, being lighter than air and highly explosive even at low concentrations, requires fixed detection sensors installed near the ceiling and integrated with the facility’s BMS or DCIM for automated ventilation and alarm response. As BESS deployments expand, adherence to NFPA 855 becomes increasingly critical, as it defines ventilation, off gas management, and gas detection requirements for energy storage installations. Real-time gas monitoring with integrated alarms and ventilation prevents exposure, explosions, equipment failure, and downtime—keeping people, property and operations safe.