Traditional
materials – block, brick, plasterboard, etc. can be
constructed to any specified ‘rating’ level (30
minutes up to 2 hours or more). However the U value (the rate
of heat transfer) is such that the critical temperature for
media and hardware is very quickly exceeded – even though
the final temperature meets the 180°C requirement.
The core material of ModuSec panels (pyro-foam)
has a very low U value (0.18) - which allows very minimal
heat transfer for a long initial period before rising to 180°C
at 90 minutes. This allows more time to deal with a major
fire, whilst minor fires will have minimal or no effect on
internal room temperatures.
As a bonus, ModuSec will provide a very efficient
stable environment for computer room air handling systems
by virtually eliminating any solar heat gain or heat gain
from other outside heating systems.
*Independent tests showed that at 60 minutes
with 950°C on the outside, hardware and media would be
protected to levels well within their critical temperatures
and the European standard BS/EN1047 – unlike
traditional materials.
Hence you need to look at the overall
performance in relation to sensitive IT systems when considering
and understanding the ‘fire rating’ standards
for a computer room environment.
*Tested by the UK insurance industry’s
Loss Prevention Council (LPC) at the Building Research Establishment
to BS476 Pt22, in addition to the more stringent Lloyds A60
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standard. The latter
is tested under higher pressures than the BS476 test and with
multiple cable/pipe penetration points.
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