Is this a good practice from an early smoke detection point of view?

The pipes of a VESDA smoke detection system are installed at the air intake of the air conditioner inside the computer room.

Is this a good practice from an early smoke detection point of view?
A . It depends on the type of gas-based fire suppression which will be installed.
B . Yes, as this reduces the amount of piping to be installed in the data center, as all air will go through the air conditioner.
C . No, the piping should be installed at the air exhaust of the air conditioner, as there can also be a fire inside the air conditioner itself.
D . No, it will give a longer reaction time for the smoke detection system and there might also be bypass airflow.

View Answer

Answer: D

Explanation:

For optimal early smoke detection in a data center, it is crucial that the Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) system be installed at locations where smoke will be detected as soon as it appears. Positioning the VESDA pipes at the air intake of the air conditioner inside the computer room is not ideal. This placement could result in a delayed detection response and the potential for bypass airflow to occur, which would impede the system’s ability to detect smoke effectively .

Detailed Explanation

When VESDA pipes are installed at the air intake, the detection system relies on the smoke to be drawn into the air conditioning unit before detection can occur. This setup increases the reaction time as the smoke has to travel through the intake and get processed by the air conditioner.

Furthermore, bypass airflow―a phenomenon where not all the air containing smoke particles passes through the VESDA pipes―could also delay or even prevent the system from detecting smoke early. Ideally, VESDA pipes should be positioned where smoke is likely to accumulate first, such as near the ceiling or in the return airflow path to detect smoke at the earliest possible stage. This ensures that the detection system can quickly trigger alarms, providing more time to address potential fire hazards.

EPI Data Center Specialist References:

EPI Data Center Specialist training highlights that smoke detection should prioritize early response capabilities to maximize safety. The preferred installation for VESDA pipes is generally at points where smoke would naturally accumulate, rather than relying on air conditioning intakes where airflow can vary and delay detection. In their course materials, EPI emphasizes minimizing reaction time and reducing the impact of airflow dynamics on smoke detection efficiency.